Most people use dental floss without thinking it might compromise their health. But did you know certain types and brands of dental floss might be associated with higher levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in your body? In fact, the dental floss you’ve been using is coated with a perfluorinated polymer (PFC), the same substance that keeps your food from sticking to a Teflon pan and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid ( PFHsS).
There are certain brands of dental floss that contain dangerous chemicals that have been linked with heart disease and cancer, according to a new study.
The study discovered that women who flossed with Oral-B Glide floss had higher levels of a chemical called perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) in their blood than women who didn’t use that type of floss. These chemicals can stay in our bodies for years and have been linked to liver damage, developmental issues, and cancer.
Why PFCs are so Dangerous
Many floss brands use this non-stick chemical to help floss slide easily between your teeth. Unfortunately, In some cases, PFC can cause cancer, hormonal problems and other immune system problems, according to the US Environmental Protection Agency.
More toxic chemicals in dental floss
- Petroleum-Most brands of dental floss are made from nylon, which is made from reacting carbon-based chemicals found in coal and petroleum. Using nylon has been associated with health problems such as cancer, dizziness, headaches, and more.
- Artificial Flavors and additives. This is what one dental floss patent states: “Porous, high strength (PTFE) dental floss is coated with micro-crystalline wax. If desired, the floss may also incorporate one or more active tartar control, anticaries, antiplaque and/or antibacterial actives and/or dentally acceptable agents such as polishing and abrasive agents, coolants, flavorants and/or coagulants.”
Use All Natural Dental Floss
Unfortunately, most ingredients are not stated on the label so the key is to look for unwaxed or natural wax coatings (such as beeswax), and no flavorings.