PFAS Free Floss: Clean Your Teeth In More Ways Than One
Your dentist says regular flossing is the key to a healthy smile. And they’re right, for the most part. But what if you’re using floss that contains harmful chemicals and carcinogens? Sadly, it’s more common than you’d hope. PFAS are found in everyday objects and household items, and they can have a big impact on your health. That’s a fact that might dim your smile a bit. But that’s where we come in! We’ve found some great PFAS-free floss that can help you keep those gums healthy—without all those nasty toxins.
What is PFAS-Free Floss, Exactly?
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they stay in your body and don’t break down in the environment. They’ve been linked to various health concerns, including liver damage, cancer, type 2 diabetes (source), and a host of other issues.
Many common dental floss brands are made with PFAS for much the same reason it’s used in nonstick pans: it helps improve the “glide” factor. PFAS-free floss refers to dental floss made without these synthetic chemicals.
What does “PFAS-free” mean in this context?
So, is Glide floss bad for you? What about Colgate? While we can’t speak for every brand, this study found people who used Oral-B Glide had higher levels of PFAS in their bodies than those who didn’t.
Now, don’t get it tangled: PFAS-free floss can clean your teeth just as well, if not better, than its slippery competitors. Non-slick floss is better for removing plaque, thanks to the extra friction.
When we talk about PFAS-free floss, we’re referring to floss made without these harmful chemicals or tested to ensure they’re safe and healthy to use.
Top 5 PFAS-Free Dental Floss Finds: How We Chose
To keep those pearly whites happy and healthy, we narrowed down our list by asking some important questions:
- Is it PFAS-free? — That’s why you’re here, after all.
- Does it contain other synthetic or potentially toxic ingredients? — PFAS isn’t the only compound that causes health problems. We looked for sensible, safe ingredients.
- Is it fairly priced and easy to buy? — To be useful, it has to be accessible first.
- Is it sustainable/made ethically? — We’re not just looking out for your health, but the health of the planet as well!
Our Picks
All featured products are chosen at the discretion of the author and DGHQ editors. However, Do Good HQ may make a small affiliate commission if you click through and make a purchase.
1. Cocofloss Dental Floss
| Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free |
| Material | BPA-free, non-PTFE-based floss with no added PFAs; 85% recycled polyester, coconut oil |
| Size | 33 yd (2-month supply) |
| Price at Publishing | $10.00 |
Cocofloss’ PFAS-free dental floss isn’t just safer for your smile, but it’s eco-friendly as well. They use polyester made from recycled water bottles, meaning less water consumption in manufacturing and lower CO2 emissions. The floss is free of common toxins and does a better job of cleaning teeth than your standard floss picks.
Highlights
In addition to the unscented option and traditional mint, this floss comes in fun flavors like banana, orange, gelato, or confetti cake. Their site also has a subscribe and save program, so you can stay stocked.
Things to Consider
Some subscribe and save customers say that popular flavors are sometimes out of stock for refills.
2. TreeBird Pure Silk Eco Floss Dispenser & Spools
| Certifications | Not listed |
| Material | Pure silk coated with plant-based candelilla wax, mint essential oil |
| Size | 33 yds per spool |
| Price at Publishing | $19.99 for dispenser and 3 spools |
It’s safe, it’s sleek, and it’s sustainable?! TreeBird’s compostable dental floss is the Earth-minded solution to disposable plastic floss picks. The floss is treated with plant-based wax and natural mint oil for a pleasant glide without the toxic additives.
Highlights
The durable stainless steel container can be refilled and reused, and even the packaging is compostable.
Things to Consider
At the time of publishing, the floss only comes in one minty flavor.
3. Nudge Clean Sustainable Pure Silk Dental Floss
| Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free |
| Material | Silk, candelilla wax |
| Size | $30 m |
| Price at Publishing | $6.99 for 1-pack |
If recycled water bottles and stainless steel aren’t speaking to you, Nudge’s pure silk PFAS-free floss comes in a chic glass container that you can keep and reuse again and again. The gentle floss is great for those with sensitive gums, and you can buy multi-roll packs for easy restocks.
Highlights
Nudge is a 1% For The Planet member. They also offer a subscribe and save option for many of their products.
Things to Consider
Some users say the floss is too delicate for those with “tight teeth” that are closely spaced.
4. DrTung’s Smart Floss
| Certifications | FSC-Certified packaging |
| Material | Cardamom oil, beeswax, one or more of: candelilla, carnauba, castor oil, and rice bran wax |
| Size | 30 yds |
| Price at Publishing | $11.58 for 2-pack |
This popular plastic- and PFAS-free floss is made with natural ingredients and flavors. It’s free of GMOs, allergens, silica, phthalates, and a laundry list of other chemicals and irritants you might want to keep out of your mouth. The floss is soft and smooth, but proven to be tough on plaque.
Highlights
The shape of the floss covers more surface area between teeth for better cleaning with a gentle feel.
Things to Consider
The floss is flavored with natural cardamom oil, which may not appeal to everyone.
5. Budget Find: Hello Charcoal-Infused Floss
| Certifications | Leaping Bunny Certified Cruelty-Free, FSC-Certified packaging |
| Material | PFAS-free activated charcoal-infused floss, vegan candelilla wax |
| Size | 54.6 yds |
| Price at Publishing | $4.99 from Hello / $6.99 on Amazon |
If your wallet is feeling light, we hope this budget-friendly PFAS-free floss will get you grinning! It’s textured for maximum cleaning power, and the string itself is infused with activated charcoal.
Highlights
Their site offers versatile subscribe and save options with flexible delivery schedules and discount options.
Things to Consider
The floss container itself isn’t refillable, like some of the other products on our list.
How to Choose the Best PFAS-Free Floss for Your Needs
Explain what to look for when choosing a product. (100-150 words)
- Who is the floss for? Not all floss is the same. Some textures, shapes, and strengths can be ideal for some mouths but not others. Consider sensitivity, flavor, and ease of use to be sure it’ll be effective.
- Do you want something unscented? Are you sensitive to smells and flavors? Not every brand offers an unscented option, but they are out there! And taste (or lack thereof) absolutely matters, especially if it’s something you want to use every day.
- How concerned are you about synthetic ingredients? Some PFAS-free flosses still contain synthetic materials and additives. Be sure to read all the ingredients before buying if you’re worried about anything unnatural.
If we wiped that smile off your face at the start, hopefully, it’s back by now! Whether you want something straightforward and sturdy or cake-flavored and fun, there are tons of great PFAS-free floss products to choose from.
Featured image via TreeBird
