We reviewed 17 dental flosses to bring you safer, more sustainable options. Plus tips on shopping safer, too.
By Sydney Cook
We all know that daily flossing is core to good oral hygiene. But did you know some dental flosses may be made with ingredients that pose risks to your health, or the planet’s?
To help identify those less likely to raise concerns, we partnered with Made Safe, an independent organization that certifies products to be safer and more sustainable.
Some dental floss is coated with substances that make it easier to slide between teeth, notably PFAS, a group of chemicals now linked to many health problems. Others use flavors made with ingredients that aren’t typically disclosed, some of which could be harmful. And most dental floss is made with plastic, typically nylon or polyester, which can contribute to environmental pollution and can contain chemicals that may pose some health risks. Unfortunately, companies aren’t currently required by federal law to disclose the ingredients or materials in their flosses, which can make it tricky to spot the best options.
Dental experts emphasize theimportance of flossing for good oral health and note that any dental floss is better than no dental floss.Our best choices, shown in the chart below, aren’t made with PFAS or plastic, and don’t contain undisclosed ingredients or ingredients known or suspected to cause harmto human or environmentalhealth.
Dental Floss Review
CR and Made Safe partnered on analyzing ingredients lists for 17 types of floss and determined which are best for human and/or environmental health. In this review, to be considered Best or Good, products must have claims to be free of PFAS. Hover over PFAS and materials for more details.
Best listed alphabetically
TreeBird Pure Silk Eco Floss
PFAS:
None claimed
Materials:
No known risks
Poses Some Risks listed alphabetically
Dental Lace Dental Lace Refillable Silk Floss
PFAS:
None claimed
Materials:
Probable risks
Shop: Amazon
Poses More Risks listed alphabetically
Amazon Basics Dental Flosser Picks
PFAS:
Not disclosed
Materials:
Not disclosed
Amazon Basics Extra Comfort Dental Floss
PFAS:
Not disclosed
Materials:
Not disclosed
Cocofloss Woven Dental Floss (Pure Peppermint)
PFAS:
None claimed
Materials:
Known risks
DenTek Triple Clean Advanced Clean
PFAS:
Not disclosed
Materials:
Not disclosed
GUM Flosser Picks
PFAS:
Not disclosed
Materials:
Not disclosed
Humble Co. Plant-Based Flossers
PFAS:
None claimed
Materials:
Known risks
Listerine Ultraclean Dental Floss
PFAS:
Not disclosed
Materials:
Not disclosed
Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Dental Floss
PFAS:
Included
Materials:
Not disclosed
Plackers Micro Mint Dental Floss Picks
PFAS:
Not disclosed
Materials:
Not disclosed
Reach Waxed Dental Floss
PFAS:
Not disclosed
Materials:
Not disclosed
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Not likely to break down in the environment."; } } // materials modal text else if (popupType == "m") { modalText += "
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Known risk to human and/or environmental health."; } else if (materials[popupNum]=="redND"){ modalText += "
Manufacturer does not disclose the materials used, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment."; } else if (materials[popupNum]=="redBoth"){ modalText += "
Known risk to human and/or environmental health. When a manufacturer does not disclose the materials used, a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment."; } else if (materials[popupNum]=="orange"){ modalText += "
Probable risk to human and/or environmental health."; } else if (materials[popupNum]=="orangeRed"){ modalText += "
Probable risk to human and/or environmental health.
Known risk to human and/or environmental health."; } } // display modal text document.getElementById('chartPopupText').innerHTML = modalText; // position box var fullChart = document.getElementById("fullChart"); var rect = fullChart.getBoundingClientRect(); var boxLeft = e.clientX - rect.left - 300; if ( boxLeft<0 ){ boxLeft = 0; } if ( winFormat=="mobile"){ boxLeft = 10; } var boxTop = e.clientY - rect.top + 22; popupBox.style.left = boxLeft + "px"; popupBox.style.top = boxTop + "px"; // show box popupBox.style.display = "block";};// -------------- hide popup box --------------function hidePopupBox() { document.getElementById('chartPopupBox').style.display = "none";};// --------------- data ---------------var pfas = [];var pfasText = [];var materials = [];var materialsText = [];pfas[1]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[1]='Manufacturer claims product is not made with intentionally added PFAS.'; materials[1]='none'; materialsText[1]='Floss material: Silk
Coating: Candelilla wax
Flavor/Fragrance: All natural mint oil';pfas[2]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[2]='Manufacturer claims product is not made with intentionally added PFAS.'; materials[2]='none'; materialsText[2]='Floss material: Silk
Coating: Organic carnauba wax
Flavor/Fragrance: N/A';pfas[3]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[3]='Manufacturer did not confirm product is made without intentionally added PFAS, but ingredients were clearly and completely disclosed on its website.'; materials[3]='none'; materialsText[3]='Floss material: Silk
Coating: Candelilla wax
Flavor/Fragrance: All natural mint essential oil';pfas[4]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[4]='Manufacturer did not confirm product is made without intentionally added PFAS, but ingredients were clearly and completely disclosed on its website.'; materials[4]='orange'; materialsText[4]='Floss material: Silk
Coating: Vegetable wax, jojoba oil
Flavor/Fragrance: Peppermint essential oil';pfas[5]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[5]='Manufacturer claims product is not made with intentionally added PFAS.'; materials[5]='orange'; materialsText[5]='Floss material: Silk
Coating: Helianthus Annuus seed Cera, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Rhus verniciflua Peel Cera, Shorea Robusta Resin
Flavor/Fragrance: Natural Mint Essential Oil';pfas[6]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[6]='Manufacturer claims product is not made with intentionally added PFAS.'; materials[6]='red'; materialsText[6]='Floss material: Polyester
Coating: Beeswax plus one or more of candelilla, carnauba, castor oil and rice bran wax
Flavor/Fragrance: Natural cardmom essential oil';pfas[7]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[7]='Manufacturer claims product is not made with intentionally added PFAS.'; materials[7]='red'; materialsText[7]='Floss material: Nylon
Coating: Beeswax, carnauba wax, jojoba wax, Commiphora myrrha (myrrh) resin extract, Propolis cera|Propolis extract
Flavor/Fragrance: Spearmint (Mentha Spicata) Leaves, Acacia Senegal gum';pfas[8]='notDisclosed'; pfasText[8]='Manufacturer does not disclose whether product is made with intentionally added PFAS, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. '; materials[8]='redND'; materialsText[8]='Floss material: Not disclosed
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed
Handle material: Not disclosed';pfas[9]='notDisclosed'; pfasText[9]='Manufacturer does not disclose whether product is made with intentionally added PFAS, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. '; materials[9]='redND'; materialsText[9]='Floss material: Not disclosed
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed';pfas[10]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[10]='Manufacturer claims product is not made with intentionally added PFAS.'; materials[10]='red'; materialsText[10]='Floss material: 85% recycled polyester, 15% virgin polyester
Coating: Microcrystalline wax, coconut oil
Flavor/Fragrance: peppermint oil, vanillin isobutyrate, limonene*, linalool*, eugenol*, geraniol*, citronellol*
*naturally occurring component of pepermint oil';pfas[11]='notDisclosed'; pfasText[11]='Manufacturer does not disclose whether product is made with intentionally added PFAS, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. '; materials[11]='redND'; materialsText[11]='Floss material: Not disclosed
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed';pfas[12]='notDisclosed'; pfasText[12]='Manufacturer does not disclose whether product is made with intentionally added PFAS, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. '; materials[12]='redND'; materialsText[12]='Floss material: Not disclosed
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed
Handle material: Not disclosed';pfas[13]='noneClaimed'; pfasText[13]='Manufacturer claims product is not made with intentionally added PFAS.'; materials[13]='orangeRed'; materialsText[13]='Floss material: Polyethylene
Coating: N/A
Flavor/Fragrance: Natural flavoring, Ether, Aldehyde, Ester, De-ionised water, starch sodium octenyl succinate, Propylene glycol (E1520), Acesulfame potassium (E950)
Handle material: 53% plant-based material, 47% Polypropylene';pfas[14]='notDisclosed'; pfasText[14]='Manufacturer does not disclose whether product is made with intentionally added PFAS, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. '; materials[14]='redND'; materialsText[14]='Floss material: Not disclosed
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed';pfas[15]='included'; pfasText[15]='Company acknowledges product contains PTFE.'; materials[15]='redBoth'; materialsText[15]='Floss material: PTFE
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed';pfas[16]='notDisclosed'; pfasText[16]='Manufacturer does not disclose whether product is made with intentionally added PFAS, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. '; materials[16]='redND'; materialsText[16]='Floss material: Not disclosed
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed
Handle material: Not disclosed';pfas[17]='notDisclosed'; pfasText[17]='Manufacturer does not disclose whether product is made with intentionally added PFAS, so a consumer cannot know whether they pose risks to human health or the environment. '; materials[17]='redND'; materialsText[17]='Floss material: Not disclosed
Coating: Not disclosed
Flavor/Fragrance: Not disclosed';
What Is Dental Floss Made From?
PFAS and other coatings: Dental floss is often made with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), chemicals used to make products nonstick, stain-resistant, or water-resistant. In dental floss they create a smoother gliding experience when flossing between teeth. PTFE, commonly known as Teflon, is one of many PFAS chemicals and is widely used in floss.
PFAS, however, are associated with numerous health effects, such as impairing the immune system, cancer, fertility concerns, reproductive and developmental impacts, and kidney disease. Some PFAS are toxic at low levels and are known to build up in the body. PFAS in dental floss could be particularly concerning, considering you put it directly in your mouth and flossing can cause bleeding gums, providing direct access to the bloodstream.
PFAS are often called forever chemicals because they break down very slowly in the environment. Summer Streets, a research scientist for the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency who is an expert in PFAS, describes the chemicals as “everywhere” in our environment. “Take high-volume production, wide usage, couple it with the fact that these compounds don’t break down, and they move readily through the environment,” she says, “and you have the perfect recipe for global contamination.”
Streets adds that PFAS in dental floss isn’t necessary, because manufacturers can use safer alternatives. These include natural coatings made from beeswax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax. In fact, Minnesota recently passed legislation that, starting in 2025, will ban the use of PFAS in dental floss and 10 other product categories. After 2032, PFAS won’t be allowed in nearly all consumer products sold in the state, except in cases where it is considered unavoidable.
Other coatings in addition to PFAS also raise concerns, particularly those using synthetic waxes made from petroleum, such as microcrystalline and paraffin waxes, which can be contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, some of which have been linked to cancer if not properly refined and which also break down slowly in the environment.
Plastic floss and flossers: Plastic appears in the material floss itself is made from (typically nylon or polyester) and in the handles of floss picks, which are single-use tools that hold a piece of floss. That raises concerns not only because of the waste and pollution it generates but also because plastic can include ingredients, such as bisphenols and phthalates, that have been linked to a variety of health problems, including developmental and reproductive toxicity and interference with normal hormone function. And it’s increasingly clear that those chemicals can get into our bodies from plastic products, including, presumably, dental floss.
Undisclosed flavors: The ingredients used to make flavors are considered trade secrets, so manufacturers don’t have to reveal them on product labels. The result is that flavorings can add hundreds of chemicals, including some that function as solvents or preservatives, to a product while only being listed as “flavor” on the label. Some of those ingredients have been linked to human and environmental harm: endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, irritants, allergens, and environmental toxicants.
Dental Floss Companies Respond
Consumer Reports asked dental floss companies that do not disclose their ingredients on their website or packaging—including whether they use PFAS and what other ingredients are used in the coating or for flavors—to provide complete ingredient information.
Procter & Gamble, the maker of Oral-B Glide Pro-Health Dental Floss, said that its dental flossmaterial contains PTFE, which they use because of its “unique sliding performance and silkiness.” The company asserted that PTFE is safe and that its floss does not contain PFOS or PFOA, two PFAS that have been largely phased out of production due to their association with severe health and environmental impacts.
Streets noted that some companies have switched from PFOA to GenX as the processing aid for manufacturing PTFE. And GenX is concerning due to its toxicity at low concentrations and ability to bioaccumulate, according to Streets.
Tom’s of Maine, Dental Lace, Cocofloss, and Nudge all provided us with a complete list of their ingredients, or include that information in their packaging. They all also confirmed or claim that they don’t intentionally add PFAS to their products.
The Humble Co.’s packaging notes that it is made without PFAS, and the company provided us with a complete list of ingredients for its floss coating and handle. But it gave us only partial information about the ingredients used in its flavoring.
The other companies with incomplete ingredient disclosure on their website and packaging did not respond to our inquiries or did not provide answers to our questions.
Tips for Healthier and More Sustainable Dental Floss
For a safer and more sustainable dental floss, opt for one of the best choices in the chart above. You can also shop by using the tips below.
Choose flosses made without PFAS or PTFE. Look for products that specifically say they’re not made with PFAS or PTFE. If a product doesn’t list coating ingredients or the floss material (and they usually don’t), consider avoiding it, especially flosses marketed as “nonstick” or “glides easily.”
Choose natural coatings. Instead of petroleum-based waxes, look for beeswax and plant waxes like carnauba, candelilla, jojoba, rice bran, or castor.
Opt for uncoated floss. If you’re unsure whether uncoated floss is appropriate for your teeth and gums, ask your dentist.
Look for natural fiber dental floss. Skip the plastic and look for biodegradable materials like silk or cotton. If the material isn’t disclosed online or on packaging, assume it’s made from plastic or with PTFE, as most are.
Shop for unflavored or flavored flosses with disclosed ingredients. To avoid mystery ingredients, look for products with an ingredients list for their flavors. Unflavored floss is a great option, too.
Try a refillable flosser handle. If you love flossers, use a refillable handle to curb your use of single-use plastics.
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@consumerreports In partnership with @MADE SAFE Certified, we analyzed ingredients lists for 17 types of floss and determined which are best for human and/or environmental health. In this video, Made Safe founder and executive director @NotoxAmy explains. Read the full investigation through the link in our bio. #dentaltok #dentalfloss #pfas #foreverchemicals
♬ original sound - Consumer Reports
