We now know our skin absorbs a great amount of what we put on it. Our oral mucosa is even more permeable than skin, so it is especially important to consider the safety of ingredients in toothpaste.

Fluoride and Nano Hydroxyapatite

For many years fluoride has been added to toothpaste and drinking water with the aim of strengthening tooth enamel, preventing cavities, and fighting tooth decay. However recent research suggests fluoride is not as effective as once thought, and there are potentially adverse health effects associated with fluoride such as developmental neurotoxicity. In August 2019, JAMA pediatrics reported about a U.S. and Canadian funded study which linked drinking fluoridated water in pregnancy to lower IQ in children.[3]

Many have turned to nano hydroxyapatite as an effective and “safe” alternative to fluoride. While there are studies showing its effectiveness in remineralizing teeth, there are concerns over the safety of nano hydroxyapatite. The Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) has determined that nano hydroxyapatite is not safe for use in cosmetics.

I spoke with Stephanie Greenwood from Bubble and Bee about this topic after she posted an in depth article about nano hydroxyapatite. Check out Stephanie’s article and our conversation for more information about nano hydroxyapatite.

Inactive Ingredients To Avoid

In addition to fluoride and nano hydroxyapatite, there are other inactive ingredients to consider consider when choosing a toothpaste. Here’s a rundown of the common ingredients to avoid in most toothpastes on the shelves:

Artificial dyes –Studies have shown artificial dyes affect children’s behavior. Examples are blue 1, red 28, red 30, yellow 5, etc. This is an easy ingredient to avoid as its purely for aesthetics.
Sodium saccharin – One of the most common artificial sweeteners added to toothpaste. Studies show evidence of it being carcinogenic in animals. Safer, natural ingredients can be used to sweeten toothpaste instead, like stevia.
PEGs (polyethylene glycols) – PEGs are thickening agents and humectants that help retain moisture and enhance penetration of ingredients. PEGs can be contaminated with 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide which are associated with reproductive, developmental, and endocrine effects, cancer, and DNA damage.
Cocamidopropyl betaine – Used as a foaming agent and thickener in toothpaste, cocamidopropyl betaine is associated with allergies and contact dermatitis and can potentially contain impurities such as nitrosamines. There is strong evidence that nitrosamines are carcinogenic, and they are banned from Canadian cosmetics. Some evidence has shown developmental, reproductive, and organ system toxicity from nitrosamines.

Another ingredient commonly used in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate. It is not necessarily toxic, but this surfactant and cleansing agent can be irritating to the mouth. Safer choices won’t include SLS, and therefore will not foam as much but are just as effective.

Safe Toothpaste Options

For adults, Himalaya Botanique toothpastes are smooth and effective with no strange textures, and come in a wide variety of flavors ranging from mild to cinnamon to strong peppermint.

For kids, Schmidt’s is free of sparkles, dyes, and extra foam often found in kids options, Schmidt’s comes in yummy flavors your kids will enjoy like watermelon strawberry, mint berry, and coconut pineapple.

Featured

Kids & Babies, Blog

Feb 5, 2020

Safe Kids Toothpaste

Kids & Babies, Blog

Feb 5, 2020

Parents are left to decipher long ingredient lists in kids toothpaste and decide if their children need fluoride or not. It’s important to know flouride, artificial dyes, artificial sweeteners, flavors, and other potentially toxic ingredients are found in most kids toothpastes on the shelves.