Dental Floss Market Size, Share, Growth & Industry Analysis, By Product (Waxed Floss, Unwaxed Floss, Others), By Distribution Channel (Online, Offline), By End User (Hospitals and Clinics, Homecare Settings), and Regional Analysis, 2024-2031

Dental Floss Market Size

The global Dental Floss Market size was valued at USD 602.7 million in 2023 and is projected to grow from USD 630.9 million in 2024 to USD 922.9 million by 2031, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.59% during the forecast period. The market has been expanding due to increasing consumer interest in advanced oral care products and availability of biodegradable and eco-friendly dental floss solutions.

The rise of e-commerce has made these products more accessible, while growing disposable incomes have enabled consumers to invest in premium dental care. These factors collectively contribute to the market growth.

In the scope of work, the report includes solutions offered by companies such as 3M, Procter & Gamble, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Johnson & Johnson, Perrigo Company Plc, Lion Corporation, Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc., The Humble Co., Sunstar Suisse SA, Dr Wild & Co. AG, and others.

The dental floss market is experiencing steady growth, driven by increasing awareness of oral hygiene and the rising prevalence of gum diseases.

• For instance, the WHO Global Oral Health Status Report (2022) estimated that oral diseases affected nearly 3.5 billion people worldwide, with 3 out of 4 affected individuals living in middle-income countries. Additionally, the report stated that severe periodontal diseases were estimated to impact around 19% of the global adult population, representing more than 1 billion cases worldwide.

The growing awareness of preventive dental care among consumers is expected to drive the demand for dental floss over the forecast period. The market is further supported by innovations such as eco-friendly and flavored floss, which cater to diverse consumer preferences. The rising incidence of gum diseases, linked to poor oral hygiene and dietary habits, is expected to drive the overall market growth.

Dental floss is a thin, flexible strand designed to remove food particles and plaque from between the teeth, where toothbrushes cannot easily reach. Typically made from nylon or Teflon, dental floss comes in both waxed and unwaxed varieties, with some featuring added flavors or specialized coatings for efficient cleaning.

Regular flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene, as it helps prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath by effectively cleaning the tight spaces between teeth. Dental floss is available in various forms, including traditional string floss, floss picks, and electric flossers, for diverse user preferences.

Analyst’s Review

Collaborations between leading oral care companies and dental associations are fostering innovation and research specific to oral hygiene practices. These partnerships help advance dental technologies, leading to the development of more effective and innovative dental care products such as dental flosses.

• In March 2023, Colgate-Palmolive India, a major oral care company, revealed its key partnership with the Indian Dental Association (IDA) for the inaugural Oral Health Innovation Conclave. The event, held in New Delhi on March 25-26, 2023, focused on creating a specialized research environment for dental progress, highlighting innovations, entrepreneurial efforts, and research in the field of oral health.

Key players in the dental floss market are leveraging such events to enhance market growth by showcasing their latest innovations and research. These events provide a platform for companies to collaborate with dental professionals and associations, allowing them to align their products with the emerging trends and consumer needs. By actively participating in such initiatives, companies strengthen their market presence, prompt their dental floss products, and drive their adoption among consumers.

Dental Floss Market Growth Factors

The rising emphasis on preventive dental care and increasing awareness about oral hygiene are driving market growth by encouraging more consumers to adopt regular flossing habits. As people are becoming more informed about the importance of flossing in preventing gum diseases and cavities, they are integrating dental floss into their daily routine.

Dental professionals are also advocating flossing as an essential part of oral care, which is further boosting product adoption. The growing awareness, along with educational campaigns and diverse product offerings, is further contributing to the market growth.

A major challenge in the dental floss market is intense competition among brands, which often leads to price wars and reduced profit margins. Additionally, fluctuating raw material costs and stringent regulatory requirements can complicate production and distribution.

Key players are addressing these challenges by investing in research and development to introduce innovative products that meet consumer demands for sustainability and performance. They are also focusing on strategic partnerships and acquisitions to enhance their market presence and streamline supply chains. To manage cost pressures, companies are exploring alternative raw materials and optimizing production processes, which is expected to enhance the market growth.

Dental Floss Market Trends

Technological advancements and product innovations are significantly driving growth in the dental floss market, particularly with the introduction of flavored, eco-friendly, and biodegradable floss options. These innovations are aligning with consumer demands for both effective oral care solutions and environmentally sustainable products.

Flavored dental floss enhances user experience, making flossing more enjoyable, especially for children. Meanwhile, the development of eco-friendly and biodegradable floss appeals to the growing segment of environmentally conscious consumers, who seek sustainable alternatives.

• In September 2024, TePe launched a dental floss made from 100% recycled plastic water bottles. The oral health brand stated that 150 meters of floss could save two 0.5-liter water bottles from ending up in landfill.

Therefore, by catering to the evolving user preferences, companies are meeting market demands and also expanding their customer base, thereby fueling market growth.

The market is experiencing higher adoption as an increasing number of adolescents and adults are facing excessive plaque and cavities, largely due to the consumption of junk food, sugary snacks, and drinks. Therefore, rising popularity of waxed dental floss, infused with essential oils and enzymes for effective plaque removal and ease of use, is positively impacting the market.

Additionally, factors such as increased consumer spending, promotional campaigns by leading oral care brands, and ease of access to products via e-commerce platforms are creating significant opportunities for market expansion.

• In November 2023, ICPA Health Products Ltd, a leading Indian pharmaceutical company in the oral healthcare segment, introduced a premium electric water flosser called Plakoff. This handheld device is a notable innovation in oral care technology that utilizes a jet of water to thoroughly clean the spaces between teeth and gums.

Segmentation Analysis

The global market has been segmented on the basis of product, distribution channel, end user, and geography.

By Product

Based on product, the dental floss market has been categorized into waxed floss, unwaxed floss, and others. The waxed floss segment led the dental floss market in 2023, reaching a valuation of USD 364.2 million, due to its enhanced plaque removal properties, driven by the inclusion of enzymes, essential oils and polymer coatings that prevent shredding. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting natural wax ingredients in their products to meet the rising demand for eco-friendly products.

A significant development in this segment was the April 2023 launch of Pärla’s plastic-free dental floss, which addressed environmental concerns by offering a plant-based alternative packaged in a refillable glass tube.

• In April 2023, Pärla, an oral care disruptor, launched plastic-free dental floss. The innovation aimed to address the "triple threat of single-use plastic" associated with standard floss, according to dentist and Pärla co-founder Dr. Simon Chard. Traditional floss is typically made from polytetrafluoroethylene or nylon and packaged in a plastic case, which is then sealed in additional plastic. Pärla's plant-based alternative was introduced in a refillable glass tube with an aluminum lid and a cardboard outer, offering a more sustainable solution.

Therefore, the increasing focus on sustainability and innovation is expected to boost the waxed floss segment's growth in the market over the forecast period.

By Distribution Channel

Based on distribution channel, the market has been categorized into online and offline. The online segment captured the largest dental floss market share of 73.85% in 2023. Consumers are turning to online platforms for their dental care needs due to the broad selection and ease of purchasing.

The rise of direct-to-consumer brands and effective digital marketing strategies have further fueled this growth, offering personalized recommendations and subscription options. Enhanced online shopping experiences, including detailed product information and user reviews, adds to consumer confidence and repeat purchases. As e-commerce continues to evolve, the online dental floss segment is set to rise, which is expected to drive market growth over the forecast period.

By End User

Based on end user, the market has been categorized into hospitals and clinics and homecare settings. The homecare settings segment is expected to account for the highest revenue of USD 821.2 million by 2031. As more individuals prioritize oral health, the demand for various home-use floss products, including floss picks and disposable flossers, is expected to grow.

Innovation in product design and expansion of retail and online channels make it easier for consumers to access these products. Enhanced awareness of oral health benefits and convenience features drive consumer adoption, leading to sustained growth in the homecare segment. As self-care trends continue, this segment is expected to expand further over the forecast period.

Dental Floss Market Regional Analysis

Based on region, the global market has been classified into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, MEA, and Latin America.

North America dental floss market share stood around 38.87% in 2023 in the global market, with a valuation of USD 234.2 million, due to increasing consumer awareness of oral health and expanding availability of innovative products. The region's robust healthcare infrastructure and high disposable incomes support the rising demand for premium and specialized dental floss options.

Additionally, the lack of dental insurance in the region is prompting individuals to proactively improve their oral health, which is anticipated to drive market growth.

• According to a Carequest article published in 2023, 68.5 million adults in the U.S. lack dental insurance, and an additional 14 million may lose their dental coverage due to Medicaid redetermination.

Furthermore, growth in retail channels and e-commerce further facilitate product access. As a result, consumer preference for convenience and effectiveness drive the adoption of new floss technologies, which is driving the market demand in the region.

Europe is anticipated to witness the fastest growth at a CAGR of 6.41% over the forecast period due to increased awareness of oral health and rising demand for advanced dental care products. Growing consumer preference for preventive healthcare is also expected to add to product adoption. Innovations, such as eco-friendly and biodegradable floss along with the region's focus on sustainability is attracting environmentally conscious buyers.

Enhanced retail and online distribution channels also improve product accessibility. Public health initiatives and educational campaigns further promote dental hygiene, supporting market growth. As awareness and product availability continue to rise, the European market is expected to witness a high growth over the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The global dental floss market report provides valuable insights with an emphasis on the fragmented nature of the industry. Prominent players are focusing on several key business strategies, such as partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, product innovations, and joint ventures, to expand their product portfolio and increase their market shares across different regions.

Companies are implementing impactful strategies, such as expanding services, investing in research and development (R&D), establishing new service delivery centers, and optimizing their service delivery processes, which are likely to create new opportunities for market growth.

List of Key Companies in Dental Floss Market

• 3M
• Procter & Gamble
• Colgate-Palmolive Company
• Johnson & Johnson
• Perrigo Company Plc
• Lion Corporation
• Prestige Consumer Healthcare Inc. 
• The Humble Co.
• Sunstar Suisse SA
• Dr Wild & Co. AG

Key Industry Development

• November 2022 (Product Launch): BURST Oral Care launched its Sonic Toothbrush and Water Flosser at Walmart locations throughout the U.S.

The global dental floss market has been segmented:

By Product

• Waxed Floss
• Unwaxed Floss
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Online
• Offline

By End User

• Hospitals and Clinics
• Homecare Settings

By Region

• North America
  • U.S.
  • Canada
  • Mexico
• Europe
  • France
  • U.K.
  • Spain
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Russia
  • Rest of Europe
• Asia-Pacific
  • China
  • Japan
  • India
  • South Korea
  • Rest of Asia-Pacific
• Middle East & Africa
  • GCC
  • North Africa
  • South Africa
  • Rest of Middle East & Africa
• Latin America
  • Brazil
  • Argentina
  • Rest of Latin America