Colgate Total Floss
Colgate's "Total" floss fiber is PTFE - a fluoropolymer in the PFAS family - and independent testing found it high in organic fluorine. Choose a silk floss instead.
The verdict: Significant plastic contact
The fiber in Colgate's "Total" floss is PTFE - polytetrafluoroethylene, a fluoropolymer in the PFAS family - the material a silk floss avoids by construction. Independent 2024 lab testing measured Colgate Total Mint Waxed at roughly 91,400 ppm organic fluorine, consistent with a PTFE thread. The per-use exposure from a single strand is modest but real and cumulative, and it's avoidable. Note the buy-the-right-SKU trap in reverse: Colgate also sells a plain nylon floss (plastic, but not PFAS), so it's specifically the "Total" line that carries the fluoropolymer.
What it's made of
| Part | Material | Skin contact |
|---|---|---|
| thread PTFE fiber - the 'Total' line | PTFE / Teflon nonstick fluoropolymer | Yes primary |
| dispenser | Plastic other / unspecified | No |
A waxed floss sold under Colgate's "Total" sub-brand in a molded plastic case. It's a smooth, shred-resistant thread that handles tight contacts well - the low-friction feel coming from the PTFE fiber.
Pros
- Smooth PTFE thread resists shredding and slides into tight contacts
- Cheap and stocked almost everywhere
Cons
- The "Total" fiber is PTFE - a fluoropolymer in the PFAS family - passed along the gumline each use
- Independent testing found it high in organic fluorine (~91,400 ppm)
- Easy to confuse with Colgate's plain nylon floss - the "Total" pack is the PTFE one
Common questions
Does the Colgate Total Floss have plastic in it?
Yes. On the Colgate Total Floss, the thread is plastic and sits in the skin path. There is plastic in the dispenser, which never touches your skin.
What is the Colgate Total Floss made of?
Part by part, the Colgate Total Floss is: thread — PTFE / Teflon; dispenser — plastic.
Where is the Colgate Total Floss made?
The Colgate Total Floss is made in the USA.
Categories: Dental Floss
Sources
Every material claim above is backed by these. This is the scattered info we centralized.
- manufacturer https://www.colgate.com Colgate Total floss line; brand also sells a separate plain nylon floss
- other https://www.mamavation.com/beauty/toxic-pfas-dental-floss-tooth-floss.html 2024 lab test - Colgate Total Mint Waxed ~91,400 ppm organic fluorine
Spot a mistake or something out of date? Let us know — corrections are how this stays accurate.