The Short Answer
Most "gliding" flosses use PTFE (Teflon), a known PFAS "forever chemical," to slide easily between teeth. Independent testing by Mamavation found organic fluorine—a key marker for PFAS—in 33% of popular dental flosses.
If you want a truly clean routine, switch to uncoated nylon, silk, or expanding polyester flosses. Top verified PFAS-free brands include Cocofloss, Dr. Tung's, Boka, and Tom's of Maine.
Why This Matters
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals that literally do not break down in the environment or your body. They are linked to reproductive issues, hormonal disruption, and certain cancers. Is There Pfas In Floss
Because your gums are highly vascular, chemicals in your mouth can easily enter your bloodstream. A landmark 2019 study showed that women who used Oral-B Glide had significantly higher levels of PFHxS (a type of PFAS) in their blood than those who didn't.
In a massive Mamavation and Environmental Health News study, researchers found astronomical levels of organic fluorine in major drugstore brands. The worst offender tested at 248,900 parts per million (ppm). Which Floss Has Pfas
While major brands are finally feeling the pressure—with Oral-B announcing in early 2026 that they removed PTFE from their rebranded floss—independent testing hasn't yet verified these new formulas. Is Glide Floss Safe
What's Actually In Conventional Floss
- PTFE (Polytetrafluoroethylene) — The exact same chemical used to make non-stick frying pans. It gives "glide" flosses their slippery texture but exposes you to PFAS. Is Dental Floss Safe
- Petroleum-based Wax — Cheap floss is often coated in microcrystalline wax derived from petroleum. While not necessarily toxic, it's not ideal for daily ingestion. Waxed Vs Unwaxed Floss
- Synthetic Fragrances — That generic mint flavor is usually created with undisclosed synthetic flavorings rather than actual peppermint oil.
What to Look For
Green Flags:
- Expanding or woven fibers — These naturally grab plaque without needing a slippery, toxic coating.
- Natural waxes — Look for coatings made from beeswax, candelilla wax, or coconut oil.
- Transparency — The best brands explicitly state they are 100% PFAS-free and Teflon-free.
Red Flags:
- "Glide" or "Smooth" marketing — If a conventional floss brags about how easily it slips between teeth, it likely uses PTFE.
- Unlabeled wax — If the ingredients just say "wax," it is almost always cheap petroleum wax.
- "Pro-Health" branding — Historically, the flosses marketed most aggressively for gum health actually harbored the highest PFAS levels.
The Best Options
Here are the top lab-verified, non-toxic flosses to upgrade your routine. Safest Dental Floss
| Brand | Product | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dr. Tung's | Smart Floss | ✅ | Plant and beeswax coated expanding floss that cleans exceptionally well. |
| Cocofloss | Woven Dental Floss | ✅ | Infused with coconut oil and verified completely PFAS-free. |
| Boka | Ela Mint Floss | ✅ | Teflon-free and petroleum-free, using vegetable wax instead. |
| Tom's of Maine | Naturally Waxed | ✅ | Classic nylon string coated in beeswax and carnauba palm. |
| Oral-B | Glide (Pre-2026) | 🚫 | Tested at 248,900 ppm organic fluorine in independent lab studies. |
| Store Brands | "Smooth Slip" Flosses | 🚫 | Target, CVS, and Amazon basics frequently test positive for high PFAS levels. |
The Bottom Line
1. Ditch the "Glide" — The slippery texture of conventional floss is usually achieved with toxic Teflon.
2. Switch to woven floss — Expanding flosses like Cocofloss or Dr. Tung's clean plaque better anyway because of their textured surface. Is Cocofloss Clean
3. Check the wax — Ensure your floss is coated with natural beeswax or plant waxes, not petroleum. Is Dr Tungs Floss Clean
FAQ
Did Oral-B remove PFAS from Glide floss?
In January 2026, Oral-B announced they reformulated Glide to remove PTFE, the material directly linked to PFAS. However, consumers should wait for independent lab testing to verify that the new "Healthy Gums" formulation is completely free of all forever chemicals. Is Glide Floss Safe
Is unwaxed floss safer?
Not necessarily, but it removes the risk of petroleum-based waxes. If you want a clean glide, naturally waxed flosses using beeswax or candelilla wax are perfectly safe and much easier on tight teeth. Waxed Vs Unwaxed Floss
Do water flossers contain PFAS?
No, using a Waterpik or similar device completely eliminates the risk of string floss chemicals. They are an excellent non-toxic alternative for daily plaque removal. Is Waterpik Better Than Flossing
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