Which Floss Has PFAS?

The Short Answer

Proceed with caution when buying conventional dental floss, as about one-third of popular products contain indications of PFAS "forever chemicals." Recent independent lab testing by Mamavation found organic fluorine—the chemical marker for PFAS—in 13 out of 39 popular flosses.

The biggest offender was Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Deep Clean Floss, which tested at a staggering 248,900 parts per million (ppm). If you are using a smooth, slippery "glide" style floss, there is a high probability it is coated in Teflon or a similar fluorinated chemical.

Why This Matters

PFAS from dental floss absorbs directly into your bloodstream. A landmark 2019 study by the Silent Spring Institute found that women who flossed with Oral-B Glide had higher blood levels of a specific PFAS chemical called PFHxS than women who didn't. Is Dental Floss Safe

These "forever chemicals" do not break down in the human body. Decades of research link cumulative PFAS exposure to thyroid disease, lipid dysregulation, reproductive issues, and certain cancers. Is There Pfas In Floss

Manufacturers are using PFAS intentionally for its non-stick properties. The extremely high concentrations found in products like Amazon's Solimo and Target's Up & Up indicate the chemicals are added purposefully to help the floss slide between tight teeth without shredding.

What's Actually In Floss

• PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) — This is the chemical name for Teflon, and it is a known PFAS polymer used to make floss exceptionally slippery. Is Glide Floss Safe
• Petroleum-based waxes — Many conventional flosses are coated in microcrystalline wax derived from crude oil, which can harbor unintentional contaminants.
• Nylon or Polyester — The actual string used in most standard flosses is made from synthetic plastic fibers rather than natural, biodegradable materials.

What to Look For

Green Flags:

• Natural wax coatings — Look for flosses coated in beeswax, candelilla wax, or coconut oil to ensure smooth gliding without synthetic chemicals.
• Silk or Bamboo fibers — Natural, biodegradable strings are inherently free of plastic polymers and synthetic laminates.
• Verified PFAS-free labeling — Brands that explicitly state they do not use fluorinated chemicals or PTFE. What Floss Is Pfas Free

Red Flags:

• The word "Glide" — Any floss marketed as "smooth slide" or "glide" is often relying on a Teflon-like coating to achieve that texture.
• "Single-strand" claims — Standard floss is multi-filament, while single-strand (monofilament) floss is frequently made from PTFE.
• Store-brand knockoffs — Generic versions of Oral-B Glide from Amazon, Target, and CVS all tested positive for high levels of organic fluorine.

The Best Options

There are plenty of non-toxic ways to keep your gums healthy. Here is how the top brands stack up:

The Bottom Line

1. Throw away your "glide" floss. Any product mimicking the slippery texture of Teflon is likely exposing you to forever chemicals.

2. Switch to a natural wax alternative. Brands using beeswax or candelilla wax provide a comfortable flossing experience without the toxicity. Safest Dental Floss

3. Don't stop flossing. Daily flossing is crucial for cardiovascular and oral health; just use a safe product to get the job done. Cocofloss Vs Regular Floss

FAQ

Is Oral-B Glide still toxic?

Oral-B Glide has historically tested positive for massive amounts of PFAS. While recent reports suggest Procter & Gamble may be reformulating to remove PTFE, old stock is still widely available, making it safest to avoid. Is Glide Floss Safe

Does regular unwaxed floss have PFAS?

Unwaxed nylon floss rarely contains intentional PFAS. However, if it slides too easily or feels laminated, it may still have a synthetic coating. Waxed Vs Unwaxed Floss

Is Cocofloss actually clean?

Yes, Cocofloss is verified to be PFAS-free. It relies on coconut oil and vegan wax for a smooth glide and uses interwoven fibers to scrub plaque effectively. Is Cocofloss Clean

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References (13)

1. 1. mamavation.com
2. 2. cd-lawyers.com
3. 3. pfasproject.com
4. 4. ehn.org
5. 5. silentspring.org
6. 6. silentspring.org
7. 7. taenk.dk
8. 8. consumerlab.com
9. 9. thecooldown.com
10. 10. mamavation.com
11. 11. dental-tribune.com
12. 12. phi.org
13. 13. atldentalwellness.com