Dental Floss. A teensy weensy innocent little bathroom cabinet item, you’re thinking, right? I was thinking along the same lines, so I never really investigated it. One day, though, I wondered… and as I typed “What is dental floss made with?” into my Google search window, I wondered where the curiosity would lead. Jaw dropped. Information digested, and here’s your typical list of ingredients in the ‘big brands’ we all know:
- Nylon – Plastic / Petroleum based. Takes forever to break down in a landfill, and we globally use enough dental floss to circle the earth several times per year!
- Teflon – Yikes. If you’re not sure why Teflon is a big no-no, read my post on Teflon here. Basically, we’re getting right in there with these harmful, hormone-altering PFCs, into our gums and leaching into our bloodstream, with a big fat notorious carcinogen – Fabulous! Not… Dare we talk about the fact that they’re known as ‘forever chemicals’ that never break down?
- Synthetic Wax covering made from more, you guessed it, petroleum.
Before you decide never to floss again, don’t! Flossing means smaller dental bills, plays a super important role in dental health, and that can only be an excellent thing! I can tell you that Oral-B honestly answered my hubby’s question on their Facebook page, confirming Teflon coating of their floss – 10 points for transparency, I s’pose!
There are great, natural flosses out there! If you’re in the States or Canada, the Iherb link below to the Radius is your best bet.
Same goes for this Dental Floss with Activated Charcoal from Nourished Life is made of Bamboo charcoal filament coated with plant-based wax and Coconut Oil.
For a vegan-friendly option, try this plant-based dental floss SUPER BEE at Biome. It’s made from PLA, a bioplastic made from cornstarch and coated in candelilla wax.
If you’re not in Australia, you’ll find a favourite of mine – RADIUS, Natural Silk Floss – on iHerb.
So, by making the change to a sustainable, natural, beeswax- or uncoated-coated silk floss, you are avoiding a nasty forever chemical, PFAS, AND making a difference to our planet and your oral health – I believe that’s what we call a win-win-win.
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I think if everybody knew, they’d make the switch for sure, don’t you?
Low tox – Vote with your dollar for your health and the planet – and write to your MP to legislate a ban on the use of PFAS in consumer everyday products while you’re at it, because policy change changes the game.
