Why Should You Care About Non Toxic Dental Floss?
We all agree that maintaining good oral hygiene is essential. But what if we told you that the dental floss you’re using might be doing more harm than good? By the end of this post, you’ll be aware of the hidden dangers in some dental floss brands and equipped with a list of the best non toxic alternatives. Let’s dive into the world of PFAS-free dental floss, discover why it’s the better choice for your health and the environment, and introduce you to the best brands out there.
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Why Are PFAS and Other Toxic Substances in Dental Floss a Concern?
PFAS, or polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a group of artificial toxic chemicals. These forever chemicals have been linked to various human health issues, including endocrine disruption, thyroid disease, testicular cancer, liver disease, and autoimmune diseases.
The presence of these chemicals in consumer products, including some dental flosses, is alarming. Artificial sweeteners and flavors in some floss can also harm oral health.
Studies have shown that individuals using certain conventional flosses have higher PFAS levels in their system. A study by Environmental Health News and Mamavation found that 33% of tested flosses have organic fluorine, a marker for the presence of PFAS. Even more alarming, some PFASs have been found in umbilical cord blood, indicating exposure in the womb.
How Does Traditional Floss Compare to Non Toxic Alternatives?
Conventional dental floss, often recommended by the American Dental Association, sometimes contains these PFAS compounds, artificial sweeteners, and flavors. On the other hand, non-toxic dental floss is made without these harmful substances, ensuring a safer flossing experience.
What Environmental Impact Does Dental Floss Have?
Dental floss, a staple in many oral care routines, has a more significant environmental impact than you might think. Conventional flosses are typically made from nylon or Teflon, both non-biodegradable materials. This means that after use, they can persist in the environment for years, contributing to the growing problem of microplastic pollution.
Moreover, the plastic packaging of many floss brands further exacerbates the issue. These plastic containers, often used just once and then discarded, end up in landfills, oceans, and other ecosystems, posing threats to wildlife and the environment.
However, there’s good news: a growing awareness of these environmental concerns is leading to the emergence of safer, sustainable floss options. These eco-friendly alternatives prioritize product safety and reduce the environmental impact of packaging.
By opting for these sustainable choices, you are ensuring your oral hygiene safety and making a conscious decision to reduce your environmental footprint. It’s a small step, but when adopted by many, it can lead to significant positive change for our planet.
What are the Different Types of Non Toxic Dental Floss?
- Silk Floss: A biodegradable dental floss often packaged in a refillable glass container.
- Bamboo Floss: A sustainable, biodegradable choice made from bamboo fibers.
- Corn Fiber Floss: Gentle on the gums and made from plant-based materials.
- Nylon Floss: Some brands offer PFAS-free versions, making it a safer synthetic material option
The Importance of Ingredients in Dental Floss
When shopping for a pfas free dental floss brand, it’s essential to check all the ingredients. Natural dental floss ingredients like candelilla wax, carnauba wax, and essential oils are preferable. These ingredients ensure a non-toxic flossing experience and often provide added benefits like soothing the gums.
Help me get started!
Do you want to live a less-toxic, more eco-friendly lifestyle but have no idea where to begin? Here’s our “Non-Toxic 101” guide to get you started today!
Vegan Options and Biodegradable Choices: The Future of Dental Floss
The demand for vegan and biodegradable products is on the rise. Vegan floss options, like bamboo and corn, made without animal-derived ingredients, are favorites among ethically-conscious consumers. Biodegradable options, like silk and bamboo floss, decompose naturally, making them environmentally friendly.
Floss Picks: What You Need to Know
While floss picks offer convenience, many contain harmful PFAS chemicals. It’s crucial to choose brands that are transparent about their ingredients. Biodegradable picks are now available, offering both convenience and sustainability.
The Best Non Toxic Dental Floss Brands
1. EcoRoots Zero Waste Bamboo Floss:
- Material: Bamboo fiber with activated charcoal.
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Fluoride-free, gluten-free.
- No preservatives, colorings, or artificial sweeteners.
- Refillable zero waste glass container with recyclable metal lid.
- Breaks down in 60-90 days.
- Additional Ingredients: Candelilla plant vegan wax, organic peppermint oil, organic tea tree oil.
- Material: Non-gmo compostable corn natural dental floss
- Vegan and cruelty-free.
- Fluoride-free, gluten-free.
- No preservatives, colorings, or artificial sweeteners.
- Refillable glass container with recyclable metal lid.
- 100% zero waste biodegradable.
- Additional Ingredients: Candelilla plant vegan wax, organic peppermint oil, organic tea tree oil.
2. The Humble Co. Natural Floss Picks:
- Material and Design: 53% plant-based material; double-threaded.
- Free from PFAS, PTFE, BPA.
- Vegan, cruelty-free
- 50 floss picks per pack.
3. Smart Life Co Dental Floss Picks:
- Smart Life Adult Flossers
- Material: Biodegradable straw wheat handles; nylon-4 floss (a biodegradable nylon).
- Thin thread for tight gaps and sensitive teeth.
- Recyclable; zero-waste packaging.
- Each order plants a tree in the US.
- PFAS-free dental floss brand
- Smart Life Kids Flossers
- Material and Design: Bamboo ash thread; straw wheat handle; multi-colored.
- Plant-based; corn starch handles; kraft paper box packaging; no microplastics.
- 75 flossers per pack.
- USDA Certified Organic
- PFAS-free
4. Tom’s of Maine Dental Floss:
- Material: Naturally waxed nylon filaments.
- Spearmint flavor.
- No artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
- Cruelty-free.
- PFAS-free
5. Cocofloss Delicious Mint Dental Floss:
- Material: Recycled water bottles.
- Scent: Natural spearmint oil, cornmint oil, anise camphor, menthol.
- Additional Ingredients: Coconut oil, vegan wax.
- BPA-free, paraben-free, SLS-free, PFAS-free, cruelty-free.
- Compostable packaging; habitat conservation partnership.
6. Boka Floss:
- Material: Natural vegetable wax coating over nylon.
- Flavors: Ela Mint or Cinna Mint.
- Length: 30 yards.
- Teflon-free, petroleum-free.
- PFAS-free
7. Me Mother Earth Charcoal Bamboo Dental Floss:
- Material: Bamboo Charcoal Fiber.
- Vegan Candelilla Wax.
- Flavor: Peppermint Essential Oil.
- Biodegradable, vegan, cruelty-free.
- Recyclable or compostable.
8. Plantish Future Corn Starch Dental Floss:
- Material: Cornstarch-based PLA (Polylactic Acid).
- Compostable, vegan, plastic-free.
- Bamboo container; easy floss cutting.
- Case Options: Glass, Stainless Steel, Bamboo.
- Candelilla Plant Wax
9. Better & Better Natural Floss in Glass Jar:
- Material: Castor bean nylon.
- Vegan, eco-friendly, zero waste.
- Refillable glass jar.
- Free from Teflon, petroleum, sulfates, parabens, artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.
- PFAS-free
10. TreeBird Pure Silk Eco Floss:
- Material: 100% compostable pure peace silk.
- Plant-based Candelilla wax.
- All-natural mint essential oil.
- No artificial colors or fragrances
- Reusable and refillable glass container, compostable kraft paper packaging with soy-based ink.
- PFAS-free
11. Beautiful Mind Eco-Friendly Dental Floss Picks:
- Material and Design: All-natural materials; bamboo ash thread.
- Plant-based.
- Corn starch handles disintegrate upon disposal.
- Kraft paper box packaging; no microplastics.
- Packaging and Quantity: 75 flossers per pack.
- PFAS-free
12. Radius Natural Biodegradable Silk Floss:
- Material: Pure silk.
- Sustainability: Biodegradable, compostable, toxin-free; plant wax.
- Ingredients: Natural Silk Thread, Organic Carnauba Wax.
- Unflavored and free from glutens, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, unnatural coloring, phthalates, parabens and PFAS
- 100% plastic-free packaging.
13. Public Goods Dental Floss:
- Material: 100% biodegradable silk.
- Coating: Candelilla wax.
- Scent: Peppermint.
- Eco-friendly glass bottle; refillable design.
- PFAS free dental floss brand
14. Dr. Tung’s Smart Floss:
- Material: Expanding polyester fibers.
- Plastic-free packaging; free from PTFE, PFAS.
- Eco-friendly kraft paper dispenser.
- Natural cardamom flavor; vegetable and beeswax coating.
15. Hello Activated Charcoal Infused Floss:
- Material: Activated charcoal-infused bamboo black natural dental floss
- PFAS-free
- Coated with vegan candelilla wax with xylitol
- Leaping bunny certified and non-gmo.
16. Dental Lace:
- Dental Lace Refillable Vegan Floss
- Material: 100% natural plant-based vegan floss made from corn
- Vegan and cruelty-free, carbon-neutral, 100% compostable
- Free of parabens, PFAS, and plastic.
- Eco-friendly zero-waste recyclable refill bags are certified compostable.
- Refillable glass container with a stainless steel lid with a built-in floss cutter.
- Dental Lace Refillable Silk Floss
- Material: 100% Mulberry silk natural dental floss.
- Natural and biodegradable silk material.
- Free of PFAS and plastic.
- Packaging is eco-friendly, zero-waste, 100% recyclable, certified FSC, and PCF-free.
- Refill bags certified compostable
- Candelilla wax coating.
- Refillable glass container.
- Stainless steel lid with a built-in floss cutter.
How to Choose the Right Brands of Non Toxic Dental Floss for You
Choosing the right non-toxic dental floss can be overwhelming with so many options. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Read the Ingredients: Always check the ingredient list. Avoid floss with PFAS chemicals, artificial sweeteners, and flavors.
- Consider the Packaging: Opt for brands that prioritize sustainable packaging using paper rather than plastic or reusable glass containers.
- Research the Brand: Look into the brand’s values and practices. Brands that prioritize sustainability and transparency are often a good choice.
- Seek Recommendations: Ask friends or family members who have made the switch to non toxic floss for their recommendations.
Why is it Important to Floss?
Flossing is more than just a step in your daily oral hygiene routine; it’s a cornerstone of good dental health. Every time you eat, food particles get trapped between your teeth. If left unchecked, this food debris can lead to the buildup of plaque, a primary cause of tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular flossing plays a crucial role in preventing these conditions. Removing food particles and plaque between your teeth significantly reduces the risk of developing cavities and gum infections. Moreover, flossing helps in reaching those tight spaces that your toothbrush might miss.
While brushing cleans the surface of your teeth, flossing ensures the spaces in between are just as clean. Together, they form a comprehensive cleaning system for your mouth for good dental health. Not only does it keep tooth decay and gum disease at bay, but it also ensures a brighter smile and fresher breath.
What About Using a Water Flosser Instead?
Water flossers, also known as oral irrigators, have gained popularity as an alternative to traditional string floss. They direct a stream of pulsating water to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from between teeth and below the gumline. Many people find water flossers more comfortable and efficient, especially those with braces, dental implants, or other dental work.
Water flossers can be particularly beneficial for individuals with limited dexterity or those who find string flossing challenging. While water flossers can be an effective tool for maintaining oral hygiene, using them correctly and consistently is essential. It’s also worth noting that while they can complement your flossing routine, some dental professionals recommend using them in conjunction with traditional floss for optimal oral health. Our favorite water flosser is by Waterpik.
Does The Toothbrush I Use Matter?
Yes! We prefer toothbrushes that are hygienic, non-toxic, and eco-friendly.
For electric toothbrushes, Foreo makes a superb sonic toothbrush made of plastic-free silicone, BPA-free, and phthalate-free. The brush heads last for six months and are made from medical-grade silicone with PBT polymer, bacteria-resistant bristles. Energy-efficient, the brush runs an entire year on a single charge!
For manual toothbrushes, we recommend ditching plastic and going with bamboo toothbrushes. Bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing natural resource. Both Eco-Roots and Zero Waste Store offer brushes with 100% compostable bamboo handles.
What Role Do Mouthwashes and Essential Oils Play in Good Hygiene?
A study compared dental floss and an essential oil mouth rinse. Their goal? To see which better-controlled gingivitis and plaque. Participants with mild gingivitis were observed over six months. They were divided into three groups. One group brushed and used the mouth rinse. Another brushed and flossed. The last group brushed and used a control rinse. The findings? The essential oil mouth rinse was as effective as flossing. Both reduced plaque and gingivitis significantly. This suggests that an essential oil-containing mouth rinse can be valuable to oral hygiene routines, especially for those with gingival inflammation.
Does Oral-B Floss Contain PFAS?
According to a recent study in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, certain types of dental floss may expose users to toxic chemicals linked with heart disease and cancer. The study specifically found that blood samples from women who used Oral-B Glide floss had higher PFAS levels than those who didn’t. When asked by USA Today about the study Oral-B’s response was, “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.”
Your dental care routine doesn’t have to come with adverse effects on your health or the environment. You’re taking a step towards a healthier mouth free from periodontal disease by choosing non-toxic, safe, pfas free dental floss brands without harmful chemicals. You’re also safeguarding your oral health from various PFAS-related issues, including immune system problems. Finally, you are making a responsible choice for the planet by reducing the microplastics in landfills and our oceans. Remember, every small change counts. So, next time you reach for that floss, ensure it’s a brand that cares about you and the environment.
For more information on how to avoid PFAS visit consumernotice.org.
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Title: How to Choose the Right Brands of Non Toxic Dental Floss for You, under sub-title #2: Consider the Packaging, on the 4th line it should read plastic instead of practice.
Thank you so much for pointing out this error! We strive for accuracy and clarity in all our content, and it’s incredibly helpful when our readers take the time to help us improve. The correction from “practice” to “plastic” under the subtitle “Consider the Packaging” has been made. We’re grateful for your sharp eye and your contribution to making our blog a better resource for everyone. Thank you for being a part of our community and for your support!