Toothpaste is a critical component of your oral care routine. Brushing your teeth regularly with toothpaste not only removes plaque – the bacterial film that eats away at tooth enamel – from your teeth and gumline but also helps keep your breath fresh. Aside from the scrubbing action cleaning the surface of your teeth, toothpaste is specially formulated with ingredients that help fight tooth decay, quell harmful bacteria that can cause gum disease, and even whiten teeth.[1]
But what many may not know is that while they’re meant to serve a good purpose, most – if not all – of the ingredients found in commercial toothpaste formulations can seriously harm your health, especially with prolonged use. To promote awareness, here’s a list of the harmful ingredients lurking in store-bought toothpaste and what science has to say about themf.
7 Toxic toothpaste ingredients you should avoid
Experts agree that toothpaste plays a huge role in the effectiveness of your oral hygiene. Unfortunately, due to tight marketing competition and the need to make a profit, toothpaste manufacturers often opt for the most cost-effective – but not necessarily the safest – ingredients. This is why many people are now turning away from commercial products and choosing to go the natural route.
To help you avoid the undisclosed dangers of store-bought toothpaste, here are the seven toxic toothpaste chemicals that are scientifically proven to cause more harm than good, and safer natural alternatives that work just as well as, if not better than, them: [2]
Fluoride
It is common knowledge that overexposure to fluoride in toothpaste can cause dental fluorosis, a condition marked by tooth discoloration (mild case) and pitting, or small depressions in your tooth enamel (severe case). [3] But what’s not talked about enough, or even mentioned by dentists, is that fluoride can do more extensive and lasting harm than that.
In fact, according to the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology, fluoride has been identified as one of 12 industrial chemicals that cause developmental neurotoxicity in humans. [4] This means that repeated fluoride exposure during a person’s early developmental years negatively affects the nervous system, leading to irreversible brain damage, reduced intelligence, and even behavioral disorders. [5]
Research on fluoride dangers over the years has also linked chronic fluoride exposure to bone fractures and defects, osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), thyroid issues, and kidney damage. [6][7][8][9]
Natural alternatives: Fluoride in toothpaste is marketed as a crucial component for strengthening tooth enamel and preventing cavities. It’s said to work by replacing lost minerals and making tooth enamel more resistant to acid produced by oral bacteria. [10] But the following natural alternatives can do the job just as effectively without causing serious health issues: [11]
· Calcium – One of the main building blocks of tooth enamel, this mineral can help remineralize tooth enamel naturally.
· Xylitol – A sugar alcohol often used as a natural sugar alternative, studies have shown xylitol can also help replenish lost tooth minerals. [12]
· Coconut oil – Coconut oil has natural properties that help clean your teeth and gums. It also contains minerals like calcium and phosphorus that are essential for keeping teeth strong and healthy.
Triclosan
There’s a reason why triclosan, a broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent, was banned by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use in household soaps and healthcare antiseptic products in 2016: Aside from the lack of evidence justifying its everyday use, research has found that triclosan can increase antimicrobial resistance in certain bacterial species, posing a long-term public health risk. [13]
Studies have also shown that triclosan is a potent endocrine-disrupting chemical that can affect the production and function of hormones involved in human reproduction. In fact, because it can increase the secretion of estrogen and progesterone, triclosan has been linked to breast and ovarian cancer. [14] Additionally, animal studies suggest that triclosan can also negatively influence thyroid hormone levels. [15]
Natural alternatives: Despite the mounting evidence of triclosan’s harmful effects, it is still NOT banned from use in many personal care products, including toothpaste. Fortunately, natural alternatives to triclosan exist and are now being used in some toothpaste formulations:
· Tea tree oil – This potent essential oil is known for its beneficial properties, which include antioxidant and natural cleansing activities. Used in many personal care products, tea tree oil has been proven by studies to be a safe and effective ingredient for supporting optimal oral health, making it an excellent natural alternative to triclosan. [16]
· Neem oil – Research shows that neem oil – derived from the seeds of the neem tree – possesses similar natural properties to tea tree oil and can safely and effectively replace triclosan in toothpaste. In fact, a study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology compared the activities of triclosan and neem oil and found that the latter is a more powerful oral care ingredient than the former. [17]
Propylene glycol
Propylene glycol is added to toothpaste to keep it smooth and creamy. This chemical acts as a humectant that prevents toothpaste from drying out and getting hard. [18] But what manufacturers won’t tell you is that chronic exposure to propylene glycol, especially at large doses, can cause liver, circulatory, and nervous system damage. [19]
A 2018 study published in the journal PLOS Biology also reported that propylene glycol is toxic to cells and can kill healthy cells at high concentrations. [20]
Natural alternatives: Despite evidence of its toxicity, propylene glycol can still be found in many cosmetic products. You can avoid this chemical additive by choosing products that contain these natural alternatives:
· Glycerin – A sugar alcohol also known as glycerol (refers to the pure compound), natural glycerin can be sourced from tallow (animal fat) or plant fats like coconut, palm, and soybean oils. Vegetable glycerin is often used as a natural humectant in food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical products. [21]
· Propanediol – This natural humectant is plant-derived and is a byproduct of the fermentation of glycerol by different strains of bacteria. [22] Like glycerin, plant-derived propanediol is a safe natural alternative to propylene glycol and is used in non-toxic baby toothpaste formulations. [23]
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent commonly used in personal care and household cleaning products. In toothpaste, SLS is said to work by lowering surface tension, thus allowing food debris to be easily brushed away from teeth. [24] But SLS is a known chemical irritant that can cause oral mucosal desquamation, or the shedding of the upper layer of cells from the mucous membrane. [25]
The oral mucosa serves as a protective barrier against abrasive food particles and harmful bacteria. Oral mucosal desquamation caused by SLS weakens this barrier, potentially causing discomfort and increasing your risk of oral infections. [26]
Natural alternatives: While SLS-free toothpaste often does not include any foaming agents, some use a natural alternative known as sodium cocoyl glutamate. This mild, non-irritating foaming agent (surfactant) is derived from coconut oil and an amino acid called glutamic acid. Like SLS, sodium cocoyl glutamate can lower surface tension and produce a rich lather that’s perfect for natural toothpaste formulations. [27]
Titanium dioxide
Titanium dioxide is an inorganic compound often added to toothpaste to give it a pure white color. Often listed as CI 77891, this chemical additive is also purported to help whiten teeth by removing discoloration. [28] Titanium dioxide is also widely used as a food colorant (denoted as E171) but was banned by the European Union in 2022 due to its immune system toxicity and DNA-damaging effects. Unfortunately, titanium dioxide is still approved for use in toothpaste, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical formulations. [29][30]
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies all forms of titanium dioxide as “possibly carcinogenic to humans,” meaning exposure to this chemical can cause cancer. [31] Animal studies have also shown that titanium dioxide accumulates in tissues and organs, although its long-term health effects, particularly as a toothpaste ingredient, have yet to be fully explored.
Natural alternatives: For toothpaste that offers whitening action without compromising your health, look for products that use natural alternatives like kaolin clay or hydrated silica. Kaolin clay is rich in minerals that support healthy teeth and powerful components that help remove teeth stains naturally. [32]
Hydrated silica is sourced from natural silica found in sand and quartz. This hydrated form of silicon dioxide has natural abrasive properties that provide gentle cleaning while scrubbing stains from the surface of your teeth. [33] Hydrated silica is the perfect alternative to titanium dioxide in non-toxic toothpaste formulations.
Parabens
Parabens are chemical additives used to extend the shelf life of many cosmetic products, including shampoos, lotions, makeup, and toothpaste. They are notorious for causing toxicity, irritation, and allergic reactions. [34] Parabens are also well-known endocrine disruptors that mimic the female hormone estrogen, posing a threat to reproductive health. [35] A review published in the journal Science of the Total Environment also linked parabens to other serious health problems, such as respiratory, heart, and metabolic issues, and certain types of cancer. [36]
Natural alternatives: Organic essential oils can easily replace toxic parabens in toothpaste. Potent ones like peppermint, eucalyptus, and clove essential oils contain active compounds that work just as well as, if not even better than, parabens, supporting optimal oral health while serving as non-toxic, natural preservatives suitable for use even in food products. [37][38]
Artificial sweeteners
Many toothpaste brands use artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame to give their products a pleasant, sweet taste. But these synthetic chemicals offer no oral benefits and are even linked to serious health issues. For instance, saccharin was once linked to bladder cancer in animal studies, while aspartame was classified as a possible human carcinogen by the IARC in 2023. [39][40]
Natural alternatives: Since artificial sweeteners contribute nothing of value to your oral health, it is better to opt for natural sweeteners like xylitol and stevia extract. Both these sweet-tasting, plant-derived compounds have been shown to support optimal oral health and provide dental benefits. [41]
Where to get lab-verified Fluoride-free Toothpaste formulated with only natural ingredients
To help you maintain optimal oral health and hygiene while avoiding toxic chemicals found in mainstream toothpaste, the Health Ranger Store is proud to present Chief Originals® Silver Fresh™ Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (Peppermint + Anise). This premium toothpaste formula offers a safe, all-natural alternative to chemical-laden conventional toothpaste.
Unlike many commercially available oral hygiene products, Chief Originals® Silver Fresh™ Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (Peppermint + Anise) helps clean your teeth using some of the most effective, non-toxic ingredients for oral health care, including calcium carbonate, organic peppermint oil, organic anise oil, organic cinnamon bark essential oil, baking soda, silicon dioxide, sodium cocoyl glutamate, and more.
Specially formulated with silver water, which has powerful natural cleansing properties, Chief Originals® Silver Fresh™ Fluoride-Free Toothpaste (Peppermint + Anise) contains no fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, or GMOs. This breakthrough toothpaste formula is also non-China and thoroughly lab tested for glyphosate, heavy metals, and microbiology.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose any diseases.
References
[1] https://mywebberdental.com
[2] https://gcholisticdentalcare.com.au
[3] https://my.clevelandclinic.org
[6] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[8] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[9] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[11] https://prescottdentistry.com
[12] https://prescottdentistry.com
[13] https://www.news-medical.net
[14] https://www.jpccr.eu
[16] https://www.mdpi.com
[19] https://auroradentalgroup.com
[20] https://journals.plos.org
[21] https://www.verywellhealth.com
[22] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[23] https://thrivedentist.com
[24] https://www.sensodyne.com
[25] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[26] https://starcitydentalne.com
[27] https://www.paulaschoice-eu.com
[29] https://ec.europa.eu
[30] https://www.cspi.org
[31] https://www.ccohs.ca
[32] https://www.murphydentistry.com
[34] https://myacare.com
[35] https://www.ewg.org
[36] https://www.sciencedirect.com
[37] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
[38] https://www.sciencedirect.com
