Experts Warn: How Dental Floss Could Be Putting Your Health at Risk

Dental floss may seem like a harmless tool for oral hygiene, but it could contain chemicals that pose major health risks.

Dental floss is important for maintaining good oral health, but a recent study in Germany (BUND - Friends of the Earth Germany) has raised concerns about hidden dangers in some floss products. The study found that certain dental flosses contain harmful chemicals that could be bad for both your health and the environment.

The focus of the study was on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS. These chemicals are used for their water and grease-resistant properties and are found in many everyday items, such as non-stick cookware, packaging materials, and even dental floss. But what makes PFAS so problematic?

BUND's 2023 study yielded some alarming findings. Out of seven dental floss brands tested, two were found to contain PFAS. Particularly concerning was the detection of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a harmful PFAS compound.

PFAS do not break down easily and accumulate in the environment and living beings. The health risks associated with well-studied PFAS like PFOA are significant, ranging from thyroid disorders to an increased risk of cancer. Moreover, PFAS are released not just during the use of products but also during their manufacture and disposal, exacerbating overall environmental contamination.

While some PFAS, such as PFOA, have been banned in the European Union, they are often replaced by less researched alternatives that may pose similar risks.

In the U.S., some PFAS have been restricted or regulated, but the approach is less comprehensive compared to the European Union. While some PFAS, like PFOA and PFOS, have seen restrictions, many other PFAS chemicals are still in use.

Fortunately, there are dental floss options made from nylon or plant-based materials like corn silk that are just as effective without the risks associated with PFAS. The following well-known brands were found to be free of PFAS: