The Dental Floss
By Jenn | May 20, 2008
I recently overheard a statistic about the “real age effect” of flossing– that it can add 7 years to your life. While I can’t find evidence to back that stat up, it’s true that the lowly act of regular flossing can lower your risk of heart disease, arterial issues, and diabetes. And when one’s family has a history of all three, it seems prudent to perhaps consider making flossing a part of one’s daily ritual. (I know I should have been flossing all along, but who has time, what with the sleeping and the blogging and the tying of shoes?)
I ambled over to my bathroom cabinet to check out the situation. Currently there are two kinds of floss in there, both samples given out by different dentists at my last two visits. It turns out that, considering the intimate nature of where floss goes, I’m not sure I want to use either of them.
First up is Glide floss: I’ve always been wary of using this floss because the package is branded with the “Gore” logo– as in Gore-Tex– as in, a waterproof coating which repels liquids. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the floss contains a light coating of beeswax, but beyond shocked to read that “Glide is made from polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE).” And PTFE by any other name is Teflon: “The oldest of the fluoroplastic family, first marketed under the DuPont trade name Teflon.” While I thank Goddess for Gore-Tex on my hiking boots, I don’t want to be putting Teflon between my teeth– if it’s generally not considered safe to cook with, then how is it ok to shove it beneath our gum line? Also, what is the “floss” part made of?
Next contender: Johnson & Johnson waxed mint flavor floss. I can’t find online product info for this, but I’m just going to assume that the “wax” is a petroleum-based product, as most waxes are. And I would be that the “mint flavor” does not come from natural peppermint essential oil. Granted, I could be totally wrong on both of these assumptions, but J&J is not generally known to be a particularly natural or holistic company, so I’m comfortable with my hypotheses. In the end, I don’t want to floss with a petroleum-based wax– and again, what is the “floss” part made from?
So here are the natural floss options I’m considering:
- Silk floss: Radius Natural Silk Floss, in either Unflavored or Cranberry (coated with pure unsweetened cranberry essence, which is removed during the action of flossing and deposited on the gums to help break up plaque)
- Nylon floss:Tom’s of Maine: “Our Natural Antiplaque Flat Floss is made of many strong nylon filaments woven together to prevent snapping or fraying. Prepared with a unique combination of natural waxes…”
- Indeterminate floss: Desert Essence Tea Tree floss: “Both Dental Floss and Dental Tape includes inherently antiseptic Tea Tree Oil for added protection and an excellent aid preventive dental care regimen.”
- Nylon: Eco-DenT GentleFloss: “Treated with enzymes and 14 natural essential oils… Vegan waxed using rice bran…Nylon, not silk: silk production involves chemical sterilization and can be dangerous and involve child labor. Nylon is clean and effective as a floss, without these problems… 100 yards per package–up to 300% more floss per package than other brands… Plastic-free, paper-fiber packaging is recyclable and bio-degradable.”
Have ya’ll used any of these more natural brands of floss, and do you have opinions on them? And, do we think nylon filament is “safe” to use as a flossing material?
[Image by via Creative Commons]
Topics: Health |
whoa - i never even thought about the actual make-up of floss! thanks for this post … i’ll be checking our cabinets and making some sort of decision (and probably adjustments).
so many things to do!!
Yes, here’s yet another thing to think about. We sure can make you crazy! :)
I was thinking about floss the other day as I threw it out in the trash… if only there was a solution for that also.
Hey Nicole, that might be a good topic for another post– DIY uses for dental floss! Um, ok, that’s just icky…
I’ve used Desert Essence before. The only problem I had with it was that it was hard to get between my teeth at first, but once I got the hang of it, flossing was a breeze.
Thanks for posting this, a good reminder for me to buy floss this weekend.
Hey Soli, thanks for the review! I tend to use the “tape” type of floss, as I’ve often found the “round” kind to be too thick.
Happy flossing!
I use Eco-DenT GentleFloss, and it works fine for me! I don’t like the stringy quality of Tom’s of Maine. It’s too thick or something, so it gets stuck between my teeth and when I finally get it out, it’s all shredded into separate strands. Hope that makes sense!
Plus, I really like that the Eco-DenT packaging is recyclable and that they pack more floss in one package than other brands.
Thanks for the review, Kelly! I definitely don’t want shredded nylon strands between my teeth, fo sho.
I also love that Eco-DenT uses recyclable paper packaging– so much better than those plastic cases! Think I’ll give this one a shot and see how it goes.
Nicole-I was thinking the same thing!
But wow, about the floss being made of all those icky things. It’s just amazing to me how much of our daily lives are manufactured and made from things that are themselves manufactured.
I’d like to try the Eco-Dent. Where do you find such things?
Hey nikkapotamus! I’ve seen the Eco-Dent at local natural food stores, so you can call around and see who carries it. Or, you can definitely find it online, if need be.
Haven’t used any of your alternatives, but as far as using “glide” floss or those that are really slippery smooth - I’ve heard that those shouldn’t be used because they are too slippery and don’t give enough friction to really clean between the teeth.
Hey Erin– that totally makes sense! Thanks for the info.
Where did you get the impression that PTFE is unsafe for cooking or pans? There are no studies or evidence on that matter at all. The hubbub about it has no scientific basis, unless you way overheat the pan to the point that the coating decomposes. PTFE is also used in surgical implants, like hip implants, used in a whole variety of medical catheters and other implantable devices for which there is no “natural” substitute. Next time, use your head, not your heart in making these decisions. The “floss” part, the actual string, is what is made of PTFE, extruded and stretched. PTFE is used because it is sterilizable and does not carry over contamination. Facts are hard things to deal with sometimes.
That’s the thing–in the world of dental floss, it appears there might actually be some alternatives. Even if you’re right, is it really so awful that people are thinking about what their everyday products are made of?
I’m certainly not opposed to hearing varying opinions of what’s safe and what isn’t, but you may have a better response to the knowledge you share if you share it without being condescending.
Thanks for the information, Patrick– I appreciate your input.
As Brandi stated in response, when there is a safe “natural” alternative to an “unnatural” version of a product, it just seems much more logical to use the one which has fewer health-related question marks around it. I understand what beeswax is, and I understand what silk is. Obviously I don’t have a chemists’ understanding of PTFE (also see our disclaimer post), however, it’s not too far of a leap to think that it might pose some health risks, as so many chemical compositions do. And living in a world in which I’m bombarded with chemicals, I’m just trying to cut down exposure where possible and prudent.
Thanks for sharing your facts with us. I will continue to use both my head *and* my heart in making decisions. :)
I’m not sure what floss I’m using. It’s silk, and the only silk floss I can find online is Radius, but the packaging doesn’t look the same. My floss came in a big package - 300yds if I’m remembering right.
It’s a round floss, and my teeth are fairly tight with at least one sharp place from dental work, so I was expecting to have problems with it, but I don’t. It doesn’t seem to shred as easily as the regular stuff I was using before, either.
When I pulled the first bit out of the package, it seemed like it had extra wax on it, so now I have a habit of running my fingers down the strand to get the excess wax to flake off before I start, but I’m not sure that there really is that much excess wax.
Not terribly helpful if you don’t know the brand of floss, sorry. I guess you can take it as a vote that silk is durable enough for even tight teeth that usually shred floss.
Thanks so much for the review, RM! Glad you like the silk floss– it’s definitely on my list of contenders.
I went and looked, and I’ve definitely got the Radius brand floss. I’ve thrown out the blister-pack it came in, so I’m not sure of the yardage, but it was slightly higher than the regular stuff I’d replaced it with, and that’s 40 yards, so I’m thinking I might have the 50M package (which is a little over 50yds.)
The plastic dispenser has a recycle symbol on it, but no plastic recycling code, so for me it is essentially unrecyclable because my community only takes #1 and #2.
I use Eco-Dent. I like how it is it’s own packaging and recyclable afterwards.
I have, however, gotten the box wet and smooshed on occasion and then re-spooled the floss into an old tom’s of maine dispenser. But i like eco-dent’s smoothness and texture.
Hey Sangu! Thanks for the review– I’m leaning towards the Eco-Dent myself. :)
So pleased you posted on this. I switched away from Glide awhile back but went no further than trying to get the old fashioned waxed kind. I was hoping to get something I could throw into my composted afterwards. Will the eco-dent biodegrade or just the packaging? it’s nylon so probably doesn’t. child labor issues with silk sound scary and avoidable as well. fwiw I think tea tree oil’s been accused of being an endocrine disruptor so I wouldn’t want it in my mouth. thanks for a great post.
Hey Mama! I’m pretty sure the nylon floss won’t ever biodegrade, which really, really sucks. However, so does child labor, so…
And regarding the tea tree oil/endocrine disruptor thing– I’ve read that too, but have also read that there haven’t been any definitive studies on this yet– I could be wrong, so would love more info on this if anyone has it.
I don’t like to floss, but when i do I ALWAYS use Tom’s of Maine. I go for the unflavored kind, but if you like your floss minty they have a few flavors too, like cinnamint.
I would way rather support a natural/organic/eco savvy company then just any old mega rich hoopla floss making company… i feel safer and also know that i am paying for people to continue to find less and less toxic ways of creating care products.
Note to Patrick above : it’s not only about the actual ingredient of the floss string, but a multi level question of what companies to support and what products to choose- what goes into making these products, workers rights, etc…… the real fact is, simple one sided facts just are not reliable for consumers anymore.
Hey Leslie! You know, the only thing with the Tom’s floss is that Tom’s is now owned by Clorox, so in essence you are supporting a mega rich hoopla floss making company, albeit a natural/organic/eco savvy one. Man, it’s rough when those lines get fuzzy! Decisions are definitely not nearly as clear anymore…
Can’t believe Tom’s sold out! Dang it ! And their products are gluten free !
i haven’t tried all of those, but many of them. the ONLY kind i can get between my teeth is glide. at least it’s less waste than those plastic picks my dentist tries to get me to use!
Wow, I’ve never thought it through either, but I can now officially say I will be trying the Eco-Dent floss asap!! Thank you for the Rockstar information! :)
what do you guys think of this thing?
http://www.brytonpick.com/
looks like it might be hard to use in back teeth, but i like the idea of it…
Hey Brandy– I’d never seen it before, and I’m not sure. On one hand, it’s marketed as “disposable” and they suggest that one replace it after 30 days of use (though I’m not at all sure why, as it’s easy to clean metal and plastic). On the other hand, if you don’t really have to dispose of it but rather could reuse it forever, well, then it seems like it have a smaller footprint over time than any other type of disposable floss. So, not sure! If you try it out, let us know what you think.
Yeah, I tried the Brytonpick. It is very interesting. Took me a few tried to ‘get’ how to slide in between my teeth, I got used to it…its pretty easy. It’s definitely a great alternative for when you can’t floss…They send three, i practiced with the first one and have to more. It’s been about 2 weeks and its fine, so its definetly reusable. Made from stainless steel - really thin- so its easy to clean. And get this- it;s actually made in the USA - how many floss product are made in the USA today? I bought from their website, there is a video there on how to use it also….
Check it out: www.brytonpick.com
Thanks for the comment, Mike, it’s good to know that Brytonpick is reading Tiny Choices!
Hey Jenn,
check out the ‘use’ video on youtube, just type in Brytonpick…
Want to try it for yourself? I can send some! It would be my pleasure…
Re: alternatives for dental floss over throwing it out…as Kari can attest I’ve used it for a variety of things other than my teeth (I don’t floss). It is all sorts of strong and is good for hanging things like pictures and other baubles from the wall or ceiling. I’ve also used it to make impromptu necklaces when at the beach, i.e. a small shell with a hole that nature made screams out necklace to me. I bet you can reuse the case for regular thread; sort of a small sewing kit. You probably can use the floss to sew for that matter…perhaps as a waterproof-ish thread to fix a tent? All I’m saying is that I think it pays off to have the run of the mill dental floss in a first aid kit
Re: alternatives to traditional dental floss…I feel like the power of celery strings is untapped.
A new friend tonight suggested knitting a sweater out of the Glide floss, in order to have a waterproof and breathable outdoors garment. I think that’s a brilliant idea. :)
awesome and interesting post!
[…] don’t have to perform the onerous task of doing the actual research myself. Woohoo! Check out The Dental Floss post for more […]
Wow! Thanks for raising awareness about this…I’m a Glide gal myself, but I guess I’ll have to re-evaluate!
this article talks about how BURT’S BEES is owned by Clorox, and that Tom’s is owned in part by Colgate/Palmolive. It talks about the history of Tom’s and how the original owner still lives in a turkey coop! http://www.theledger.com/article/20080113/NEWS/801130317/1178
Thanks for the link, green eye! I’ve read about Burt before and he sounds like an amazing character. What a life story!
‘Yeah, I tried the Brytonpick. It is very interesting. Took me a few tried to ‘get’ how to slide in between my teeth, I got used to it…its pretty easy. It’s definitely a great alternative for when you can’t floss…They send three, i practiced with the first one and have to more. It’s been about 2 weeks and its fine, so its definetly reusable. Made from stainless steel - really thin- so its easy to clean. And get this- it;s actually made in the USA - how many floss product are made in the USA today?
Check it out: www.brytonpick.com
Regarding the Brytonpick, I’m a dental hygienist, and I have to say that based on the video demo, the brytonpick isn’t going below the gumline (there are two areas between each tooth). Flossing below the gumline is just as important, if not more important, than flossing between the teeth. I’ve had patients who claim they floss daily, yet wonder why they have gum disease. It’s because you have to get the plaque under the gums. If you floss your gums, your teeth will get clean. So proper flossing is more important than most realize- more people lose their teeth to gum disease than to decay. I admit I haven’t tried it, but the brytonpick looks like it could easily lacerate the gums if you try to go below the gumline. Ouch.
Ok, thanks for checking it out, though I would encourage you to try it before judging it; pro to pro its important to have options for patients who don’t floss, and something cool for those who do. Bryton isn’t meant to be forced into the gums, but it can massage the gum line. As you saw in the video there was no damage done to the gums or lips…you can see that when the model swipes it against the gum line and lips…
I am an oral care professional, lets remember how plaque forms: it does not originate below the gum line, rather it forms on dental surfaces and between contacts, then migrates as the bacteria multiplies moving below the gum line and into periodontal pockets…that is where the real problem begins. So I agree it is very important to clean below the gum line, look at Bryton as a supplement to your flossing regimen, and a great alternative for the majority that does not floss. By removing food debris and plaque from between teeth after every meal you increase your level of oral hygiene. Every dental product requires care to use properly…especially floss, so this is no different from anything else… It is reusable…sanctioned by FDA for up to 30 days…less waste for sure! Thanks! ?
[…] a couple months back, Tiny Choices and readers gave some ideas on floss that has a reduced environmental impact than your …. So I tried one of […]