Tom's of Maine · Dental Floss
Tom's Of Maine Spearmint Naturally Waxed Antiplaque Flat Floss, 32 Yard -- 3 per case
Lower-concern choice; natural wax floss avoids typical PFAS Teflon-family coating coatings, but Tom's of Maine makes no explicit PFAS disclosure.
Tom's of Maine floss is waxed with natural wax rather than synthetic Teflon-family coating (Teflon-type coating/Teflon), which is the primary vector for PFAS in dental floss. The brand does not publicly disclose PFAS testing or claims.
Shop Tom's of Maine on Amazon →Material
Dental floss with natural wax 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
Tom's of Maine Spearmint floss uses dental floss fiber (typically nylon) coated with natural wax rather than the synthetic Teflon-family coating (Teflon-type coating) coatings common in conventional floss. Natural wax, usually beeswax or plant-derived wax, eliminates the chemical processing and potential fume release associated with Teflon-type coating. The spearmint flavoring is a food-grade essential oil derivative. This material combination avoids both PFAS per-fluorinated compounds and microplastic shedding risks inherent in plastic-heavy alternatives.
The brand's record and disclosure
Tom's of Maine is a subsidiary of Colgate-Palmolive and holds B-Corp certification, signaling third-party vetting of social and environmental standards. The brand does not explicitly publish PFAS disclosure statements for its floss line, though its natural wax formulation sidesteps the PFAS issue by design. No recalls, contamination reports, or regulatory actions are on record for this product. The brand's positioning around 'natural' ingredients and absence of conventional coatings reflects a precautionary approach to chemical additives.
How it compares in its category
Most conventional dental floss relies on Teflon-type coating (Teflon-like) coatings for glide and durability, which introduces PFAS exposure risk. Natural wax floss alternatives (including Tom's of Maine, Radius, and store brands) eliminate that concern but may require slightly more technique and rewetting during use. Silk floss biodegrades better but costs more and may fray more easily. Tom's positions itself as a middle ground: synthetic-free, affordable, and widely available in mainstream retailers.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place to prevent wax degradation over time. Do not heat or expose to direct sunlight for extended periods, as natural wax can soften. Use gently around sensitive gum areas; because natural wax provides less glide than Teflon-type coating coatings, tension control matters. Replace the spool when wax coating visibly breaks down or becomes tacky, typically every 6-12 months with regular use. No special disposal precautions are needed beyond standard household waste.
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.”
Natural wax allergen risk
Beeswax or plant waxes may trigger mild allergic contact response in individuals with documented wax sensitivities, though this is rare and not reported in available product reviews or safety databases for this specific product.
Spearmint essential oil sensitization
Spearmint flavoring is a food-grade botanical; sensitization or irritation is uncommon but possible in individuals with mint allergies or oral ulcers. Rinse mouth if irritation occurs.
Microplastic contamination from nylon fiber
The underlying fiber is likely nylon, which can shed microplastics during use and disposal. Quantities are minimal and not quantified in available literature, but cumulative lifetime exposure warrants awareness if microplastic reduction is a priority.
Fluoride absence in formulation
This floss contains no fluoride, unlike some conventional floss products; if fluoride supplementation is medically indicated, consider using fluoride rinse separately rather than relying on floss delivery.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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
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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.