Improved
6112 HealthChanged
3785 LivesSaved
3568 Lives0 lives impacted in the last 24 hrs Learn More
10 Harmful Ingredients In Toothpaste You Probably Didn't Know About
3 Comments
Did You Know These Harmful Ingredients Are in Your Toothpaste?
When you think of taking care of your teeth and keeping them healthy, chances are one of the first things that comes to mind is brushing with toothpaste. But all toothpastes are not created equal. And in fact, many toothpastes contain unhealthy ingredients that may shock you. Want to know more about what to avoid? Read on. Auremar/PhotoSpin
Aspartame
Aspartame has been used for many years as an artificial sweetener. It is also used in many toothpastes. Aspartame is on a list of additives to be avoided, which has been compiled by the Center for Science in the Public Interest. Source: Toothpaste Ingredients Dentists Say to Avoid http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/toothpaste-ingredients-dentists-say-to-avoid.aspx Auremar/PhotoSpin
Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is in toothpaste to make it foam. It also is a hormone-disruptor, and creates carcinogenic nitrates. Recurring exposure of the skin to DEA can raise the risk of kidney and liver cancers, according to Dr. Samuel Epstein, professor of environmental health at University of Illinois. Source: What Are the Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste? http://www.livestrong.com/article/167101-what-are-the-harmful-ingredients-in-toothpaste Branislav Bokun/PhotoSpin
FD&C Blue Dye No. 2
FD&C blue dye No. 2 may contribute to many health issues including extreme allergic reactions, as well as behavioral and learning problems according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest. This dye is found in many different types of toothpaste. Source: Toothpaste Ingredients Dentists Say to Avoid http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/toothpaste-ingredients-dentists-say-to-avoid.aspx PS Productions/PhotoSpin
Polyethylene
Polyethylene is found in toothpaste. It's also a plastic in products such as bullet proof vests, knee replacements, garbage containers and grocery bags. It isn't biodegradable. Microbeads made of polyethylene can cause in periodontal disease and gingivitis. Source: Dentist calls Crest toothpaste dangerous; Now P&G changing ingredients http://www.thedenverchannel.com/lifestyle/health/dentist-calls-crest-toothpaste-dangerous-now-pg-changing-ingredients Alena Ozerova/PhotoSpin
Propylene Glycol
Propylene glycol is not only in toothpaste as a surfactant and wetting agent, it's also in antifreeze. It can be absorbed by the skin quickly, according to the Material Safety Data Sheets. Brain, kidney and liver problems can come from extended contact. The EPA seems ambivalent on the subject. It allows propylene glycol in many health care products, but also requires its employees wear rubber gloves whenever they handle this chemical. Source: What Are the Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste? http://www.livestrong.com/article/167101-what-are-the-harmful-ingredients-in-toothpaste MonkeyBusiness Images/PhotoSpin
Saccharin
Saccharin is a well-known artificial sweetener that can be found in many toothpastes. The Center for Science in the Public Interest reports that saccharin is on its list of additives which Americans should stay away from. Source: Toothpaste Ingredients Dentists Say to Avoid http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/toothpaste-ingredients-dentists-say-to-avoid.aspx Javier Correa/PhotoSpin
Sodium Fluoride
Sodium fluoride is a by-product from the manufacture of aluminum. It is used in industrial pesticides and rat poison. Consumption of 1/10 of an ounce of fluoride is capable of killing a 100-pound adult, according to the Akron Regional Poison Center. Smaller amounts can bring on diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Still, sodium fluoride is used in every leading brand of toothpaste in the United States. Source: Toothpaste Ingredients Dentists Say to Avoid http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/toothpaste-ingredients-dentists-say-to-avoid.aspx MonkeyBusiness Images/PhotoSpin
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is used as a cleansing agent and detergent. Exposure can lead to canker sores as well as skin corrosion and irritation, according to the American College of Toxicology. The College also reports that sodium lauryl sulfate has been linked to diarrhea, depression and death in lab rats. Sodium lauryl sulfate by itself can have adverse effects on breathing, eyes and skin. It can remain in the body for as long as five days. It can build up in the brain, heart, liver and lungs. Sodium lauryl sulfate is converted to nitrosamines. These strong carcinogens cause absorption of nitrates by the body. Sources: Toothpaste Ingredients Dentists Say to Avoid http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/toothpaste-ingredients-dentists-say-to-avoid.aspx What Are the Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste? http://www.livestrong.com/article/167101-what-are-the-harmful-ingredients-in-toothpaste PS Productions/PhotoSpin
Triclocarban (TCC)
Triclocarbans are considered endocrine disruptors. They may have adverse effects on the nervous system and sex hormones. They may be implicated as contributing to the occurrence of autism. They're also found in toothpaste. TCCs may have a negative effect on thyroid function. They may also encourage growth of cancer cells. Fetal development may also be damaged. Sources: Could Your Toothpaste Give You Cancer? http://www.shape.com/blogs/shape-your-life/could-your-toothpaste-give-you-cancer Safety of Antibacterial Soap Debated http://www.webmd.com/children/news/20080529/safety-debate-on-antibacterial-soap Jaimie Duplass/PhotoSpin
Triclosan (TCS)
Triclosan is an anti-microbial ingredient which is used in antibacterial products. It's found in many toothpastes, and disturbingly is also listed as a pesticide. The EPA says that it is categorized as a pesticide which is a hazard for human beings and for the environment. It is also classified as a chlorophenol which is a possible carcinogen. Triclosan can adversely affect estrogen and thyroid levels. The EPA has required more research on this ingredient. Triclosan has led to cancer and liver fibrosis in lab mice, according to the National Academy of Sciences. Sources: Toothpaste Ingredients Dentists Say to Avoid http://www.newsusa.com/articles/article/toothpaste-ingredients-dentists-say-to-avoid.aspx What Are the Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste? http://www.livestrong.com/article/167101-what-are-the-harmful-ingredients-in-toothpaste The 'dirty' side of soap: Triclosan, a common antimicrobial in personal hygiene products, causes liver fibrosis and cancer in mice http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/11/141117154612.htm Tags: aspartame, Diethanolamine, DEA, FD&C blue dye No. 2, saccharin, polyethylene, propylene glycol, sodium fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, Triclocarban, TCC, triclosan, TCS, toothpaste Lev Dolgachov/PhotoSpin
Add a Comment3 Comments
I think that '' grasshopper" is being sarcastic! Fluoride is a poison for one and they tell you the name of all the other things in toothpaste bad for humans. I personally have been using plain old baking soda to brush my teeth for a few years now and peroxide as mouthwash. We also used baking soda as children because Mom was raising 5 children and baking soda is cheap but effective cleanser. The dental hygienist told me(that's her job) it may harm my gums but turned right around and use ''baking soda powder'' to polish my teeth which she stated they use on children. This was done because I old her I wanted no fluoride of any kind put in my mouth!
December 4, 2014 - 11:18pmThis Comment
Stupid article......................10 harmful ingredients found in your toothpaste? And no mention or name of even one! I guess I'll quit brushing my teeth, I sure do not want to get poisoned or something!
December 4, 2014 - 5:56pmThis Comment
I am up to the 4th picture...........not one hint of what should NOT be in our toothpaste!!!!!
December 4, 2014 - 5:48pmThis Comment