Oct
Depending on the brand you’re using, your dental floss may be exposing you to dangerous chemicals.
Maintaining good oral health is an integral component of overall well-being, and flossing has long been regarded as a healthy habit in oral care routines. However, recent research has raised concerns about the safety of certain types of dental floss, particularly their potential to contain harmful chemicals that could find their way into our bodies.
A study conducted in 2019 and published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology revealed that women who regularly used dental floss, particularly Oral-B Glide dental floss and several other brands, had elevated levels of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in their blood compared to those who did not use dental floss. Notably, the study also identified the presence of fluorine in Glide dental floss and some of its competitors, which is an indicator of PFAS chemicals.
The implications of this study are disconcerting, as PFAS compounds have been associated with serious health concerns such as cancer, fertility issues, and weight gain. However, it is essential to assess the extent of our worry regarding the potential risks posed by our nightly dental care routine. To gain a better understanding of this issue, let’s delve deeper into the world of PFAS, their prevalence, and the implications of their presence in dental floss.
Understanding PFAS
Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) belong to a class of chemicals commonly used to make various materials water- and grease-resistant. They are prevalent in numerous consumer products, including fast-food wrappers, non-stick cookware, flame-retardant fabrics, and water- and stain-resistant clothing, among others. People encounter PFAS through the products they use, the foods they consume, household dust, and even contaminated drinking water.
What sets PFAS apart is their classification as “forever chemicals” due to their tendency to persist indefinitely in both the human body and the environment. Extensive research has linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including cancers, liver and thyroid diseases, developmental problems during pregnancy, and compromised immune systems. The severity of the concern surrounding PFAS has prompted the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to release a Strategic Roadmap plan aimed at addressing PFAS contamination nationwide, with a particular focus on limiting PFAS levels in drinking water.
The Link Between Dental Floss and PFAS
The study published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology marks the first instance in which dental floss has been associated with PFAS exposure. Researchers conducted this study by taking blood samples from 178 middle-aged women, half of whom were white, and the other half African American. Additionally, the women were interviewed about nine behaviors that might be linked to higher PFAS exposure, including regular flossing and fast-food consumption, as there was a suspicion that certain types of dental floss were similar to Teflon.
The findings of this study revealed that women who used Oral-B Glide dental floss, known for its “50% easier sliding in tight spaces,” had elevated levels of a specific PFAS compound called perfluorohexanesulfonic acid (PFHxS). Out of the 18 dental floss products tested, six brands contained detectable levels of fluorine, which is indicative of PFAS. Store-brand floss products labeled as “compare to Oral-B Glide” and another brand described as “Teflon fiber” also showed positive results for fluorine.
Furthermore, living in areas with PFAS-contaminated drinking water and residing in homes with stain-resistant carpets or furniture were associated with higher PFAS levels in the blood. Among African American participants, frequent consumption of food prepared in coated cardboard containers, such as French fries and take-out, was also linked to elevated PFAS levels.
The Concerns Surrounding PFAS
The concerns surrounding PFAS are not to be taken lightly. Previous research has demonstrated that adults with higher levels of PFAS in their blood face an increased risk of kidney and testicular cancer, high cholesterol, fertility problems, and ulcerative colitis. Elevated PFAS levels have also been associated with lower birth weights in newborns, thyroid disease, compromised immunity, and reduced levels of sex and growth hormones in children.
A study published in PLOS Medicine in 2018 indicated that women with higher PFAS levels tend to have slower metabolisms and are more likely to regain weight after dieting compared to those with lower levels. However, this phenomenon was not observed in men, leading researchers to suspect that PFAS’s impact on female sex hormones might be responsible.
One of the key takeaways from these findings is that PFAS compounds are ubiquitous in many consumer products. Additionally, research has shown a correlation between the use of these products and a “higher body burden” of PFAS. In simpler terms, these chemicals do not remain confined to the products themselves but can migrate out and enter the human body. The more one is exposed to PFAS, the higher the levels that accumulate in the body.
Should You Stop Flossing?
Despite the concerns raised by this study, it is crucial to clarify that it does not advocate for discontinuing the practice of flossing altogether. Flossing remains an essential component of oral hygiene and is widely recognized as a beneficial habit for maintaining dental health. Furthermore, additional research is needed to establish a definitive association between dental floss and elevated PFAS levels.
The study authors suggest that consumers can identify dental floss products containing PFAS by scrutinizing advertising claims. In essence, avoiding dental floss marketed for its “glide ability” can help individuals steer clear of PFAS-containing floss. While it is true that traditional floss may not provide the same level of smoothness as its PFAS-laden counterparts, many alternatives that are free from PFAS are available.
Katie Boronow, a staff scientist at the Silent Spring Institute and the lead author of the study, emphasizes that safer floss options are readily accessible. In her view, it may be worthwhile to prioritize reducing chemical exposure, even if it means compromising on the perceived glideability of dental floss. She states, “Our study found that safer flosses are available, so people can choose to use dental flosses without PFAS.”
In response to these findings, the American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement in January 2019 cautioning against unwarranted concerns about the safety of certain dental floss types. The ADA asserted that the study data was “insufficient to support the conclusions presented.” They highlighted a limitation of the study, which measured a marker for PFTE, even though women who reported using Glide floss were found to have elevated levels of PFHxS instead.
How Worried Should You Be?
It’s important to recognize that most individuals already have PFAS in their bodies, acquired from various sources. Instead of dwelling on past exposure, it is more prudent to focus on reducing future exposure to PFAS. For instance, in the case of non-stick cookware, it is not necessary to discard existing pots and pans. However, individuals can make informed choices by avoiding new Teflon products that contain PFAS.
Tom Brutton, a PFAS researcher and fellow at the Green Science Policy Institute, suggests that while the use of a specific pan may expose an individual to PFAS, the exposure is not substantial enough to pose a significant health threat. Nevertheless, when the time comes to replace cookware, considering alternatives that do not contain PFAS is a proactive step.
Considering that dental floss is relatively inexpensive compared to an entire set of cookware, individuals who prioritize caution may choose to discard their current dental floss and opt for PFAS-free alternatives. It’s important to note that not all coated flosses contain PFAS, and consumers can inquire with manufacturers to determine whether the floss they use contains these chemicals.
In summary, while concerns have been raised about the presence of PFAS in dental floss, it is crucial to maintain good oral hygiene practices. Flossing remains a valuable habit for oral health. Nevertheless, individuals can make informed choices by selecting dental floss products that do not contain PFAS, thus reducing their exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. This study underscores the broader issue of consumer products serving as sources of PFAS exposure, emphasizing the importance of minimizing such exposure whenever possible. In the face of the omnipresence of PFAS, every effort to reduce exposure can contribute to better overall health.
