Sodium Fluoride in Toothpaste

8 Potentially Dangerous Ingredients in Your Toothpaste

Have you ever thought that your daily toothpaste contains rat poison, floor cleansers, and other harmful agents? Is the modern toothpaste safe to use? Grab your toothpaste right now and check whether these chemicals are present in your toothpaste.

If you didn’t know the fact about today’s toothpaste ingredients and the harm it can cause to you, then this list is an eye-opener. Modern toothpaste though approved by all big food and drug administration organizations like FDA still escapes from in-depth tests. After researches conducted by many researchers, it has been found that toothpaste contains cancer-causing agents, harsh chemicals that can affect your kidney and liver. Here is the list of 8 potentially dangerous ingredients in your toothpaste.

1. Triclosan – Pesticide Chemical

Pesticides in Toothpaste

Triclosan is a chemical pesticide in one of the most popular and bestselling toothpaste Colgate Total. Triclosan is known for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and antimicrobial properties. But, researches conducted on mice have shown that Triclosan caused reduced fertility, cancer risks, and development issues in the fetus. Though, we do not have confident reports to prove the effects on human beings. But, this is a dangerous ingredient to be part of your toothpaste.

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) – A Toxic Cleansing Agent

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Detergent

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate or SLS is a famous ingredient in soaps, shampoos, detergents, toothpaste, and other cosmetic products. This substance is used to produce lather or foam for users. This is one of the most dangerous ingredients your toothpaste can contain. SLS is a type of soap that your skin in the mouth is consuming daily. Studies have shown that SLS can cause aphthous ulcers, can cause skin irritations, and most importantly it is a carcinogen. When SLS comes in contact with fluorides, it can form deposits in your teeth enamel.

3. Sodium Fluoride – A Rat and Cockroach killing Poison

Sodium Fluoride in Toothpaste

Though, Sodium Fluoride is known for its anti-decay and cavity protecting properties has some harmful effects as well. High exposure to Sodium Fluoride is known to cause Fluorosis. This toxic chemical can also potentially cause skeletal fluorosis, thyroid problems, and even linked to bone cancer when consumed.

4. Propylene Glycol – A Form of Polyester and Plastic

Propylene Glycol Polyester

Nobody would want to consume a product that has polyester or plastic in them. Propylene Glycol is a form of plastic that is used as a gelling agent for toothpaste. FDA and WHO has approved Propylene Glycol to be safe for use in cosmetics and foods. But, researches have claimed that this chemical is known to cause liver, kidney, and brain abnormalities.

5. Titanium Dioxide – Used in Paints and Varnishes

Titanium Dioxide Painting Substance in Toothpaste

This toxic plastic is known for its coloring properties for your food, paints, pigmentation of cosmetics, and used in sunscreen. Titanium dioxide is used in toothpaste to make your teeth white and to give shine. Researches on rats have shown that these chemicals are known to produce chronic lung cancer and other types of cancer. Though, the researches on human-being are inconclusive and not proved yet.

6. Sodium Saccharin – A Petroleum-based Sugar Substitute

Sodium Saccharin Molecule in Toothpaste

Sodium Saccharin is a common ingredient in soft drinks, toothpaste, lip balms, and other diet food. Saccharin is an artificial sweetener produced from a petroleum base. Researches on human and rats are known to cause cancer.

7. Hydrated Silica – An Enamel Damaging Chemical

Hydrated Silica Dangerous

Hydrated Silica is a wetting agent to the toothpaste and is a plaque remover. It is commonly used in toothpaste and FDA confirms it to be safe to use in food products. But, constant exposures to hydrated silica are known to cause damage to your teeth enamel.

8. Polyethylene – The Most Common Plastic

Polyethylene Plastics in Toothpaste

Polyethylene is the chemical form for the most common plastics we use daily like plastic covers and bags. In its common form polyethylene is non-biodegradable. Toothpaste brands are known to use polyethylene micro-beads in their non-biodegradable form. FDA hasn’t approved the use of polyethylene micro-beads. These micro-beads are found to be getting into the crevices between your teeth and gums. These micro-beads trap food particles in the long run and cause cavities, gingivitis, and other gum problems. Again, plastics are not meant to be consumed as they are carcinogenic.

The list doesn’t end here. There are other chemicals in your toothpaste that are dangerous and it includes parabens, DEA, Blue #1 and #2, and alcohols in a few types of mouthwash as well are toxic. These are some of the worst ingredients your daily toothpaste and mouthwash can contain. Try to use organic toothpaste as much as possible.

Vinod Suthersan is an young tech enthusiast, Blogger addict, Internet craze and thriving to learn new things on the world of Internet.