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You do it every day, at least once a day and if you're like most people have put little thought into what is actually IN your toothpaste. Though not usually ingested, the ingredients used in some toothpastes can be harmful to both the environment and your health.[1] On the waste front, millions of empty toothpaste tubes and pump dispensers are tossed into landfills each year in the US.[2] Manufacturers are starting to catch on to the eco-benefits of less packaging; Proctor & Gamble introduced the market to rigid tubes of Crest that do not require cardboard packaging.[3]

Related health issues

Toothpaste ingredients with possible adverse side affects include triclosan (an antibacterial agent), sodium lauryl sulfate (a foaming and cleansing agent), parabens (a common cosmetics preservative), and a wide array of artificial dyes and sweeteners.

Anti-bacterial soaps, creams, toothpastes, and mouthwashes are effective antimicrobial agents, but scientists differ on the possible side affects of these chemicals. In 1997, the US Food and Drug Administration named Colgate Total (with triclosan) the first toothpaste to “reduce gum disease safely.” But in the same report, the FDA also said that while it was a proven anti-bacterial ingredient in soaps, triclosan’s “antibacterial properties in the mouth...have not been determined.”[4]

Since then, studies have shown that triclosan acts as an endocrine disruptor and ecological pollutant with potential to cause severe health problems in humans as well as animals living in waterways where triclosan is deposited.[5][6]

Fluoride, while required in toothpastes endorsed by the American Dental Association, does pose some health issues, namely enamel fluorosis, which can affect children age eight and younger. Enamel fluorosis is an excess mineral deposit of fluoride on developing enamel.[7]

Artificial sweeteners—such as saccharin—and dyes—such as Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5, and Yellow 6—have been shown in clinical animal studies to cause a wide range of health problems, including cancer.

When applied to the soft tissues of mouths and gums, these chemicals, many of which are added only to enhance taste or add color for visual appeal, can be irritating or cause long term harm. FD&C Blue 1 has been linked to cell mutation and tumor growth in animal studies.[8] Meanwhile, FD&C Green 3 is not permitted in cosmetics used near the eyes, but remains prevalent in oral hygiene products. It’s carcinogenic properties are similar to that of Blue 1.[9] Yellow 5 and 6 have shown similar dangers.[10][11]

Glossary

• triclosan: Anti-bacterial agent with potential health risks—including endocrine disruption (leading to hormonal imbalances)—and environmental pollution, by way of harming aquatic wildlife.[5][6]
• sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) : A foaming and cleansing agent found in most soaps, shampoos and toothpastes. Serious allegations of SLS’s adverse health affects abound. Some claim that SLS is a known carcinogen. [12][13] But reputable sources such as the American Cancer Society have debunked the accusations.[14][15]
• parabens: This family of preservatives (which includes methyl-, ethyl-, propyl- and butyl-parabens) can affect the endocrine system which produces the body's hormones.[16]

External links

• GreenerChoices
• The Green Guide