Your dental floss may contain toxic chemicals

A new study warns Oral-B Glide dental floss may contain toxic chemicals that could cause kidney and testicular cancer, as well as high cholesterol. The risk is especially high for women.

Researchers came to this conclusion after conducting a study on 178 middle-aged women, whose blood samples were tested for the presence of 11 different PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) - water-and grease-proof substances.

The results revealed women who flossed with Oral-B Glide were found to have higher levels of a type of PFAS called PFHxS (perfluorohexanesulfonic acid) in their body.

"This is the first study to show that using dental floss containing PFAS is associated with a higher body burden of these toxic chemicals," lead author Katie Boronow, a scientist at the institute, told a news portal. Adding, "The good news is, based on our findings, consumers can choose flosses that don't contain PFAS."

The team also tested for the presence of fluorine in 18 dental flosses. All of them tested positive. The study also discovered those who consumed food in coated cardboard containers or takeout, had higher blood levels of PFAS chemicals.

"Overall, this study strengthens the evidence that consumer products are an important source of PFAS exposure," Boronow said. "Restricting these chemicals from products should be a priority to reduce levels in people's bodies."