By in Medicine, Psychology & Health —

Is Your Dental Floss Toxic? The Unsettling Truth About 'Forever Chemicals'

Your dental floss, especially 'glide' types, may contain PFAS, 'forever chemicals' linked to serious health issues. A 2019 study found using certain flosses was associated with higher levels of these toxins in the body, prompting consumers to seek safer, PFAS-free alternatives.

For many of us, flossing is a non-negotiable part of our daily hygiene routine—a virtuous habit drilled into us by our dentists. But what if that simple string, designed to protect our health, was secretly exposing us to a class of persistent, potentially harmful industrial chemicals? Recent research has shed a startling light on the presence of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' in some of the most popular dental floss products on the market.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They in Floss?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of man-made chemicals prized for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil. These properties are why they're found in everything from non-stick cookware (Teflon is a well-known brand of a PFAS chemical called PTFE) to fast-food wrappers and waterproof jackets. They are dubbed 'forever chemicals' because they do not break down in the environment or in our bodies, accumulating over time.

So, what are they doing in dental floss? The same quality that makes a pan non-stick helps floss glide effortlessly between teeth without shredding. That smooth, waxy, and durable texture, particularly in 'tape' or 'glide' style flosses, is often achieved by coating the nylon string with a PFAS compound like PTFE.

The Groundbreaking Study

The concern isn't just theoretical. A 2019 study conducted by researchers at the Silent Spring Institute and the Public Health Institute in Berkeley brought this issue to the forefront. Published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, the study investigated links between certain consumer behaviors and the levels of PFAS in the body.

The researchers tested 18 different dental floss products for fluorine, a marker of PFAS. They found that six of the flosses tested positive, including three products in the popular Oral-B Glide line. More significantly, the study analyzed blood samples from 178 middle-aged women and found that those who reported using Oral-B Glide had higher levels of a specific PFAS chemical, called perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS), in their blood compared to non-users.

This is the first study to show that using dental floss containing PFAS is associated with a higher body burden of these toxic chemicals. The good news is, based on our findings, consumers can choose flosses that don't contain PFAS.– Katie Boronow, lead author of the study

Should You Be Concerned?

The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are well-documented and growing. They have been linked to a range of health problems, including kidney and testicular cancer, thyroid disease, high cholesterol, ulcerative colitis, and immune system suppression. While the amount of PFAS absorbed from flossing alone might be small, experts emphasize that the danger lies in cumulative exposure from multiple sources. We encounter these chemicals in our water, food, and various household products. Reducing exposure wherever possible is a prudent health decision.

Finding Safer Alternatives

The good news is that you don't have to give up on oral hygiene. The increased awareness has led to a growing market of PFAS-free options. Here’s what to look for:

  • PFAS-Free Labels: Many brands now explicitly label their products as 'PFAS-free' or 'PTFE-free.'
  • Natural Materials: Look for floss made from natural silk or plant-based fibers like corn, often coated in natural waxes like candelilla or beeswax.
  • Water Flossers: Devices that use a high-pressure stream of water to clean between teeth are an excellent and completely chemical-free alternative.

Ultimately, flossing remains a critical component of dental health. The key is to be an informed consumer. By checking the label on your floss and considering one of the many available alternatives, you can continue to protect your gums and teeth without adding to your body's burden of 'forever chemicals.'

Sources