Popular Dental Floss Brands Found to Contain Harmful Chemicals

USA: A recent investigation conducted by Consumer Reports, in partnership with the nonprofit organization Made Safe, has uncovered that several widely used dental floss brands contain chemicals that may pose potential health risks. The findings, which were featured in a report published on the WMUR website, reveal that many of these flosses use PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” which have been associated with a range of health and environmental issues.

“Flossing is the game changer,” said dentist Michael Schwarz, emphasizing the importance of flossing for maintaining oral health. However, in light of these new findings, consumers may want to carefully consider the type of floss they choose.

PFAS in Dental Floss: What the Report Reveals

According to Catherine Roberts of Consumer Reports, “Some dental flosses use PFAS chemicals for a smoother glide,” but these chemicals have been linked to various health concerns, including cancer and immune system suppression, as well as environmental damage due to their persistence in the environment. The analysis by Consumer Reports and Made Safe evaluated multiple dental floss brands and found that 10 of them either failed to disclose their ingredients, contained PFAS, or used other concerning components, such as undisclosed flavorings or plastic materials.

The investigation highlighted that while flossing remains a crucial part of oral hygiene, the presence of harmful chemicals in certain floss brands introduces a new layer of risk for consumers.

Safer Alternatives Identified

Not all brands were found to contain harmful substances. The investigation identified three flosses that stood out for their safer and more sustainable ingredients: Nudge Clean Sustainable Silk Floss, Radius Natural Biodegradable Silk Floss, and TreeBird Pure Silk Eco Floss. These flosses were recognized for using natural and biodegradable materials, offering a healthier and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical-laden flosses.

“Companies aren’t required to disclose all ingredients in dental floss,” the report notes, but several brands, including Tom’s of Maine, Dental Lace, Cocofloss, and Nudge, voluntarily provided complete ingredient lists. These brands confirmed that they do not intentionally add PFAS to their products.

Responses from Major Companies

Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of the popular Oral-B Glide floss, confirmed that its product contains PTFE, a type of PFAS, but defended the use of the chemical, citing its performance benefits. The company also assured consumers that the floss is safe and does not contain certain phased-out PFAS. However, other companies mentioned in the investigation either provided incomplete responses or did not respond to inquiries from Consumer Reports.

One notable example is The Humble Co., which confirmed that its floss is free of PFAS but did not fully disclose details regarding the flavoring components used in its products.

Alternatives to Traditional Floss

For consumers who are concerned about the potential risks associated with traditional string floss, Roberts from Consumer Reports suggests water flossers as an alternative. “Water flossers, like Waterpik, work well for removing food debris,” Roberts explained. While water flossers may not be as effective as string floss at scraping away bacteria, they are a viable option for individuals who find string floss difficult to use or uncomfortable.

Additionally, Consumer Reports recommends opting for flosses coated with natural substances, such as beeswax or plant-based waxes, and choosing floss made from biodegradable materials like silk or cotton, to minimize environmental impact.

Conclusion

The findings from the Consumer Reports investigation have shed light on an often-overlooked aspect of dental care, urging consumers to be mindful of the materials and chemicals present in everyday products like dental floss. As concerns over PFAS and other harmful substances grow, consumers are encouraged to seek safer, more transparent options for maintaining their oral hygiene.