Oral-B Glide and other dental flosses have been linked to higher blood levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). You may use PFAS-free dental floss to protect against these harmful chemicals.
PFAS are a common class of chemicals that may increase the risk of infertility, cancer, and thyroid disease. They can make substances water- and grease-proof. You can also be exposed to PFAS through various products, household dust, and contaminated drinking water.
PFAs have also been linked to flossing. One study hypothesized that Teflon-like dental floss may be linked to higher PFAS exposure. The authors took blood samples from 178 middle-aged women. They also interviewed the women about behaviors possibly linked to PFAS exposure.
They found that women who flossed with Oral-B Glide tended to have higher levels of a PFAS compound called perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS). Out of the 18 dental flosses tested, six brands contained detectable levels of fluorine, a marker of PFAS. Two store-brand floss products with "compare to Oral-B Glide" labels and one with "Teflon fiber" also tested positive for fluorine.
Living in a city with PFAS-contaminated drinking water or in homes with stain-resistant carpets or furniture were also risk factors for higher PFAS blood levels. Regularly eating food prepared in coated cardboard containers was also linked to higher levels.
Risks
PFAS are known as "forever chemicals." They tend to remain in your body and environment indefinitely. People with higher blood levels of PFAS have a greater risk of complications like:
- Fertility concerns
- High cholesterol
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Low birth weight in newborns
- Reduced sex and growth hormones in children
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis, which causes inflammation of the colon and rectum
- Weakened immunity
One study found that women with higher levels of PFAS tend to have a slower metabolism. They may gain back more weight after dieting. The same was not true for men. The authors suspected the chemicals' effects on female sex hormones like estrogen may be responsible.
Using certain products leads to a "higher body burden" of PFAS, Katie Boronow, lead author and staff scientist at the Silent Spring Institute, told Health. "In other words, these chemicals don't stay put in products—they migrate out and into people's bodies. The more you're exposed, the higher the levels in your body."
The truth is that everyone has PFAS in their bodies from many sources. It's best to avoid future exposure rather than worry about what's already happened. Take non-stick cookware, for example. You do not have to throw out pots and pans you already own but do not stock up on new Teflon products.
"The exposure to you from your use of that pan isn't going to be so huge that it represents a significant health threat," Tom Brutton, PhD, a senior hazardous substances engineer at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control, told Health. "When it's time to buy a new one, perhaps look for one that doesn't contain PFAS."
Floss is not nearly as expensive as an entire set of cookware. It probably will not hurt to toss your floss if you prefer. Remember that not all coated flosses contain PFAS. You can check with manufacturers to figure out whether the floss you use contains PFAS.
Should You Stop Flossing?
It's important to floss daily to maintain oral health. Regular floss may not feel as nice on your teeth and gums, but reducing your PFAS exposure may be worth it. "Our study found that safer flosses are available, so people can choose to use dental flosses without PFAS," said Boronow.
In January 2019, the American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement that warned the study "may raise unwarranted concern about the safety of certain types of dental floss." The ADA also encouraged people to floss daily.
The ADA Science Institute found the study data "insufficient to support the conclusions presented." It pointed out that the study measured a marker for PFTE, but the women who reported using Glide were found to have elevated levels of PFHxS.
"We have confirmed none of the substances in the report are used in our dental floss," an Oral-B spokesperson also told Health in an email. "The safety of the people who use our products is our top priority. Our dental floss undergoes thorough safety testing and we stand behind the safety of all our products."
More studies are needed to confirm if flossing with Oral-B Glide elevates PFAS levels. You can avoid Oral-B Glide floss or any floss that's marketed for its "glide ability" to reduce your PFAS exposure.
The study lends more evidence to the idea that consumer products are an important source of PFAS exposure. There are several sources of PFAS. Every exposure adds up, so any steps you can take to reduce your exposure may be helpful.
