We brush our teeth with toothpaste on a daily basis, but few of us think about what ingredients are actually in our toothpaste. Over the years concerns have been raised about various ingredients used in toothpaste. As with any product you use on a regular basis, knowing what is in that product makes sense in order to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
The benefits of toothpaste are many, from removing plaque to preventing tooth decay and its easy to use.
If you are curious about what’s in toothpaste and how it all works to keep your teeth healthy, strong and bright, keep reading.
Triclosan is a chemical ingredient formerly used in many consumer products, such as antibacterial soaps and body washes, because of its germ-killing properties.1 The FDA banned triclosan from hand soaps and body washes in 2017.2 At that time, the FDA stated that these products with triclosan weren’t proven to be any more effective at fighting germs than soap and water.
While it is technically permitted to be used in toothpaste, as it helps prevent gingivitis, manufacturers have essentially removed triclosan from their products.3 The removal was based on research that suggested that triclosan may disrupt some thyroid hormones and immunity and contribute to antibiotic resistance.4
Fluoride is another product in toothpaste that has been controversial over the years. Overall fluoride is regarded as not only safe when used as directed in toothpaste products, but also has the benefit of reducing cavities by 20 to 30 percent.5 Fluoride isn’t just in toothpaste products. It was first added to the water supply in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in 1945, with other communities doing so in the intervening years.6
The safety of adding fluoride to water supplies has also been challenged over the years, but communities largely still add fluoride to water supplies.
The American Dental Association’s position on fluoride as an aid in reducing cavities is evidenced by the fact that toothpaste without fluoride cannot receive the American Dental Association Seal of Acceptance, a recognition that a dental product has been independently tested and deemed safe and effective.
Another common ingredient in most toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). It is used in many hygiene and cleaning products to create foam. In the case of your toothpaste the foam helps spread the toothpaste onto hard-to-reach surfaces of your teeth. A small percentage of people react adversely to this ingredient with canker sores or peeling of the mouth tissue.7 There are toothpastes that are SLS free.
Abrasive agents are also included in toothpaste. They perform the job of removing food debris and stains from teeth and are technically considered inactive ingredients.8 Abrasives in toothpaste today have been formulated to be gentler on the teeth so they don’t damage tooth enamel, but do clean the enamel. Common toothpaste abrasives include calcium carbonate, dehydrated silica gels and hydrated aluminum oxides.
Sorbitol is generally used in toothpaste to ensure that the toothpaste comes out of the tube smoothly. It also adds a bit of sweetness to the toothpaste but, unlike sugar, it doesn’t cause cavities.
This is just a short list of the most common toothpaste ingredients and what function they serve in keeping your teeth clean and cavity free. Following the recommended instructions provided by toothpaste manufacturers and brushing your teeth twice a day for two minutes at a time using a fluoride toothpaste is generally the most safe and effective way to maintain good oral health. In addition to daily brushing, visiting your dentist at least once a year, ( 2 times is recommended ) will help you keep your smile healthy and bright for life.
Time to see a dentist?
Our Walled Lake Dental Office is the ideal choice. Dr Hechtman has over 4 decades of experience and addresses a wide range of dental health needs. From cosmetic dentistry to dental treatments that restore your smile, orthodontics and more! We are a Patients’ Choice Winner due to our outstanding dental care services and look forward helping you achieve a smile that will last and that you love! Call to schedule a Free dental consultation.
____________________________________________________
1 Triclosan
Link: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24280-triclosan
2, 3, 4, 5, 7 Are Any Toothpaste Ingredients Dangerous to Your Health? 5/2/2019
Link: https://www.consumerreports.org/dental-oral-care/are-any-toothpaste-ingredients-dangerous-to-your-health/
6 Is Fluoridated Drinking Water Safe?
Link: https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/magazine/magazine_article/fluoridated-drinking-water/
8 What Is In Toothpaste?
Link: https://www.colgate.com/en-in/oral-health/selecting-dental-products/what-is-in-toothpaste-five-ingredients-and-what-they-do-0814