Dental Floss Market Assessment, By Type [Thread Floss, Floss Picks], By Flavor [Flavored Floss, Unflavored Floss], By Usability [Refillable/Reusable, Disposable], By Age Group [Adults, Children], By End-user [Residential, Commercial], By Distribution Chan

Dental Floss Market Assessment, By Type [Thread Floss, Floss Picks], By Flavor [Flavored Floss, Unflavored Floss], By Usability [Refillable/Reusable, Disposable], By Age Group [Adults, Children], By End-user [Residential, Commercial], By Distribution Channel [Offline, Online], By Region, Opportunities and Forecast, 2017-2031F

Global dental floss market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.78% during the forecast period 2024-2031, growing from USD 645.78 million in 2023 to USD 1091.46 million in 2031. Factors such as rising awareness of oral hygiene among consumers along with the introduction of specialized oral care products which cater to the targeted needs of consumers are driving the growth of global dental floss market.

Consumers often perceive flossing teeth as a preventive solution to avoid the growth of dental diseases which result in the visit of costly dental treatments. The market is witnessing a surge in demand due to a rise in the demand for orthodontic care such as flossing to prevent plaque accumulation while wearing braces and other orthodontic products.

Flossing can significantly help the consumers in preventing the occurrence of gingivitis and periodontists, broadening the demand for dental floss. Moreover, dental floss facilitates the removal of plaque between the teeth and under the gumline, as a reduction in the buildup of plaque can help in the prevention of cavity and periodontal diseases, driving the growth of dental floss market.

Waxed dental floss holds a significant market share with its increasing demand among the consumers. The manufacturers are introducing these waxed flosses in distinct flavors, making flossing enjoyable. Moreover, consumers are increasingly preferring plant-based waxes and flavors such as essential oils, candelilla wax, natural mint, and strawberry. For instance, in May 2023, BURST Oral Care launched its latest BURSTkids Flossables which is a dental floss developed in strawberry flavor. These flosses are coated with natural wax with no BPA, PFA, artificial colors, or Teflon. Moreover, xylitol coating over the floss thread helps in fighting cavities.

Rise in Orthodontic Treatments to Fuel the Market Growth

The rise in consumers taking orthodontic treatments such as braces and aligners is leading to a surge in the demand for dental floss due to the increasing necessity for oral hygiene. Food particles get stuck in the braces which can cause gum diseases, decalcification, and cavities, which makes it extremely essential for people undergoing orthodontic treatments to use products which helps in cleaning the teeth to maintain their oral hygiene. Dental floss is thus an effective way to clean the food particles and debris, stuck in the teeth and around the brackets of the braces, conveniently. Hence, the demand for dental floss arises due to the need for oral care among orthodontic patients. As per the findings of British Orthodontic Society in August 2023, there has been a rise in the number of adults who seek tooth straightening treatments, effecting the market growth positively. Out of all patients seeking orthodontic treatments, 83% patients fall in the age group of 26 to 55 years.

Manufacturers are introducing effective dental floss which cleans the debris stuck underneath the braces, ensuring that the patients can clean their mouth conveniently. In April 2024, DOC Brands and OrVance launched Braces Flosser which is a revolutionary floss pick for the consumers who wear orthodontic braces. The floss pick has a thin flosser arm which easily fits underneath braces wire and has ultra-strong floss which does not break or shred when maneuvering tight spaces.

Sustainable Dental Floss to be Highly Demanded Among the Consumers

Sustainable dental floss is gaining popularity in the market due to the launch of innovative dental floss which are increasingly demanded by the consumers due to their rising awareness of environmental impact of unsustainable products. Manufacturers are increasingly utilizing biodegradable materials such as biodegradable polymers like PHA and PLA and natural fibers like corn, PLA, silk, and bamboo fibers.

Some manufacturers are shifting towards the usage of compostable packaging materials such as starch-based bags and cardboard made from recycled paper. For instance, in November 2023, TePe Oral Health Care, Inc. unveiled the latest dental floss made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles. These dental flosses are free from PFAS chemicals and come in a 100% recyclable outer carton which is developed from FSC paper and container made from recycled raw materials.

Introduction of refillable and reusable floss picks which are made from durable and eco-friendly materials, such as stainless steel or bamboo, are gaining popularity among consumers. These reusable dental floss picks can be cleaned and reused various times, which helps in reducing the plastic waste significantly. Moreover, the innovative floss picks such as refillable heads allow the consumers to replace only the floss thread while enabling the consumers to keep the main handle with them, thus, facilitating in the minimization of plastic consumption, increasing the sustainability of the product.

Floss Picks to Dominate the Global Dental Floss Market Share

Floss picks are dominating the market over thread flosses, due to several significant reasons. Floss picks are convenient which is a major reason for its dominance in the market. Their single-handed operation makes the process of flossing more accessible, quicker, and easier especially when cleaning the back of the teeth.

Moreover, they are perceived to be more hygienic as with every use, a fresh floss is used which reduces the risk of transfer of bacteria from one part of the mouth to another. Also, floss picks are portable which can be easily carried anywhere in a bag or pocket.

Manufacturers are making various innovations in floss picks through incorporation of biodegradable handles and flavored thread. For instance, in May 2024, The Humble Co. launched dinosaur-shaped floss picks for children which are developed with strawberry flavor. These floss picks help in gently removing the hidden impurities between the teeth and below the gum line. With the introduction of innovative design and unconventional taste of these dental floss picks, the company aims to make dental care both easy and playful for children.

North America to Hold a Dominant Position in the Market

North America is dominating the global dental floss market share as the region boasts a high awareness of oral hygiene among the consumers and its importance, largely driven by extensive public health campaigns and education. Dental care is emphasized from a young age in the region with schools and pediatric healthcare providers advocating for regular flossing as part of a comprehensive oral care routine.

North America has a higher disposable income per capita, allowing consumers to afford a variety of dental care products, including dental floss. The robust healthcare infrastructure, including widespread access to dental services and insurance coverage, further supports the regular use of dental hygiene products.

The availability and variety of dental floss products in North America contribute to higher consumption rates. A competitive market ensures that consumers have access to numerous options tailored to their preferences, including flavored floss, floss picks, and specialty floss for braces or sensitive gums.

In March 2023, Cocofloss, a luxury dental floss innovating oral care brand expanded itself in the United States through availability in 2,100 CVS stores globally and on its official website. The brand launched its best-selling dental flosses, which are made up of 500+ textured and woven threads, allowing to grab even stubborn plaque instead of sliding over it. The company sells its dental floss for children in kid-friendly fragrances such as Pure Strawberry, Confetti Cake and Delicious Mint.

Future Market Scenario (2024 – 2031F)

The market is anticipated to witness substantial growth in the forecast period due to several innovations in the dental floss market. With the key focus of manufacturers on the development of innovative dental floss for children, they are producing products which makes the process of cleaning teeth easy and playful for children, alluring them to use the dental floss, driving the market growth. Moreover, the market is expected to grow due to enormous surge in the demand for biodegradable and reusable dental floss among the consumers which is sustainable and naturally produced. Thus, a positive growth trajectory is expected to be seen in the forecast period with the continuous introduction of innovative, environmentally friendly and responsibly produced dental floss.

Key Players Landscape and Outlook

Key players in the market are helping the growth by focusing on continuous product innovation, retail expansions, and strategic marketing. The manufacturers are actively expanding their product portfolio, increasing the base of the customers, and catering to their evolving needs.

The key players are introducing environmentally friendly floss threads and floss picks such as natural silk thread floss, coated with natural ingredients which makes them easy to decompose in a short span of time. For instance, in March 2022, Plackers, a brand of Perrigo Company plc launched their latest EcoChoice Compostable Dental Flossers which are 100% biodegradable and can be decomposed in a home composter. These floss picks comprises of natural silk floss, containing coconut, which makes it convenient to decompose within 26 weeks in an industrial or home compost.