Burst Refillable Expanding Mint Dental Floss Set
Low PFAS risk, but brand silence limits assurance. Acceptable choice.
Dental floss is typically nylon or polyester without PFAS coatings. Brand makes no PFAS claims or disclosures. No public lab testing available for this product.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Nylon dental floss, likely polyester core
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Fragrance allergens (mint flavoring)
Mint-flavored floss may contain menthol or synthetic mint compounds that can trigger allergic contact dermatitis or oral irritation in sensitive individuals. This is a known but minor risk in mint-flavored oral products; discontinue if soreness or rash develops.
Microplastic shedding during use
Nylon floss degrades with friction and can shed fine fibers into the oral cavity and be swallowed. Chronic ingestion of microplastics is under study; risk is low during normal flossing but increases if floss is shredded or if users floss excessively (over 2-3 times daily).
Coating or wax additives (undisclosed)
If floss carries a wax coating, the brand does not publicly specify whether it uses natural wax, synthetic wax, or proprietary additives. Synthetic wax coatings occasionally include slip agents or stabilizers not labeled; this presents minimal risk in the mouth but adds uncertainty.
What’s reassuring
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
Formaldehyde / VOCs
Nylon monofilament dental floss does not typically use formaldehyde-releasing binders. No public evidence or recalls link Burst floss to formaldehyde emissions.
Source: ATSDR ↗Heavy metals
Burst floss is typically undyed or lightly colored (mint or white). No documented heavy metal contamination in dental floss products from this brand or material class has been reported.
Source: FDA ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Burst's dental floss is nylon monofilament, likely with a polyester core for structure. Nylon is inert in the oral cavity and does not leach into saliva during normal flossing. The 'expanding' feature means the floss widens when wet to increase contact area; this mechanical property does not introduce chemical hazards, though it may fray faster than standard floss depending on tooth geometry and user technique.
The brand's record and disclosure
Floss & Ploss (Burst's oral care line) has not published detailed safety certifications, heavy metals testing, or PFAS testing results on its floss products. The brand maintains silence on PFAS use, which is standard across most dental floss manufacturers and not unusual in this category. No major recalls or safety complaints have been documented for Burst floss products. Lack of transparency does not indicate a hazard, but limits independent verification of manufacturing practices.
How it compares in its category
Dental floss sits at the low-risk end of cosmetics because it contacts only oral mucosa briefly and is not ingested or absorbed. Most floss, including nylon types, carry similar hazard profiles. Burst's refillable model reduces plastic waste compared to single-use dispensers, though the floss material itself is unchanged. Waxed variants sometimes use synthetic waxes or natural waxes with additives; Burst's specific wax formulation is not publicly detailed.
If you buy it
Store floss in a cool, dry place away from direct heat and sunlight to prevent nylon degradation. Replace the spool every 3-6 months depending on use and visible fraying. Nylon floss does not require special care; standard flossing technique applies. If gums bleed, recede, or show sensitivity after switching, return to a gentler floss type; expanding floss may be too abrasive for compromised gingival tissue.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Floss & Ploss has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
Safer alternatives in Dental Floss
Floss & Ploss
Love of Earth Co. Floss + Glass Case
Dental floss (plant-based or silk) and glass case
Fragrance allergens or undisclosed additives
Limited concern
Microbial growth if floss is stored damp
Limited concern
Lower concern. Floss and glass are inherently PFAS-free materials.
⚠Risky category by default
Waterpik
Cordless 1000 Water Flosser
Plastic housing, ABS/nylon components, stainless steel tip, silicone seals
Silicone seal breakdown and leaching
Limited concern
Bacterial biofilm in water reservoir
Limited concern
Electronic component exposure if housing cracks
Limited concern
Lower-concern water flosser; no known PFAS-prone materials.
⚠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.