Do you floss your teeth regularly? Have you ever thought about what’s in your dental floss? A recent investigation by Consumer Reports and Made Safe uncovered surprising and potentially harmful chemicals in some popular floss brands.
Certain dental flosses use PFAS chemicals to create a smoother glide. These “forever chemicals” have been associated with various health issues and environmental problems. Additionally, some flosses contain undisclosed flavors and are made of plastic.
The Investigation
Consumer Reports and Made Safe examined the ingredients of various flosses. Out of the ten flosses analyzed, some failed to disclose their ingredients, contained PFAS, or included other components linked to health risks, posing potential dangers to consumers.
Three flosses were identified as safer options due to their composition of more sustainable ingredients.
While companies are not mandated to reveal all floss ingredients, Tom’s of Maine, Dental Lace, Cocofloss, and Nudge provided complete lists of ingredients to CR, confirming the absence of intentionally added PFAS in their products.
Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Oral-B Glide, acknowledged the presence of PTFE (a type of PFAS) in their floss, citing performance benefits and assuring its safety and lack of certain phased-out PFAS.
The Humble Co. provided partial information, confirming a PFAS-free status but offering incomplete details regarding flavors.
Other companies either did not respond to inquiries or failed to provide answers to CR’s questions.
Water Flossers as an Alternative
For those who dislike traditional flossing, consider using a water flosser like Waterpik. While not as effective as string floss at removing bacteria, water flossers are great for individuals who struggle with traditional floss or find it challenging to use.
Recommendations
Consumer Reports suggests opting for floss coated with natural substances like beeswax or plant-based waxes. Look for floss made from biodegradable materials such as silk or cotton that is unflavored or flavored using disclosed, natural ingredients.
Remember, the most effective flossing method is one that you will use consistently.
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