Evaluating the Technical and Sustainable Viability of Dental Floss Production From Chambira

This study addressed the growing concern about the environmental and health impact of synthetic dental floss by exploring an ecological and sustainable alternative for oral hygiene in low-income communities. The main objective was to evaluate the technical and sustainable viability of dental floss derived from the Chambira palm (Astrocaryum chambira), a species native to the Ecuadorian Amazon, for its possible integration into an oral health project aimed at the Waorani nationality.

A methodology was designed for the artisanal production of the Chambira dental floss, which was subjected to a rigorous comparative analysis with commercial products. To determine its potential, technical and sustainable viability models were used, evaluating economic, social, and ecological aspects.

The results showed that the Chambira floss presents physical and mechanical characteristics comparable to those of commercial dental floss. The technical viability analysis revealed a moderate production cost and a public acceptance rate of 81%. For its part, the sustainability study confirmed a positive relationship between the responsible use of the resource and the conservation of the species.

This study establishes that the production of Chambira-based dental floss is not only technically feasible but also commercially sustainable. The proposal promotes an ecological and environmentally friendly product, capable of contributing to the oral health of local populations without compromising the natural habitat of the palm.