You don’t want tartar building up on your teeth but chances are you don’t want a nice layer of PFAS chemicals there either. Researchers have known for years that some premium dental floss contains PTFE, a slick component of the PFAS family but it hasn’t been general knowledge.
That’s about to change as manufacturers begin removing the substance that makes dental floss glide smoothly through your teeth, according to a report in The Washington Post. Replacing it will be a micro-textured fiber that uses nylon and an elastic polymer called Pebax.
The change is meant to be beneficial but the immediate result is that flossing won’t be quite as luxurious as it has been. Consumers are finding that the floss no longer slips elegantly through their teeth; instead it has become rougher and less slippery, making it a chewier experience all around.
The problem with PFAS chemicals, of course, is that while they’re nice and smooth, they persist in the environment more or less indefinitely. They’re been associated with elevated cholesterol, liver enzyme changes, pregnancy complications and low birth weight, among other undesirable effects, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Not a new discovery
There’s really nothing new about this. Researchers have known for years that blood samples from women who used Oral-B Glide and 17 other dental floss products had higher concentrations of a specific PFAS chemical. But the studies did not nail down any documented health effects of floss containing the chemicals and there has never been any proof that dental floss causes cancer or other serious diseases.
Nevertheless, companies including Colgate and Procter & Gamble have been eliminating the substances from their floss products, according to the Post report, blaming the decision on consumer concerns.
While the overall effect of the changes may be beneficial, consumers may notice a rougher experience next time they floss. The companies say that doesn’t mean the new floss is less effective at cleaning teeth but concede it may not glide quite as smoothly as it once did.
Is it a scandal that it has taken so long for this to become public knowledge? Some activists say yes but other observers say that manufacturers are constantly refining the formulations of their products, seeking a better user experience and unless there is a clear and present danger to consumers, there’s no need for recalls, regulatory actions or lawsuits.
For consumers hoping to keep their teeth, the advice of most experts is to keep flossing and choose a floss that doesn’t have intentionally added PFAS. The American Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day and cleaning between teeth once daily with floss or another interdental cleaner.
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