Do dental and oral care products contain microplastics?

What's actually in it

Some toothpastes contain microbeads for abrasion. Dental flosses are often made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, a type of PFAS plastic) or nylon. Plastic dental fillings and retainers contact the mouth continuously for years. The oral mucosa (mouth lining) is one of the most absorptive surfaces in the body, which is why drugs are sometimes given sublingually (under the tongue) for fast absorption.

If plastic particles are in the mouth, they have a direct pathway into the bloodstream through the oral lining.

What the research says

A 2026 systematic review in PeerJ examined dental microplastics as emerging neurotoxicants, reviewing human data on oral microplastic exposure. Researchers found that dental microplastics enter the body through the highly absorptive oral tissue and are linked to neurotoxic potential through mechanisms including oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. The review called for reduced use of plastic in oral care products.

Choose microplastic-free toothpastes (no polyethylene microbeads listed in ingredients). For dental floss, silk or plant-fiber floss is available. Reduce PTFE floss use in favor of non-PFAS alternatives.

For other personal care products that contact mucous membranes, keep ingredient lists short. Use organic cotton home goods for washcloths used to clean the face to minimize additional chemical contact around the mouth.