Glide floss was originally made of PTFE, a fluoropolymer commonly known as Teflon. This is the same family of materials used in Gore-Tex outdoor fabrics and nonstick cookware. Oral-B has since reformulated its Glide products, reporting that none of its floss now contains PFAS chemicals, and that updated versions use a “micro-textured fiber” instead.
The Gore-Tex Connection
Glide floss wasn’t invented by a dental company. It was created by W.L. Gore & Associates, the firm behind Gore-Tex waterproof fabric. Gore launched Glide in 1992 after recognizing that expanded PTFE, the polymer at the heart of their outdoor gear, could be drawn into an extremely thin, slippery strand ideal for sliding between teeth. Procter & Gamble later acquired the brand and sold it under the Oral-B label.
PTFE gave Glide its signature feel. Unlike traditional nylon floss, which is made of multiple thin fibers twisted or woven together, PTFE floss is a single continuous strand, called a monofilament. That single-strand structure means it doesn’t shred or snap the way nylon can, and it passes through tight contact points between teeth with noticeably less friction.
Coatings and Flavorings
The base fiber is only part of what makes up a strand of floss. Most dental flosses, including Glide, receive surface coatings to improve the feel and add flavor. Common coatings across the floss industry include natural waxes like beeswax, carnauba wax, and candelilla wax, as well as synthetic petroleum-based waxes like microcrystalline and paraffin wax. These coatings reduce friction and help the strand hold together.
Flavoring is typically listed on the label simply as “flavor,” since manufacturers treat specific formulations as trade secrets. In practice, that single word can represent dozens or even hundreds of individual chemicals, including solvents and preservatives used to stabilize the taste.
The PFAS Concern
PTFE belongs to a large class of chemicals called PFAS, sometimes nicknamed “forever chemicals” because they resist breaking down in the environment and can accumulate in the body. A study from researchers at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that women who flossed with Oral-B Glide had higher blood levels of a specific PFAS compound, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), compared to women who didn’t use that type of floss. The researchers also tested multiple floss brands and found that several contained fluorine, a marker for the presence of PFAS.
Following that research and growing public concern, Oral-B reformulated its Glide products. The Silent Spring Institute, which collaborated on the original study, confirmed that Oral-B now reports none of its floss products are made with PFAS. The updated Glide line uses what the company describes as a micro-textured fiber, though the exact polymer hasn’t been publicly disclosed in detail.
How PTFE Floss Compares to Nylon
The smoothness that made Glide popular may come with a tradeoff in cleaning power. A 2019 study designed an apparatus to test plaque removal under controlled force, comparing Oral-B Glide (PTFE) against a woven expanding floss and a standard waxed nylon floss. Glide removed significantly less plaque than both alternatives. The expanding floss performed best, clearing more plaque at both low and high pressure. Even the basic waxed nylon floss outperformed Glide at both pressure levels. A separate crossover study found that PTFE floss left 22% more plaque in tight spaces compared to a multifilament floss, though overall gum health outcomes were similar between the two.
The likely explanation is texture. Nylon’s braided, multi-strand structure creates more surface area and friction against tooth surfaces, physically scrubbing away more plaque as it moves. A monofilament strand is smoother by design, which makes it easier to use but gives it less grip on debris. For people with very tight contacts who struggle to get any floss between their teeth, the ease of a monofilament strand may mean the difference between flossing and not flossing at all.
PFAS-Free Alternatives
If you’re looking to avoid PFAS entirely, the simplest option is plain unwaxed nylon floss or floss coated with natural waxes like beeswax or candelilla wax. Several brands now market themselves as PFAS-free, and some use silk or other biodegradable fibers. Consumer Reports recommends checking ingredient lists and looking for brands that explicitly state they are free of PTFE and fluorine-based coatings.
PTFE-based floss does not biodegrade in any meaningful timeframe, which is consistent with how PFAS compounds behave across consumer products. Natural fiber flosses coated in plant-based wax break down more readily, though they make up a small fraction of the floss market. Regardless of material, the American Dental Association has granted its Seal of Acceptance to Oral-B Glide products based on safety and efficacy in reducing plaque and gingivitis when used as directed.