The Toxic Truth About Dental Floss

Flossing has long been viewed as a non-negotiable aspect of good oral hygiene. We’re told from childhood that brushing alone isn’t enough and that flossing daily helps remove food particles and plaque that brushing can’t reach. But despite its benefits, few people question the materials in the floss itself—and as it turns out, the type of floss you use could be quietly undermining your health goals.

The Problem with Plastic-Based Floss

Most mainstream flosses are manufactured from synthetic materials like nylon or polyester, both derived from petroleum. These materials were chosen for their strength, elasticity, and durability—qualities that help the floss resist fraying during use. However, these same materials can also shed microplastic particles, which may become embedded in the gum tissue during flossing. Over time, these particles don’t just sit harmlessly in the mouth; they can contribute to chronic gum inflammation, weakening the foundation that keeps your teeth anchored. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Hazardous Materials provided evidence that microplastics interfere with the normal function of gingival fibroblasts—cells that are essential to maintaining gum structure and repair—potentially setting the stage for gum disease and systemic inflammation.

Toxic Coatings: PFAS and Hormone Disruptors

What’s worse, many popular floss brands don’t stop at synthetic threads—they often coat their floss with chemical compounds designed to improve performance. Chief among these are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, which are commonly used to make floss slide smoothly between teeth. PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals” because they persist in the environment and human tissues indefinitely. Research conducted at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that users of certain floss brands had significantly elevated levels of PFAS in their blood, indicating these chemicals are readily absorbed through the oral mucosa. PFAS exposure has been linked to a wide range of serious health outcomes, including disruption of thyroid function, decreased fertility, immune suppression, and even certain types of cancer.

The Problem with BPA and BPS in Everyday Items

As if microplastics and PFAS weren’t enough, many conventional floss products are still produced using bisphenol A (BPA) or its chemical cousin bisphenol S (BPS). These compounds are used to strengthen plastics and add flexibility, but both have been flagged as endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Even low levels of BPA or BPS exposure have been associated with a host of health issues ranging from reproductive dysfunction to metabolic disorders and neurological development concerns. According to a comprehensive review published in Reproductive Toxicology, these chemicals interfere with hormone-signaling pathways, particularly those related to estrogen and androgen function. This is especially concerning when exposure occurs through the mouth—a highly absorptive entry point where chemicals can rapidly enter the bloodstream without being filtered by the liver first.

Your Mouth Is a Gateway to the Rest of Your Body

What happens in the mouth doesn’t stay in the mouth. The oral cavity is lined with mucosal tissue that is thinner and more permeable than the skin, allowing substances to pass directly into systemic circulation. This means that microplastics, PFAS, BPA, and BPS from your floss don’t remain localized—they travel throughout the body and can accumulate in organs and tissues over time. Chronic inflammation in the gums is now recognized as a contributing factor to systemic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, autoimmune conditions, and even neurodegenerative disorders. By using toxic floss daily, you may unknowingly be introducing small but consistent doses of harmful substances that slowly erode your health.

Why Reducing Your Toxic Load Matters

At True Cellular Formulas, we emphasize the importance of reducing toxic exposure at the cellular level. Detoxification isn’t just about flushing out known toxins—it’s also about preventing ongoing exposure from everyday products. Something as routine as flossing should be a health-supportive practice, not one that introduces new risks. When we repeatedly use products that contain plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, we burden the body’s detoxification systems, including the liver, kidneys, and lymphatic system. Over time, this toxic load can overwhelm these systems, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, hormone imbalance, brain fog, and chronic inflammation.

Healthier Floss Alternatives Worth Considering

Fortunately, non-toxic alternatives to conventional floss are now readily available. Silk floss, made from natural silk fibers and often coated in beeswax or essential oils, offers a biodegradable, chemical-free solution that is just as effective at removing debris between teeth. It’s strong yet gentle and free from petroleum-based plastics and PFAS. Innovative plant-based floss options derived from corn fiber or bamboo charcoal provide effective cleaning while being kind to your health and the environment. These products don’t introduce microplastics or hormone-disrupting chemicals, making them a safer choice for anyone focused on long-term wellness.

Complementary Tools for Oral Hygiene

In addition to switching your floss, consider adding interdental brushes or wooden toothpicks to your routine. Interdental brushes are small, reusable tools designed to clean between teeth and are particularly useful for individuals with wider gaps or dental work. Wooden toothpicks, especially those made from natural hardwood and free of varnishes, are also effective at dislodging food particles. These simple tools allow you to maintain oral health without the need for potentially toxic coatings or synthetic fibers.

Making a Smarter Choice for Everyday Detox

The products we use every day either help us detox or contribute to our toxic load. At True Cellular Formulas, we view detox as a daily practice, not just a short-term program. Switching to a safe, chemical-free floss might seem insignificant, but it’s these consistent, everyday choices that protect long-term health at the cellular level. Reducing toxic exposure gives your body more bandwidth to heal, regenerate, and function optimally. That’s why something as small as dental floss can impact your wellness.

1. Sarkar, Pradip, et al. “Microplastics and Their Impact on the Gut Microbiota: An Emerging Threat to Human Health.” Journal of Hazardous Materials, vol. 429, 2022,.
2. Harvard Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. “Is Your Dental Floss Toxic?” Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 8 Jan. 201.
3. Rochester, Johanna R. “Bisphenol A and Human Health: A Review of the Literature.” Reproductive Toxicology, vol. 42, 2013, pp. 132–155. National Center for Biotechnology Information.
4. Simon, Matt. A Poison Like No Other: How Microplastics Corrupted Our Planet and Our Bodies. Island Press, 2022.