Is flossing linked to higher levels of PFAS in the body?
With all the talk about PFAS chemicals and the increased concern from patients about the risk of these chemicals in dental floss, we decided to do a little research ourselves. The good news is that most dental floss is safe, however, there are some brands to stay away from. Oral-B Glide and brands described as slippery, non-breakable, with non-shreddingTeflon-like properties did test positive for fluorine. In a study done by Public Health Institute’s Child Health and Development Studies, women who flossed with Oral-B Glide type floss tended to have higher levels of a type of PFAS call PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) in their body compared with those who used other waxed and non-waxed floss. Silent Spring Institute tested 18 dental flosses that show the 6 brands that tested positive.
The alternative to flossing would be a water irrigator. Many people find it much easier to use and just as or even more effective than regular flossing.
