Stop Using Plastic Floss

Flossing is one of those daily habits that most people don’t question. You pick up whatever brand is available, run it between your teeth, and move on. But what if that simple habit was exposing you to toxic chemicals that could be interfering with your health? Even flosses marketed as “eco-friendly” or “natural” often contain hidden dangers that most people have no idea about.

Many of the most popular floss brands, including those found in health food stores, contain synthetic materials like nylon or even Teflon—the same chemical found in non-stick cookware and industrial plumbing tape. If that sounds like something you wouldn’t want in your mouth, you’re right. Every time you floss with a synthetic floss, you could be exposing yourself to harmful per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known as “forever chemicals” because they accumulate in the body and are nearly impossible to break down.

The Hidden Dangers in Your Floss

Flossing is meant to keep your teeth and gums healthy, but if you’re using floss coated in Teflon or made from plastic-based fibers, you’re introducing toxic compounds directly into your body. PFAS chemicals, which are commonly used in water-resistant coatings (including in floss to help it glide more easily between teeth), have been linked to a wide range of health concerns. Studies have connected PFAS exposure to hormonal imbalances, liver damage, immune dysfunction, thyroid disorders, reproductive issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers.

Here’s how it happens: When you floss with a PFAS-coated floss, small amounts of these chemicals can be released and absorbed into your gums. If your gums bleed—something common when flossing—the exposure is even more direct. Since PFAS chemicals accumulate in the body, daily exposure over months or years could have serious long-term consequences.

Microplastics in Your Mouth

Even if your floss isn’t coated in PFAS, it’s probably still made from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester.^[1] These flosses shed microplastics—tiny plastic particles that can break off and get lodged in your gums or swallowed. Microplastics are an invisible but growing health concern, and studies now show that they are being detected in human blood, lungs, and even placentas.

Why does this matter? Microplastics have been linked to inflammation, gut microbiome disruption, oxidative stress, and immune system dysfunction.^[2] While researchers are still uncovering the full impact of microplastic exposure, the fact that they’re now being found in human organs and tissues is alarming.

Microplastics also don’t disappear after use. Every piece of plastic floss you toss in the trash contributes to long-term environmental pollution. Unlike natural fibers, plastic floss does not break down, meaning it lingers in landfills and oceans for centuries, adding to the growing crisis of plastic waste.

Why Even “Eco-Friendly” Floss Can Be Deceptive

Some brands label their floss as eco-friendly, biodegradable, or natural, but these claims can be misleading. Many “biodegradable” flosses still contain synthetic additives or only degrade under industrial composting conditions. Others may remove PFAS but still use other questionable materials that aren’t entirely non-toxic.

Without careful label reading and research, it’s easy to assume you’re buying a clean, safe floss when you’re not. Many brands that market themselves as natural still use plastic-based materials or chemical coatings that can pose health risks over time.

The Best Alternatives: Natural Floss Options That Won’t Poison You

The best way to protect yourself from these hidden toxins is to switch to floss made from 100% silk or another natural fiber coated with beeswax or a similar natural wax. Unlike plastic floss, silk floss is biodegradable, toxin-free, and safer for both your body and the environment.

Silk floss may feel slightly different from conventional floss, but many people find it just as effective—if not better—at gripping onto plaque and debris between the teeth. The only downside? Most stores don’t carry truly non-toxic floss, meaning you’ll likely need to order it online. But when the alternative is exposing yourself to toxic chemicals daily, it’s worth the extra step.

Rethinking Your Dental Routine

Flossing is one of the simplest ways to support oral health, but if you’re using the wrong floss, it could be doing more harm than good. In today’s world, we are constantly exposed to environmental toxins. While some exposures are unavoidable, making conscious choices about personal care products—like switching to non-toxic floss—can minimize your toxic burden and support long-term health.

Your body works hard to detox from environmental pollutants, and the last thing it needs is daily exposure to PFAS, microplastics, or synthetic chemicals through your dental care routine. Ditching plastic floss in favor of natural alternatives is an easy but impactful way to reduce your toxic load and take better care of your health.

If you care about what goes into your body, it’s time to rethink what you’re putting in your mouth every day. Your teeth, gums, and overall health will thank you.

1. Jiao, Yan, et al. “Association Between Serum Levels of Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances and Dental Floss Use: The Double-Edged Sword of Dental Floss Use-A Cross-Sectional Study.” Journal of Clinical Periodontology, Jan. 2025.
2. Lee, Yongjin, et al. “Health Effects of Microplastic Exposures: Current Issues and Perspectives in South Korea.” Yonsei Medical Journal, vol. 64, no. 5, May 2023, pp. 301–08.