What’s Up With PFAS in Dental Floss?
Your dentist or hygienist probably tells you to floss every day. It’s an important oral hygiene practice that makes a big difference when it comes to gum disease and cavities. What your dentist may not have told you, is that a lot of over-the-counter dental floss contains concerning chemicals called PFAS. Read on for a breakdown of what PFAS are, where you’ll find them, and why you don’t want them anywhere near your let alone the inside of your mouth.
Key Takeaways:
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are chemicals used to create water or grease resistance in a number of consumer products, including dental floss. PFAS have known links to serious health problems and have been banned by states and retailers alike. Dr. Jillian Horkan does not recommend over-the-counter products if you’re looking for PFAS-free floss.
Table of Contents:
- What’s Up With PFAS in Dental Floss?
- PFAS in Dental Floss—The Research
- What is PFAS?
- PFAS and Your Health—Researched Backed Health Risks Connected to PFAS
- States With PFAS Regulation
- Retailers with PFAS Regulation
- Dr. Horkan’s Recommendation for PFAS-free Floss
PFAS in Dental Floss—The Research
A small study conducted on 178 women of different races found that flossing with Oral-B Glide, amongst other activities, was associated with higher levels of some PFAS. The study was used in a lawsuit against P & G, the manufacturer of Oral-B Glide. While the lawsuit ruled in favor of P & G, the case brought awareness to the presence of harmful chemicals in over-the-counter dental products.
What is PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These substances are water and grease resistant and are used in a wide range of consumer products. PFAS can be found in non-stick cookware, stain resistant fabrics, and fire fighting foam. PFAS are also referred to as “forever chemicals” because they never break down, meaning they can exist in our bodies and environment forever.
PFAS and Your Health—Researched Backed Health Risks connected to PFAS
A committee with a very long name—National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Division on Earth and Life Studies; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Board on Environmental Studies and Toxicology; Committee on the Guidance on PFAS Testing and Health Outcomes (The Committee)—reviewed the research on the health risks associated with PFAS exposure. Here is what they found:
The Commitee found sufficient evidence of an association between PFAS exposure and the following conditions:
- Decreased antibody response
- Dyslipidemia
- Decreased infant and fetal growth
- Increased risk of kidney cancer
They also found limited or suggestive evidence that exposure to PFAS could lead to an increased risk of:
- Breast cancer
- Liver enzyme alterations
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease and dysfunction
- increased risk of ulcerative colitis
In my expert opinion, a little bit of extra glide in your dental floss is not worth the risk of any of these diseases.
States With PFAS Regulation
Because of the known health and environmental concerns associated with PFAS, several states, including California, Colorado, Connecticut, Maine, Minnesota, New York, Vermont, and Washington, have created state legislation that regulates the use of PFAS.
Here is a list of products that it will be prohibited to sell under PFAS laws in Colorado in recent or upcoming years, according to Marten Law:
2024: Carpets and rugs, fabric treatments, food packaging, oil and gas products, and juvenile products that contain intentionally added PFAS chemicals are prohibited.
2025: Prohibition of PFAS-containing cosmetics, indoor textile furnishings, and upholstered furniture.
2026: Prohibition of PFAS-containing cleaning products (except those used as floor maintenance products in a hospital or other medical setting), cookware, dental floss, menstruation products, new installation of artificial turf, and ski wax.
2027: Prohibition of PFAS-containing outdoor textile furnishings and upholstered furniture starting on January 1, 2027.
2028: Prohibition of cleaning products used as floor maintenance products in a hospital or other medical setting, textiles, outdoor apparel for severe wet conditions, and food equipment intended primarily for use in commercial settings that comes into direct contact with food.
Retailers With PFAS Regulation
Several retailers have promised to phase PFAS out of their operations, but even then, PFAS is found through the food, clothing, and housewares industries.
Food retailers, such as Burger King, Tim Horton’s, Popeyes, and Starbucks Coffee, have promised to phase out packaging with PFAS. Clothing brands use PFAS for stain and water resistance, but H&M, Benetton, Levi Strauss & Co., Black Diamond, and Prana, amongst others, have committed to PFAS-free clothing. Furniture retailers and homewares retailers like IKEA, Green Pan, and Always Pan have been amongst brands promising to eliminate PFAS use.
The widespread banning of these substances underscores the severity of their health impacts.
Dr. Horkan’s Recommendation for PFAS-Free Floss
Generally speaking we do not recommend most over-the-counter products as many do not properly report their ingredients or have manufacturing processes that can incorporate harmful chemicals. At Montrose Dental Wellness we carry a floss that is PFAS-free in our office and that’s what we recommend to most of our patients.