Glide · Dental Floss
Oral-B Glide Scope Mint Dental Floss
Lower-concern choice among flosses; ePTFE is Teflon-type coating but thin-film dental contact makes systemic exposure unlikely.
Oral-B Glide uses ePTFE (expanded Teflon-type coating), a Teflon-family coating with PFAS potential, but dental floss involves minimal ingestion and brief oral contact, systemic absorption risk is substantially lower than non-stick cookware or apparel. Oral-B does not disclose PFAS testing or claims; no third-party verification exists.
Shop Glide on Amazon →Material
Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) filament core / nylon/polyester coating
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Oral-B Glide uses an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) core, a porous form of Teflon-type coating that provides the characteristic slipperiness and durability of the floss. The filament is coated with nylon or polyester to add strength and texture. Because floss contacts only the oral mucosa briefly and is not swallowed, ingestion of coating or core material is negligible, making material leaching a minor concern compared to cookware or food storage products.
The brand's record and disclosure
Procter and Gamble (Glide's parent company) does not publicly disclose PFAS content in dental floss or comment on Teflon-type coating use in oral products. The brand has faced no significant recalls or safety controversies related to Glide floss. P&G has committed to phasing PFAS from some product lines by 2025, though dental floss is not explicitly mentioned in these pledges.
How it compares in its category
Glide is among the most widely used flosses and represents a middle-ground choice. Natural alternatives like silk floss avoid synthetic polymers entirely but are more expensive; waxed nylon flosses contain similar polymers with added petroleum wax; unwaxed flosses offer no coating but may be less effective for some users. ePTFE-based flosses are generally considered safe for oral contact by dental associations.
If you buy it
Use as directed: one strand per tooth, discarded after use. Floss does not require cleaning or maintenance. Replace the spool when depleted or if filament becomes frayed. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct heat or sunlight to prevent polymer degradation, though this is a cosmetic rather than safety concern. No special precautions needed beyond standard oral hygiene.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Teflon-type coating (polytetrafluoroethylene) microparticles from coating wear
No published data on Teflon-type coating particle shedding from dental floss during normal use. The thin nylon/polyester coating is mechanically gentle and contact is brief; systemic exposure via oral mucosa is not documented.
Nylon or polyester coating degradation and ingestion
The polyester or nylon coating may shed microscopic fibers during aggressive flossing or if the product is stored improperly for extended periods. Ingestion is minimal but possible; no health effects are established for small amounts of nylon/polyester fibers in the mouth.
Plasticizer migration (phthalates or alternatives) from coating
Modern nylon and polyester do not typically require phthalate plasticizers. No reports of phthalate contamination in Glide floss; the brief oral contact and small surface area further limit any potential exposure.
Formaldehyde or other processing residues
No published recalls or complaints involving formaldehyde or chemical residues from Glide floss. The product undergoes standard cosmetic and oral-contact material testing but exact protocols are proprietary.
Gum irritation or allergic sensitization from coating or wax additives
Individual sensitivity to nylon, polyester, or flavorings (mint) is rare but possible. If gum irritation develops, switch to an uncoated or silk alternative and consult a dentist. No pattern of complaints is on record for Glide specifically.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Dental Floss
Cocofloss
Refill Trio
Coconut fiber, based floss with plant-based coating
Lower-concern dental product; natural materials and transparent PFAS stance, but no independent verification.
⚠Risky category by default
Dental Lace
Refillable Silk Dental Floss
Silk floss with compostable refillable packaging
Lower concern; silk floss with credible PFAS-free positioning and third-party certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Dental Lace
Plant Based/Vegan Floss Refillable Glass Container PFAS-Free (2 Spools/4-
Plant-based vegan floss (likely plant cellulose or silk fibers)
Lower-concern product with explicit PFAS-free claim; no third-party verification limits certainty.
⚠Risky category by default
More dental floss grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.