Dental floss is important for good oral health, but did you know that some floss brands contain harmful chemicals? PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) could be hiding in your floss. Learn how PFAS can affect your dental care and discover safer, PFAS-free alternatives to protect your health.
The truth about PFAS and should you care?
PFAS are a family of chemicals used in many products for their non-stick and grease-repelling properties. Consumer products that may contain PFAS include non-stick cookware and food packaging, textiles, and outdoor gear. PFAS are also used in firefighting foams and industrial applications. Because PFAS do not break down easily, they persist in the environment and have been detected in water, soil, and rain. They are even found in the bodies of most Americans and are classed as “bioaccumulators”.
So why should you care? Current research shows that PFAS—often called "forever chemicals"—disrupt hormones and are linked to serious health issues like reproductive problems, birth defects, testicular cancer, and many other diseases. These chemicals remain in the body for a long time, contributing to long-term health risks. Knowing this, do you want these chemicals in your everyday dental routine?
PFAS in dental floss: A growing concern
Some types of dental floss contain PFAS. These chemicals help the floss glide smoothly, but over time, they can accumulate in the body and may pose serious health risks.
Mamavation tested 39 popular dental floss products in an EPA-certified lab to check for PFAS, the harmful "forever chemicals." The results revealed concerning levels of PFAS in several common floss brands that consumers might not have realized contained these chemicals. The tested products included unwaxed floss, wax-coated floss, nylon floss, flossers, spongy floss, and dental floss threaders.
Experts like Philippe Grandjean, an environmental health professor at Harvard, believe these findings are significant. Unlike other PFAS sources, such as nonstick pans, dental floss is used inside the mouth, which raises questions about potential direct exposure to these chemicals.
Why high levels of PFAS are found in dental floss
PFAS can end up in dental floss in two main ways. Some brands intentionally add it to enhance the smoothness and water-resistant qualities of the floss. This is often done through materials like PTFE, which is made from PFAS chemicals. PTFE helps the floss glide easily between teeth, but it’s linked to serious health issues, including kidney disease, liver problems, and certain cancers. Other ingredients, like nylon and polyester, can also contain PFAS or may be treated with it to improve performance. These materials can be harmful as they have been associated with hormone disruption and even cancer.
Health risks linked to PFAS "Forever Chemicals"
Research shows that more than 95% of Americans have detectable levels of PFAS in their blood. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) links certain levels of PFAS exposure to various health issues, including:
- Reduced immunity and vaccination response
- Increased risk of allergies and asthma in children
- Impacts on growth, learning, and behavior in infants and children
- Higher cholesterol levels and increased risk of obesity and diabetes
- Cardiovascular disease
- Reduced fertility in both men and women
- Increased risk of kidney and testicular cancers
- Disruption of thyroid function and endocrine systems
Dr. Linda Birnbaum, former director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, highlighted that kidney and testicular cancers have the strongest evidence of a link to PFAS exposure. Research also increasingly suggests that PFAS exposure may be linked to additional types of cancer.
"Most studies have focused on specific PFAS like PFOA or PFOS. While some have looked at mixtures of these chemicals, strong associations have emerged between PFAS exposure and increased risks of testicular and kidney cancers. There is also an indication of links to several other types of cancers."
The persistence and toxicity of PFAS mean they can accumulate in the body with repeated exposure, such as from using contaminated dental floss.
Do you need to stop flossing?
The answer is no—you shouldn’t stop flossing. Regular flossing is essential for keeping teeth and gums healthy. It removes food particles, plaque, and bacteria that can lead to problems like gum disease, tooth decay, and bad breath. Dentists recommend flossing daily as part of a good oral care routine to maintain clean teeth and prevent issues along the gum line.
Safer PFAS-free dental floss alternatives to consider
If you’re considering alternatives to traditional floss, a few options can help keep your mouth clean and fresh.
- Water flossers (oral irrigators): These devices use pressurized water to remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line. They are gentle on gums but may not remove plaque as effectively as traditional floss.
- Interdental brushes: Small, reusable brushes designed to clean between teeth, particularly useful for those with braces, bridges, or larger gaps.
- Floss picks: Disposable and easy to use, floss picks are flexible and can be slipped between teeth, making them more convenient than traditional floss for some people. However, they may also contain PFAS in some cases.
- Air flossers: These handheld devices use bursts of air and micro-droplets of water or mouthwash to clean between teeth, ideal for those who find flossing challenging.
When choosing a flossing alternative, consider factors like material (e.g., avoiding single-use plastics) and any animal-based ingredients, if applicable.
Concerned About PFAS Risks? Get a Quick At-Home Test for Peace of Mind
If you're concerned about PFAS chemicals in your body, it's essential to understand your current levels. These chemicals can accumulate over time, and tracking your exposure is a key step in protecting your health. Consider an at-home PFAS test to easily monitor your levels. This proactive approach helps you stay informed and take the right steps to safeguard your health.
