Most of us use it every morning and evening. It whitens, strengthens, improves, and prevents bad breath, gum disease, and cavities. The average person will use about 75 liters of toothpaste over a lifetime. But how much thought do we really give to what goes into that tube?
We tend to assume that what we do not swallow cannot affect our health much. Few realize oral mucosa absorbs extremely well—which is why some medicines are taken under the tongue without swallowing at all.
This post reviews several “controversial” ingredients worth knowing.
Triclosan
An effective antibacterial and antifungal developed in the 1960s, triclosan was long used in operating rooms, soaps, shampoo, deodorants, and many hygiene products—and as a common pesticide. In September 2016 the U.S. FDA banned triclosan in consumer antiseptic washes—except in toothpastes. Some say a major dental brand influenced that exception. Worth checking: are you brushing with a pesticide?
Saccharin
The oldest artificial sweetener (since 1879), made from crude oil. It is about 350 times sweeter than table sugar; a bitter metallic aftertaste leads manufacturers to blend it with other sweeteners such as cyclamate. In 1977 the FDA proposed banning it after animal studies linked it to cancer. Commercial and political pressure led instead to warning labels, while WHO limited intake to 2.5 mg/kg body weight. In the 2000s warning labels were removed on the claim that animal data did not apply to humans—yet the EU and Israel still restrict use.
Carrageenan
A thickener from red seaweed used in dairy and meat products, toothpastes, and as a gelatin substitute in vegan foods. Concerns include gut inflammation, gas, and a possible colorectal-cancer link. The U.S. National Organic Standards Board asked to remove it from allowed organic ingredients in November 2016; in April the USDA kept it citing lack of a suitable natural substitute—without refuting the health concerns.
Aspartame
One of the world’s most common sweeteners—cheap for industry and highly controversial. About 200 times sweeter than sugar, used since the 1970s. The FDA took 16 years to approve it after severe animal side effects including seizures and brain tumors. It has been linked in research discussions to breast, ovarian, and testicular cancers, leukemia, and lymphoma. Approval involved money and politics. Chemically it breaks down into phenylalanine, aspartic acid, and methanol—the last being most concerning: methanol can cause blindness, CNS damage, skin and breathing problems, and converts in the body to formaldehyde (an embalming agent)—toxic, carcinogenic, and disease-associated. Daily limits exist, yet it remains widespread in diet foods—and toothpastes.
Parabens
A family of preservatives in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Criticism stems from estrogen-like activity that may affect female and male reproductive systems, child development, and breast cancer (still studied). Opposition to their use continues to grow.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)
Whose “brilliant” idea was it to put these in toothpaste? Foaming degreasers also used in garage products—they can cause mouth ulcers (aphthae) and irritate skin and mucosa, all for a foamy “clean” feel. Foam has no cleaning benefit for teeth; the effect is psychological and sells well. Recurrent aphthae? Read the fine print on your paste.
Propylene glycol
A fine antifreeze also used in aviation—if you worry your teeth might freeze, you’re covered! Seriously, why is it in toothpaste? It helps create a smooth texture. It is also suspected of links to cancer, reproductive issues, and skin irritation.
We hope we haven’t given you toothpaste nightmares—but next time you choose a paste, before price and marketing claims, turn the package over and read what it contains.
Wishing you good oral health,
Dr. Yarden Goldstein Dental Clinic