Dental Floss Brands Remove Synthetic Chemicals
Manufacturers are updating formulas to replace synthetic materials like PTFE with safer fiber alternatives.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Home Cleaning
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Major dental floss manufacturers are reformulating their products to remove synthetic materials like PTFE and PFAS chemicals. This shift impacts households choosing dental hygiene items, as recent efforts prioritize safer ingredients in response to health research.
Why it matters
Manufacturers are transitioning away from these substances following studies that link fluorine-based chemical exposure to potential health risks, including immune and reproductive concerns. These changes are also driven by consumer demand and tightening state regulations on PFAS usage.
Researchers identified fluorine in 6 of 18 dental floss products tested, while 11 categories of consumer goods now face PFAS restrictions in Minnesota. Colgate began phasing out PTFE in 2022, and Procter and Gamble updated its Oral-B Glide formula by 2026.
The players
Procter and Gamble
A global consumer goods company known for health and hygiene products including the Oral-B brand.
Silent Spring Institute
A research organization focused on the links between environmental chemicals and human health.
Colgate
A multinational oral care brand that manufactures toothpaste, brushes, and dental floss.
The details
Manufacturers are replacing PTFE with a Pebax polymer to maintain the strength and glide durability users expect. Researchers used fluorine as a diagnostic marker to detect the presence of Teflon-like materials in these products. Oral-B Glide, for example, now utilizes a micro-textured fiber blend consisting of nylon and elastic materials to ensure product effectiveness without synthetic chemicals.
Timeline
2019: Silent Spring Institute publishes study on floss and chemical exposure.
2022: Colgate begins removing PTFE from its dental floss line.
2025: Minnesota enacts a ban on intentional PFAS addition to consumer products.
2026: Procter and Gamble completes the reformulation of Oral-B Glide floss.
The Home Front
This industry-wide transition reflects a broader trend toward stricter state-level regulation of chemicals in household products. These moves follow a pattern of manufacturers proactively reformulating goods to align with new PFAS restrictions and shifting consumer safety standards.
Review the ingredient labels on dental floss products currently in your bathroom cabinet to identify potential synthetic materials. If you are concerned about your exposure to PFAS, consider switching to floss varieties that explicitly state they are PTFE-free or made from natural fibers.
The takeaway
Manufacturers are shifting toward safer fiber alternatives to reduce chemical exposure in oral care. You can easily manage this transition by checking your current dental products for PTFE and opting for reformulated versions that rely on nylon or elastic materials.
Further reading
For more on keeping your living space healthy, visit our Home Cleaning section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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