Anisha Riggs
While dental floss is an important part of oral hygiene, some flosses contain chemicals that can be harmful to health. These include PTFE and PFOA, which are associated with thyroid disease and other adverse health conditions. Some dental flosses are also coated with petroleum, which has been linked to negative health effects. Additionally, artificial flavourings in dental floss may contain parabens, which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, fertility problems, and birth defects. To avoid these potential health risks, consumers can opt for fragrance-free and flavour-free dental floss options made from natural materials such as silk, bamboo, or corn fiber. These natural floss alternatives are biodegradable and eco-friendly, making them safer for both personal health and the environment.
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What You'll Learn
Dental floss can contain harmful chemicals
Dental floss is an essential tool for maintaining good oral health. However, it is important to be aware that some types of dental floss may contain harmful chemicals that can potentially impact your health.
One of the most commonly found harmful chemicals in dental floss is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), more commonly known as Teflon. PTFE is often used in non-stick cookware and is linked to various adverse health conditions, including thyroid disease. When used in dental floss, it can provide a smoother gliding experience, but it may also increase the risk of exposure to these harmful chemicals, especially if bleeding gums are present.
Another group of chemicals found in some dental floss products is per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals are associated with several health issues, including impaired immune system function, cancer, fertility concerns, developmental impacts, and kidney disease. PFAS are also known to be toxic at low levels and can accumulate in the body over time. Some studies have found higher levels of certain PFAS in the blood of individuals who use specific types of floss, such as Oral-B Glide.
Additionally, artificial flavorings and fragrances in dental floss may also be a cause for concern. These additives are often not disclosed by manufacturers and can contain parabens and other toxins. Parabens have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, fertility problems, and birth defects.
Lastly, plastic floss made from materials like nylon or polyester can contribute to environmental pollution and may contain chemicals like bisphenols and phthalates, which are associated with developmental and reproductive toxicity and hormone interference.
To avoid these potential health risks, consumers can opt for natural, biodegradable floss alternatives made from silk, bamboo, or corn fiber. Unwaxed floss or floss coated with natural waxes like beeswax, carnauba wax, or candelilla wax are also safer choices. Some states, like Minnesota, are taking legislative action to ban the use of PFAS in dental floss and other consumer products, recognizing the potential harm these chemicals can cause.
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Eco-friendly floss alternatives
While daily flossing is essential for good oral hygiene, some dental flosses may be made with ingredients that pose risks to your health or the environment. These include per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are associated with health issues such as impaired immune systems, cancer, fertility concerns, and kidney disease. PFAS are also environmentally persistent, earning them the nickname "forever chemicals." Other potentially harmful ingredients in dental floss include Teflon (polytetrafluoroethylene or PTFE) and synthetic waxes made from petroleum, which can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons linked to cancer.
To promote better oral and environmental health, here are some eco-friendly floss alternatives:
- Natural Coatings: Instead of PFAS, opt for dental floss with natural coatings like beeswax, carnauba wax, or candelilla wax. These coatings provide a smoother flossing experience without the associated health and environmental risks.
- Bamboo Floss: Bamboo floss is a safe, non-toxic, and highly eco-friendly option. Bamboo is easily compostable, biodegradable, and requires less energy and water to grow and manufacture. However, be mindful of the chemical processes used to transform bamboo into usable floss.
- Corn Fiber Floss: Corn fiber floss is another natural, vegan, and sustainable alternative to silk or bamboo floss. It is important to note, however, that some corn fiber floss may not specify whether non-GMO corn was used.
- Silk Floss: Silk floss, such as Dental Lace or Radius, offers a biodegradable alternative to nylon floss. It tends to break more easily, but some users find this an acceptable trade-off for its increased environmental benefits.
- Water Flossers: Water flossers, like the Waterpik, provide a string-free alternative to traditional floss. They are potentially just as effective as standard string floss and can be a good option for those with veneers. However, some users may find them less powerful and prefer to combine them with manual flossing.
- Eco-Friendly Brands: Choose brands that prioritize sustainability and avoid harmful chemicals. For example, Cocofloss is vegan, PFA-free, and Leaping Bunny-certified, ensuring it is cruelty-free. It is made from polyester fiber, coated with natural ingredients, and offered in compostable, refillable packaging. Desert Essence also offers a PFA-free, nylon-based floss coated with sustainably sourced beeswax and flavored with Australian tea tree oil.
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Safe dental floss options
While flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, some dental flosses may be made with ingredients that pose risks to your health or the environment. Some dental floss contains a group of chemicals called PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are used to make products non-stick, stain-resistant, or water-resistant. These chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including impaired immune system function, cancer, fertility issues, reproductive and developmental impacts, and kidney disease.
To choose a safer dental floss option, look for products that are PFAS-free and made with natural ingredients. Here are some specific recommendations for safe dental floss options:
Cocofloss
Cocofloss is a vegan, eco-friendly, and paraben-free floss coated with microcrystalline wax, coconut oil, and natural fragrances derived from natural fruit oils. It is also Leaping Bunny-certified, guaranteeing that it is cruelty-free and not tested on animals.
Desert Essence Floss
Desert Essence offers a nylon-based floss coated with sustainably sourced beeswax and flavored with Australian tea tree oil. It is also gluten-free and PFA-free.
Dr. Tung's Smart Floss
Dr. Tung's Smart Floss is a recommended option that is free of PFAS and plastic.
Bamboo Floss
Bamboo floss is a safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly alternative to traditional floss. Bamboo is highly compostable, biodegradable, and requires less energy and water to grow and manufacture.
Corn Fiber Floss
Corn fiber floss is another natural, vegan, and sustainable option. However, it may be challenging to determine whether non-GMO corn was used in the manufacturing process.
Dental Lace
Dental Lace is a silk floss that comes in a reusable glass container, reducing plastic waste. While silk floss tends to break more easily than nylon, it is a more environmentally friendly option.
When choosing a dental floss, opt for products with disclosed ingredients and avoid those with artificial flavors and fragrances, which may contain parabens and other toxins. Unflavored floss is also a great option to minimize the risk of unknown ingredients. Additionally, consider using a water flosser like Waterpik for a string-free flossing experience. Remember, while it is important to be mindful of the ingredients in your dental floss, the benefits of flossing should not be overlooked, and any dental floss is better than none at all.
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PFAS-free floss
While flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene, some dental flosses may be made with ingredients that are harmful to health or the environment.
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of chemicals used to make products non-stick, stain-resistant, or water-resistant. In dental floss, they act as a coating that allows the floss to slide more smoothly between teeth. However, PFAS are associated with adverse health effects, such as impairing the immune system, cancer, fertility issues, developmental impacts, and kidney disease. Some PFAS are toxic at low levels and can accumulate in the body. This is particularly concerning for dental floss as it is placed directly in the mouth, and bleeding gums can provide direct access to the bloodstream.
To address these concerns, several PFAS-free floss alternatives are available:
- Cocofloss: This floss is vegan, paraben-free, and PFAS-free. It is made of polyester fibres coated with microcrystalline wax, coconut oil, and natural fragrances derived from fruit oils. It comes in compostable and refillable packaging, and it is manufactured in Italy.
- Desert Essence: This floss is PFAS-free and nylon-based, coated with sustainably sourced beeswax and flavoured with Australian tea tree oil. It is also gluten-free.
- Bamboo floss: Bamboo floss is a safe, non-toxic, and eco-friendly alternative. Bamboo is highly compostable, biodegradable, and requires less energy and water to grow and manufacture.
- Corn fibre floss: Corn fibre floss is natural, vegan, and sustainable. However, it may be unclear whether non-GMO corn was used in the manufacturing process.
- Dental Lace: This brand offers 100% plastic-free packaging and fully biodegradable floss made of silk.
- Natural coatings: Safer alternatives to PFAS include natural coatings made from beeswax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax.
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Artificial ingredients in dental floss
While flossing is an essential part of maintaining good oral health, some types of dental floss contain artificial ingredients that may be harmful to human health and the environment.
One group of chemicals commonly found in dental floss is PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), which are used to make products non-stick, stain-resistant, or water-resistant. PFAS creates a smoother gliding experience when flossing between teeth. However, these chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including impaired immune system function, cancer, fertility issues, reproductive and developmental problems, and kidney disease. Some PFAS are toxic even at low levels and can accumulate in the body. Minnesota has recently passed legislation banning the use of PFAS in dental floss and other product categories starting in 2025, reflecting the growing concern over these chemicals.
Another ingredient of concern in dental floss is Teflon, specifically the chemical Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and its related chemical PFOA. These chemicals have been associated with adverse health conditions such as thyroid disease. The use of non-stick cookware, fast food consumption, and floss usage have been linked to higher levels of serum PFAS in studies.
Additionally, some dental floss is coated with petroleum-based substances, such as microcrystalline and paraffin waxes, which can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. These contaminants have been linked to cancer if not properly refined and can persist in the environment for extended periods.
The flavourings in dental floss may also contain artificial ingredients. While mint or other flavoured flosses can provide a fresher taste, most flavouring agents are artificial and can include parabens, which have been linked to increased cancer risk, fertility problems, and birth defects. The ingredients in these flavourings are often not disclosed, making it challenging to know the exact toxins present.
To avoid these artificial ingredients, consumers can opt for natural dental floss alternatives made from materials like bamboo, corn fibre, or silk. Some brands, such as Cocofloss and Desert Essence, offer eco-friendly, vegan, and PFAS-free options with natural fragrances and flavourings.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are fragrance-free dental floss options available. Some brands that offer fragrance-free floss include Public Goods, RADIUS, and Tree Bird. These flosses are also free of other harmful substances like parabens, phthalates, and sodium lauryl sulfates.
Yes, there are eco-friendly options for fragrance-free floss. Some biodegradable options include bamboo floss and corn fiber floss. These options are more environmentally sustainable than traditional nylon or polyester floss.
Yes, there are some health concerns associated with scented dental floss. Some scented flosses may contain artificial flavorings and preservatives that have been linked to an increased risk of cancer, fertility problems, and birth defects. Additionally, some scented flosses may contain toxic chemicals like PFAS that can have adverse effects on human health.
Yes, using fragrance-free dental floss can help to avoid potential allergens or irritants that may be present in scented floss. Fragrance-free floss may also be more suitable for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums. Additionally, fragrance-free floss may be more environmentally friendly as it does not contain artificial ingredients or fragrances.
