The Shocking Truth About Your Dental Routine: The Hidden Dangers of PFAS in Your Floss
Flossing plays a crucial role in maintaining dental health. It not only clears away food particles and plaque from between your teeth but has also shown associations with preventing long-term health conditions.
But did you know that the dental floss you use could potentially contain harmful chemicals - otherwise known as PFAS or "forever chemicals" - which have been linked to heart disease and cancer?
PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, give your dental floss the smoothness that lets it effortlessly glide through your teeth. But here's the catch - while they make your flossing experience a breeze, they might also be introducing a host of health risks.
Many dental floss contain a chemical called organic fluorine, which all PFAS “forever chemicals” have in common. Other possibilities of contaminants found inside organic fluorine are things like fluorinated pesticide residue or fluorinated pharmaceutical residue. None of these contaminants are something our customers want in their products.
WHY ARE PFAS BAD?
PFAS, commonly referred to as "forever chemicals," persist indefinitely in the environment and within the human body. They are considered "forever" because the body (and environment) cannot break these compounds down so they are not eliminated from the body. Essentially, these chemicals are stored indefinitely IN the body. They permeate various facets of daily life, from fast-food wrappers to stain-resistant products and even soil.
Adding to the concern is the high level of danger associated with these chemicals. Although establishing a direct link between PFAS and health issues poses challenges, the Centers for Disease Control notes their potential association with problems such as low birth weight, immune system complications, elevated cholesterol levels, and more. An article in Health further highlights the connection between PFAS and certain cancers and fertility issues.
In a study published in 2019 in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, researchers found that women who flossed with tooth floss product Oral-B Glide dental floss had higher levels of PFAS in their blood than those women who didn’t. After marker testing was run on Oral-B Glide, it was confirmed that this product had indications of PFAS “forever chemicals” intentionally added to the product.
This begs the question, "Does Glide dental floss contain PFAS?"
ORAL-B GLIDE DENTAL FLOSS LAWSUIT
Proctor and Gamble, the maker of Oral-B Glide dental floss faced a proposed class action that alleged it failed to disclose to consumers that the “Pro-Health” product likely contains synthetic “forever chemicals.”
The 20-page case claimed that although The Procter & Gamble Company (P&G) touted the Oral-B floss as part of its “Pro-Health” line of items, laboratory testing indicated that the product “likely contains” per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a category of synthetic chemicals believed to be harmful to humans and the environment, even at very low levels.
According to the lawsuit, PFAS persist and accumulate in nature over time, and can move through soil and contaminate drinking water. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally in the environment, the suit shared.
Use of PFAS in the manufacturing of dental floss and other products leads to the accumulation of PFAS in soil, water, humans, and elsewhere in the environment, threatening other organisms.
The filing claimed that the plaintiff, through his counsel, “screened” the Oral-B Glide dental floss and found “indicators” of PFAS. More specifically, the product was found to contain fluorine, a “reliable proxy for the presence of PFAS,” the case stated. Moreover, a peer-reviewed study identified the chemicals PTFE and PFHxS as being “associated” with Oral-B Glide products, according to the suit.
The case charged that P&G’s marketing of the dental floss “tends to mislead” consumers and is materially deceptive about the “true nature and quality of the Product.” According to the suit, P&G had a duty to disclose the “likely presence of harmful chemicals” to consumers, who reasonably do not assume the floss contains PFAS.
Although P&G disclosed on its website that PTFE is a material used generally in the manufacture of dental floss, it did not mention which Oral-B products contain the substance, or if it uses PTFE at all, the lawsuit relayed. The company also did not mention the use of PFHxS, the case added.
While the case was ultimately thrown out, it demonstrates the importance and widespread concern of PFAs in floss.
WHICH DENTAL FLOSS HAS PFAS
Based on current research findings, it appears that certain brands of dental floss do indeed contain PFAS. A study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology in 2019 revealed that women using a specific PFAS-infused floss exhibited higher levels of these persistent chemicals in their bloodstream compared to those who did not use it.
Brands such as Oral-B, Colgate, and Solimo were among those identified to have PFAS in their dental floss formulations.
Surprisingly, the American Dental Association has been rather hush-hush about this issue. The silence raises questions about the potential risks associated with coated floss and whether there's a need for a closer look at our dental hygiene practices.
BEST DENTAL FLOSS WITHOUT PFAS
In a world where the quest for a dazzling smile sometimes comes at a hidden cost, it's essential to make informed choices. Your oral health deserves more than just a routine; it deserves a thoughtful, safe approach.
At Primal Life Organics, we never use toxic chemicals in our products. Free from SLS, triclosan, PFAS, fluoride, and all toxic chemicals, our products are designed to keep your mouth, skin, and body healthy from the inside out.
Our Bamboo-charcoal Dental Picks are a safe way to elevate your oral care routine and bid farewell to the 'Forever Chemicals.' Your smile deserves nothing less.
At Primal Life, we are committed to providing healthy alternatives to contaminated commercial personal care products.
Our mission is to inspire thriving lifestyles by providing clean personal care products made with natural ingredients and education that empowers healthy choices.
That's why even our dental floss makes YOU and your teeth feel good!
Gone are the days of struggling with fluoride and toxic tangled string that breaks or gets stuck between your teeth.
Not only are our Dental Floss Picks made of plant-based materials which are eco-friendly, they are infused with detoxifying charcoal and cleansing mint for cleaner and fresher teeth and gums!
Flip it over and the cornstarch handle doubles as a pick! You can love knowing
it’s eco-friendly, infused with charcoal, and healthy for your gums - and it’s super easy for your kids to floss their own teeth!
Take the Primal Life Organics Dental Floss Picks with you wherever you go. Easy to carry in your purse or pockets!
YOUR EXPERIENCE:
- Love at first floss
- Get “tween” teeth without a struggle!
- You Only Have To Floss The Teeth You WANT To Keep...
- Pocket size and stylish
- A clean mouth, happy teeth, and healthy gums!
Resources:
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/exposure.html
https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/overview.html
https://www.health.com/condition/oral-health/pfas-floss
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41370-018-0109-y
