The Short Answer
Waxed and unwaxed floss are completely equal when it comes to removing plaque. Multiple clinical studies show no statistical difference in how well they clean your teeth.
The actual choice comes down to comfort and ingredients. Many popular "waxed" flosses actually use toxic PFAS chemicals to create that slippery glide. If you have tight teeth, waxed is better—you just need to buy a clean brand.
Why This Matters
For decades, dentists have told us that the best floss is simply the one you'll actually use. Unwaxed floss has a tendency to shred and snap on tight teeth. This frustration causes people to quit flossing entirely.
To solve the shredding problem, brands introduced waxed and "glide" flosses. But that effortless glide often comes from Teflon, not actual wax. When you drag this material tightly against your bleeding gums, those chemicals enter your bloodstream. Is There Pfas In Floss
A landmark 2019 study by the Silent Spring Institute proved this connection. Women who regularly used Oral-B Glide floss had elevated levels of PFHxS (a PFAS chemical) in their blood. Since then, the conversation about flossing has shifted from "just do it" to "check your ingredients." Is Glide Floss Safe
What's Actually In Floss
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) — The main ingredient in Teflon and popular "glide" flosses. It's a PFAS "forever chemical" linked to hormone disruption and cancer. Which Floss Has Pfas
- Petroleum Wax — Often listed as paraffin or microcrystalline wax. It's derived from crude oil and isn't biodegradable.
- Nylon or Polyester — The standard synthetic threads used for most unwaxed floss. They are generally safe but contribute to microplastic pollution.
- Natural Waxes — Ingredients like beeswax, carnauba, candelilla, and coconut oil. These provide a smooth glide without the toxic chemical burden.
- Silk — The traditional, biodegradable alternative to nylon thread. It naturally glides well but is more prone to breaking than synthetic options.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- "PFAS-Free" Label — The only guaranteed way to know your floss isn't coated in forever chemicals. What Floss Is Pfas Free
- Plant or Beeswax Coatings — Candelilla, carnauba, and beeswax offer a natural, safe slip.
- Woven Threads — Floss that expands actually grabs more plaque than flat tape.
Red Flags:
- "Glide" in the Name — This is almost always a code word for a Teflon/PTFE ribbon.
- Unspecified "Wax" — Conventional brands usually use cheap, petroleum-based paraffin.
- Synthetic Flavors — Many mainstream mint flosses use artificial flavors and artificial sweeteners like saccharin.
The Best Options
If your teeth are tight, stick to a naturally waxed option. If you have average spacing, either waxed or unwaxed works perfectly fine. Safest Dental Floss
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Tung's | Smart Floss | ✅ | Naturally waxed with a plant and beeswax blend, completely PFAS-free. Is Dr Tungs Floss Clean |
| Cocofloss | Woven Dental Floss | ✅ | Coated in vegan wax and coconut oil with a texture that actually scrubs plaque. Is Cocofloss Clean |
| Tom's of Maine | Antiplaque Floss | ⚠️ | Uses safe natural waxes but traditionally comes in a plastic dispenser. |
| Oral-B | Glide Pro-Health | 🚫 | Made entirely of PTFE (Teflon), actively depositing forever chemicals into your body. |
| Colgate | Total Dental Floss | 🚫 | Tested positive for organic fluorine, indicating the presence of PFAS. |
The Bottom Line
1. Don't stress about plaque removal differences. Unwaxed and waxed floss are equally effective at preventing cavities and gum disease.
2. Avoid "glide" style flosses. They are practically synonymous with PFAS and Teflon exposure. Is Dental Floss Safe
3. Switch to a naturally waxed brand. You get the non-shredding convenience of waxed floss without the toxic chemical coating.
FAQ
Does unwaxed floss clean better than waxed floss?
No, clinical studies show no statistical difference. Some people feel that unwaxed floss "squeaks" when a tooth is clean, but both types remove plaque effectively.
Why does my floss shred when I use it?
You likely have tight contacts between your teeth, or rough edges on old dental fillings. Unwaxed floss is highly prone to shredding in these conditions. Switching to a naturally waxed floss will usually solve the problem.
Is Oral-B Glide floss dangerous?
Yes, Oral-B Glide is made from PTFE, a known PFAS "forever chemical." A 2019 study linked the use of this specific floss to higher levels of PFAS chemicals in users' bloodstreams. Is Glide Floss Safe
Can I just use a water flosser instead?
Water flossers are excellent for flushing out food, but they don't replace the physical wiping action of string floss. For the best results, you should use both. String Floss Vs Water Flosser