Dental Floss and Flossing Statistics 2026

Dental Floss Statistics 2026

Flossing Habits, Demographics, Clinical Evidence & Population Data

The Stats

• 7% — Of U.S. adults floss daily — about 1 in 3
• 9% — Of adults report not flossing at all in a given week
• 70% — Of Americans projected to floss daily by 2026 per ADA trend data
• 49% — Of low-income adults never floss, vs. 28% in higher income brackets
• 30–40% — Of U.S. adults report daily flossing; up to one-third never floss
• 8% — Reduction in gingival bleeding with brushing + flossing + mouthrinse at 12 weeks
• 8% — U.S. daily flossing rate by 2017–2020 — up from 29.4% in 2009
• 26,624 — Adults studied across NHANES 2009–2020 flossing behavior analysis
• 1% — Interproximal gingivitis reduction from flossing alone at 4 weeks vs. brushing only

More Flossing Facts

70% of Americans Projected to Floss Daily by 2026 — ADA Trend Signals Behavioral Shift

A forward-looking dental health analysis published by Imagine Your Smile — Dental Health Statistics 2026, citing American Dental Association research, projects that flossing will become a daily habit for 70% of Americans by 2026 — a significant improvement from the prior figure of 63%. This growth is attributed to public health campaigns, increasing awareness of the link between gum disease and systemic conditions like heart disease and diabetes, and the development of easier flossing tools including floss picks, water flossers, and floss threaders. The ADA also confirms that consistent flossing helps prevent gum disease and cavities by removing plaque and food particles from between teeth that a toothbrush physically cannot reach. If this 70% projection holds, it would represent a transformative improvement in American oral hygiene — since interproximal surfaces (the sides of teeth) account for approximately 40% of the tooth surface, and leaving them uncleaned indefinitely is a reliable pathway to interproximal decay and progressive periodontal disease.

32.7% Daily Flossing Rate — NHANES Study of 26,624 Adults Reveals a Decade of Stagnation

The most comprehensive population-level analysis of American flossing behavior is a study published in PubMed — Minimal Changes in Daily Flossing Behavior Among U.S. Adults from 2009 Through 2020, which analyzed data from 26,624 adults across five waves of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2009 through 2020. The study found that approximately 1 in 3 U.S. adults flosses daily (32.7%). Although the prevalence of daily flossing increased from 29.4% in 2009–2010 to 34.8% in 2017–2020, this change was not statistically significant after controlling for sociodemographic variables — meaning a decade of dental messaging had essentially no measurable population-level impact. Pooled logistic regression confirmed that adults who were older, female, Hispanic, and had higher income had significantly higher odds of daily flossing. The researchers concluded that new, more targeted intervention strategies are urgently needed to improve flossing rates among high-risk subpopulations, particularly those most vulnerable to periodontal disease.

31.9% Never Floss — CDC NHANES Data Identifies the Non-Flossing Majority

A pivotal CDC-backed population study published in PMC — Prevalence of Daily Flossing Among U.S. Adults by Selected Risk Factors for Periodontal Disease analyzed data from 8,356 adults aged 30 and older from NHANES 2011–2014. The findings revealed a striking tripartite distribution: 31.6% of adults flossed daily, 36.6% flossed 1 to 6 days per week, and 31.9% did not floss at all. That means approximately 68% of adults flossed at least once weekly, but nearly a third never reached for floss in any given week. The study identified significant differences in flossing rates by age, sex, race/Hispanic origin, poverty status, education, tobacco use, and diabetes status. Current tobacco users had 22% lower odds of daily flossing than non-tobacco users (OR: 0.82). Non-Hispanic Asian and Hispanic adults had higher odds of daily flossing than non-Hispanic White adults — a finding that challenges the assumption that flossing compliance is higher among non-Hispanic White populations and points to the importance of culturally nuanced oral health education.

49% of Low-Income Adults Never Floss — Socioeconomic Gap Shapes Oral Health Outcomes

Income is one of the most powerful predictors of flossing behavior in the United States. Research cited in U.S. News & World Report — How Many Americans Floss Their Teeth?, drawing on CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service analysis of NHANES data, found that 49% of low-income participants reported never flossing, compared to 28% of higher-income participants — a 21 percentage point gap entirely explained by income level. Lead researcher Dr. Duong T. Nguyen of the CDC noted that prior to this study, national-level flossing prevalence had never been rigorously analyzed. Dr. Matthew Messina, consumer advisor for the American Dental Association, commented that a cosmetic dentist Scottsdale AZ would estimate the daily flossing percentage is below 30%, possibly as low as 10% — suggesting that patients significantly overreport their flossing compliance in clinical settings. The income-based disparity in flossing rates directly contributes to the well-documented socioeconomic gradient in periodontal disease severity — with lower-income adults experiencing disproportionately higher rates of gum disease, tooth loss, and related systemic health consequences.

30–40% Daily Flossers, 1 in 3 Never Floss — Gender & Age Patterns Define Who Flosses

A comprehensive review of U.S. flossing statistics published by NewMouth — Oral Hygiene Statistics: Global Brushing and Flossing synthesizes national survey data into clear demographic patterns. Only 30 to 40% of U.S. adults report flossing daily, while up to one-third never floss at all. A consistent finding across all major studies is that women floss more diligently than men, reflecting a broader health behavior gender gap. Among age groups, millennials (younger adults) show the lowest daily flossing rates of any adult cohort, while seniors typically have higher flossing adherence — often using adaptive tools like floss picks and water flossers due to physical limitations. The review also documents that flossing remains a predominantly North American habit: globally, only a small percentage of people floss daily, with most countries relying instead on toothpicks or interdental brushes. Approximately two-thirds of children brush twice daily, but child flossing rates are substantially lower and generally require parental modeling and active supervision to establish as a sustained habit.

79.8% Bleeding Reduction at 12 Weeks — Brushing + Flossing + Mouthrinse Combination Wins

A randomized, virtually supervised, examiner-blind clinical trial published in PMC — Efficacy of Flossing and Mouth Rinsing Regimens on Plaque and Gingivitis (2024), enrolled 270 subjects with gingivitis across five oral hygiene protocol groups. The study found that the combination of brushing + flossing + essential oil mouthrinse produced a 79.8% reduction in gingival bleeding at 12 weeks — the strongest result of any regimen tested. The brushing + flossing alone group (BF) reduced interproximal gingivitis by 5.1% at week 4 and reduced bleeding by 34.6% at week 4 and 31.4% at week 12 compared to brushing only (p < 0.001). These results confirm that while flossing alone produces modest but statistically significant gingivitis and bleeding reductions, combining flossing with an antimicrobial mouthrinse dramatically amplifies the benefit — producing bleeding reductions approaching 80% when all three modalities are used together consistently for 12 weeks.

34.8% Daily Flossing by 2017–2020 — Decade of NHANES Data Shows Messaging Has Failed

The Journal of the American Dental Association published a rigorous longitudinal analysis, also indexed in JADA — Minimal Changes in Daily Flossing Behavior Among U.S. Adults 2009–2020, examining five NHANES survey waves covering over a decade of national flossing data. Daily flossing rates tracked as follows: 29.4% in 2009–2010, 31.6% in 2011–2014, and 34.8% in 2017–2020. Despite this apparent upward trend, the change was not statistically significant after multivariable adjustment, leading authors to conclude that over a decade of dental messaging has had little measurable effect on population-level flossing behavior. The study confirmed that older adults, females, Hispanic individuals, and higher-income individuals consistently showed higher odds of daily flossing across all survey periods. The authors called for improved, targeted preventive interventions for subpopulations at highest risk of periodontal disease — particularly younger adults, males, and lower-income individuals — who remain persistently below the daily flossing threshold despite decades of public health advocacy.

686 Elderly Adults Studied — Flossers Retain More Teeth Over 5 Years Than Non-Flossers

One of the most clinically significant long-term studies of flossing outcomes was published in PMC — Flossing Is Associated with Improved Oral Health in Older Adults, examining 686 individuals aged 65 and older from the Piedmont 65+ Dental Study. The research evaluated whether flossing was associated with less periodontal disease, fewer caries, and fewer teeth lost over a 5-year follow-up period. The findings confirmed that flossers demonstrated significantly higher rates of tooth retention than non-flossers — a pattern consistent across all tooth types including incisors, canines, and premolars (p < 0.0001 for each category). Flossers in the study were more likely to be Caucasian, female, non-diabetic, and have advanced education and regular dental visits compared to non-flossers. Non-flossers were more likely to be African American, male, diabetic, and have infrequent dental visits. These 5-year longitudinal data are among the most direct evidence that flossing translates to measurable tooth retention — the most practical and economically significant measure of long-term oral health in older adults.

Cochrane Review Confirms Flossing Reduces Gingivitis — Despite Contested Plaque Evidence

The scientific debate about flossing efficacy is nuanced and important for consumers to understand. A detailed evidence review published by ScienceInsights — Is Flossing Good for You? What the Evidence Shows (2026) summarizes the current state of clinical research: a large Cochrane review of clinical trials confirmed that flossing in addition to brushing reduced gingivitis (early gum disease) compared to brushing alone, though the certainty of the evidence was rated low. Results for plaque reduction were less consistent. This aligns with the Harvard Health analysis which noted that the Dietary Guidelines for Americans advisory committee could not find convincing evidence that flossing prevents plaque or cavities — but could find evidence suggesting modest gum inflammation reduction. Despite these evidence limitations, the clinical consensus remains that flossing consistently points in one direction: cleaning between teeth protects gums, and healthy gums protect systemic health. Given that approximately 40% of tooth surfaces are interproximal and unreachable by a toothbrush, the practical argument for daily flossing remains robust even where the controlled trial evidence base is weaker than ideal.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How to use dental floss

Proper flossing technique is straightforward but specific. (1) Pull out approximately 18 inches of floss and wind most of it around your middle fingers on each hand, leaving 1–2 inches to work with; (2) Hold the floss taut between your thumbs and index fingers; (3) Gently slide the floss between two teeth using a zigzag motion — never snap or force it into the gums; (4) Curve the floss into a C-shape around the base of each tooth, including slightly under the gumline; (5) Gently move the floss up and down against the tooth surface — you should feel it scraping the sides of the tooth; (6) Use a clean section of floss for each tooth gap; (7) Don’t forget the back surfaces of your last molars; (8) Floss before brushing so that loosened particles can be swept away by brushing and fluoride can penetrate more effectively between teeth. Once daily (ideally at night) is the minimum recommendation — the American Dental Association confirms this is sufficient for meaningful interproximal plaque disruption.

What is dental floss made of?

Modern dental floss is typically made from one of several materials depending on type: (1) Nylon (multifilament) — the most common material; traditional floss is made from multiple nylon filaments twisted together, which can sometimes shred in tight spaces but is highly effective for most users; (2) PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) — a single-filament synthetic fiber, the same material used in Gore-Tex; PTFE floss (sold as Glide and similar brands) is smoother, more resistant to shredding, and slides more easily between tight teeth; (3) Natural fibers — including silk, bamboo fiber, and plant-based materials used in eco-friendly and vegan floss products; these are biodegradable unlike nylon and PTFE; (4) Wax coating — many nylon flosses are coated with wax (paraffin, carnauba, or beeswax) to help them slide more easily between teeth; (5) Flavorings — most conventional floss products include artificial mint or cinnamon flavoring; (6) Fluoride — some specialized flosses incorporate fluoride into the wax coating for additional cavity protection at the interproximal surface.

Is dental floss FSA eligible?

Yes — dental floss is generally considered an FSA (Flexible Spending Account) and HSA (Health Savings Account) eligible expense under IRS guidelines, as it qualifies as a preventive dental care product. The IRS classifies dental floss as a medical care expense because it is used to prevent dental disease (periodontal disease and interproximal cavities). To use FSA/HSA funds for floss, simply purchase it with your FSA/HSA debit card or save the receipt and submit for reimbursement. Some FSA administrators may require that the floss is a specific therapeutic product (such as floss with fluoride or antiseptic coating) rather than a standard cosmetic product — check with your plan administrator if you are uncertain. In general, standard dental floss, floss picks, and dental tape all qualify under most FSA and HSA plans.

How to remove skin tags with dental floss

IMPORTANT MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: Attempting to remove skin tags at home using dental floss carries significant health risks and is not recommended by dermatologists or medical professionals. The technique involves tying a piece of dental floss tightly around the base of the skin tag to cut off its blood supply (ligation), which causes the tag to eventually fall off. While this method can work for small, clearly identified skin tags in accessible locations, the risks include: infection if the area is not properly sterilized; significant pain and bleeding; scarring; misidentification of the skin tag as a more serious lesion (including melanoma or squamous cell carcinoma); and incomplete removal causing regrowth or complication. If you have a skin tag, the safest course is to consult a dermatologist, who can remove it quickly, painlessly, and safely using cryotherapy, cauterization, surgical excision, or ligation under clinical conditions.

When was dental floss invented?

Dental floss was first invented and patented by a New Orleans dentist named Levi Spear Parmly in 1815, who recommended using a thin silk thread to clean between the teeth. However, floss was not commercially produced until 1882, when the Codman and Shurtleff company began manufacturing unwaxed silk floss for public sale. In 1898, the Johnson & Johnson Corporation received the first U.S. patent for dental floss and began mass production. Nylon replaced silk as the primary floss material in the 1940s, following World War II — nylon was more durable, less expensive, and more resistant to shredding than silk. Waxed varieties were introduced shortly after to improve ease of use between tight contacts. By the late 20th century, PTFE single-filament flosses (such as Glide) had entered the market, further expanding the range of products available to consumers with different dental needs.

Where to buy Colgate dental floss?

Colgate dental floss is widely available across the United States at virtually all major retailers. You can purchase it at pharmacies including Walgreens, CVS, and Rite Aid; grocery chains including Kroger, Safeway, Publix, and Whole Foods; big-box stores including Walmart, Target, and Costco; and through online retailers including Amazon, Walmart.com, and directly through Colgate’s own website. Colgate offers several floss varieties including Colgate Total Dental Floss (waxed), Colgate Essentials Floss, and Colgate Whitening Floss with baking soda. Dollar stores and discount retailers often also carry Colgate floss at lower price points. If you cannot find a specific Colgate floss variety locally, ordering online typically offers the widest product selection and subscription options for automatic replenishment.

Is dental floss biodegradable?

It depends on the type of floss. Standard nylon dental floss is NOT biodegradable — nylon is a synthetic plastic-derived polymer that can take hundreds of years to break down in landfill. PTFE (Teflon-based) floss is similarly non-biodegradable. The plastic dispensers most floss comes in also contribute to single-use plastic waste. Biodegradable alternatives DO exist and are increasingly available: (1) Silk floss — natural silk fiber is biodegradable, though it is derived from silkworms; (2) Plant-based floss — made from bamboo fiber, corn starch-based PLA, or other natural polymers; these are compostable under the right conditions; (3) Beeswax-coated natural floss — biodegradable overall but not vegan. Brands such as Lucky Teeth, The Humble Co., Dental Lace, and Public Goods offer biodegradable and plastic-free floss options. If environmental impact is a priority, look for floss certified as compostable and packaged in glass, cardboard, or refillable containers.

Who invented dental floss?

Dental floss was invented by Dr. Levi Spear Parmly (1790–1859), a New Orleans dentist who first recommended using a thin waxed silk thread to clean between teeth in 1815. He described it in his 1819 book ‘A Practical Guide to the Management of Teeth’ as an essential part of daily oral hygiene. However, commercial production did not begin until 1882 when Codman and Shurtleff began selling unwaxed silk floss to the public. Johnson & Johnson received the first formal U.S. patent for dental floss in 1898 and industrialized its production. The shift from silk to nylon occurred in the 1940s — a change driven by the same nylon supply chain development that affected many consumer products during and after World War II. Today, Levi Spear Parmly is widely credited as the father of modern preventive dentistry, not only for his work on flossing but also for being one of the first dentists to emphasize home oral hygiene as fundamental to dental health.

Is unwaxed dental floss vegan?

Most unwaxed nylon dental floss is technically vegan, as it contains no animal-derived materials. However, the situation is nuanced: (1) Waxed flosses frequently use beeswax or lanolin (derived from sheep’s wool) as the coating — these are NOT vegan; (2) Some floss products use silk, which is derived from silkworm cocoons — these are generally considered non-vegan by strict vegan standards; (3) Unwaxed nylon or PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) flosses contain no animal products and are considered vegan; (4) Plant-based and natural fiber flosses made from bamboo, corn PLA, or candelilla wax (a plant-based wax) are both vegan and more environmentally sustainable. To confirm a floss is vegan, look for products explicitly labeled ‘vegan’ or certified by a vegan certification body. Brands such as Radius, The Humble Co., and Lucky Teeth offer certified vegan floss options with plant-based wax coatings.

How to remove a raised mole with dental floss

CRITICAL MEDICAL WARNING: You should never attempt to remove a mole — raised or otherwise — using dental floss, string, or any home method. This applies regardless of whether the mole appears benign. The reasons are serious: (1) Moles are not skin tags — they contain melanocytes (pigment cells) and can be or become cancerous; attempting removal without biopsy means the tissue is destroyed and cannot be examined for cancer; (2) Home removal methods cause pain, bleeding, infection, and significant scarring; (3) Improper removal of a cancerous mole (melanoma) can cause cancer cells to spread to surrounding tissue; (4) Raised moles that change in size, color, shape, or texture are one of the warning signs of melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer. If you have a raised mole that concerns you cosmetically or clinically, see a dermatologist immediately. They can perform a safe, fast, minimally scarring removal and send the tissue for pathology to confirm it is benign.

Sources: Imagine Your Smile (imagineyoursmile.com) • PubMed NHANES 2009–2020 (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38752966) • PMC CDC Flossing Prevalence (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6434526) • U.S. News & World Report (usnews.com) • NewMouth Oral Hygiene Statistics (newmouth.com) • PMC Flossing + Mouthrinse RCT 2024 (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10837857) • JADA Flossing Behavior 2024 (jada.ada.org) • PMC Flossing in Older Adults (pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7375740) • ScienceInsights Flossing Evidence 2026 (scienceinsights.org) | Data compiled May 2026