4 Toxic Toothpaste Ingredients You Will Want to Avoid And The Reasons Why

08 October 2024

4 Toxic Toothpaste Ingredients You Will Want to Avoid And The Reasons Why

When it comes to toothpaste you may think there’s little to choose between them in terms of ingredients, but you’d be wrong. Several of the store-bought brands you regularly place into your shopping trolley contain cheap ingredients that over time could actually damage your teeth and gums. This post covers ingredients to avoid when you’re selecting toothpaste for yourself and your family. Knowing which ingredients can be potentially harmful will help you make an informed decision when navigating the toothpaste aisle in your local supermarket.

Ingredients to Avoid in Toothpaste

You’re certainly not alone if you’re concerned about the ingredients in your toothpaste. According to a recent survey, there has been a significant shift towards natural, sustainable and ‘clean’ oral care products, with 64% of consumers saying that purchasing natural personal care products matters to them. With so many products to choose from, knowing the best toothpaste for you can be difficult.

Don’t worry. We’ve put together a list of 4 toxic toothpaste ingredients you may want to avoid and the reasons why. So let’s jump in and take a look.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)

SLS is often found in toothpaste and helps to create the foam we all like when brushing because it makes our mouths feel cleaner and fresher. While SLS provides some meaningful benefits like lifting plaque from the teeth, research suggests that over time this ingredient may irritate the soft mucous membrane that lines the structures within the mouth resulting in painful sores. The adverse effects of SLS have led to manufacturers replacing the ingredient with sodium lauryl sarcosinate in both toothpaste and mouthwash.

Triclosan

For decades, Triclosan, an antibacterial and antimicrobial chemical, has been used in personal care products, including toothpaste, and pesticides. Its role in toothpaste has been to offer protection from gingivitis. However, concerns have been raised questioning whether triclosan is harmful to human health, especially since a small amount is absorbed by the body. Recent studies have found that Triclosan disrupts the body’s thyroid hormone metabolism. Additionally, children exposed to antibacterial compounds are at a higher risk of developing asthma, allergies, and eczema. There are also concerns about Triclosan’s link with dioxin which can cause serious health problems including decreased fertility, weakening of the immune system, miscarriage, cancer and birth defects.

Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has banned triclosan in personal care products no such ban has been implemented in the UK. However, Unilever (one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies) has replaced triclosan in their toothpaste with a range of natural antibacterial ingredients. Should you spot any toothpaste sporting triclosan in its list of ingredients, we recommend you avoid it.

Bleaching Agents

You may have turned to a tooth-whitening toothpaste to revitalise your smile if it’s looking a little dull. Typically these toothpastes contain a mixture of abrasives and bleaching agents such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to lighten and remove surface stains from the enamel leaving the teeth looking white and brighter. While they’re generally considered safe, research shows that using whitening toothpaste over a prolonged period can weaken the enamel thus increasing the risk of developing sensitive teeth and cavities. The soft oral tissues could also be damaged, resulting in mucosal irritation and ulceration. So, while we’re not saying to avoid teeth-whitening toothpaste altogether, it’s important to use it for a limited time only. A hygiene appointment for professional teeth cleaning is generally sufficient to brighten and freshen your smile

Artificial Sweeteners

Many over-the-counter toothpastes contain artificial sweeteners to improve their taste and make them more pleasant to use. While these sweeteners may not be as damaging to teeth as regular sugar, their prolonged use can pose significant risks to overall health. Aspartame, a well-known sweetener, has been used in food, medications, soft drinks, and toothpaste since the 1980s. Over time, researchers have raised concerns about its safety, potential side effects, and links to systemic inflammation. Though aspartame and saccharin are associated with lower calorie consumption and slower weight gain, studies have shown that even small amounts of these sweeteners can elevate glucose levels, promote insulin resistance, and encourage the growth of harmful bacteria. Long-term use of saccharin has also been linked to impaired kidney and liver function.

So, now you know 4 toxic toothpaste ingredients you will want to avoid what ingredients should you look for when selecting a toothpaste?

Good Ingredients for Oral Health

Fluoride

Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil that is added to water and other products such as toothpaste. It protects against tooth decay by strengthening the enamel and slowing down the acid production of bacteria caused by plaque. It also remineralises the tooth enamel to create a new surface that is resistant to acid. Most dentists consider fluoride a must-have ingredient in toothpaste while the World Health Organisation recommends it for people of all ages.

Calcium Sodium-phosphosilicate

This synthetic mineral, made up of calcium, sodium, phosphorus, and silica, helps alleviate tooth sensitivity, promotes the remineralisation of areas affected by acid erosion and abrasion, and lowers the risk of cavities and gum disease.

Casein phosphopeptide and amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)

Defined as a milk product, CPP-ACP aids remineralisation and helps prevent cavities. It can also be used in the treatment of hypersensitive teeth and hyposalivation.

Arginine bicarbonate and calcium carbonate

An amino acid complex found in saliva that is bound to calcium carbonate, it reduces tooth sensitivity and dental cavities. It also makes tooth surfaces smooth and glossy, remineralises acid erosion and abrasion and removes extrinsic tooth stains.

Protect Your Smile by Choosing Toothpaste with Safe, Effective Ingredients

When selecting a toothpaste always check the ingredients first. If you have sensitivities or allergies towards certain ingredients, ask your dentist for recommendations. They are familiar with your specific dental needs and may encourage you to use a specific type of toothpaste.

Our expert team offers personalised advice and top-quality treatments to keep your teeth healthy and beautiful. Book a consultation today by calling Cheadle Hulme Dental & Cosmetics on 0161 486 0743 or use our online booking service and take the first step towards better oral health!