Do you know what's hiding in your toothpaste?
We don't mean to scare you, but it's important to take a second look at the products you're using. Because modern consumers are spending more time investigating what makes up the things they purchase, they're starting to uncover some disturbing facts. This extends, unfortunately, to your oral hygiene products.
Not every toothpaste is created equal. While some are completely safe, others may contain cleansing / whitening agents that actually lead to dental problems.
So how can you proceed safely? By getting product recommendations from your dentist. Dr. Kim Okamura will make sure that the toothpaste, mouthwash, and floss that you're using are the right ones for your mouth - and won't have negative effects on your health.
Toothpaste "Microbeads" Aggravate Gums
Dr. Okamura has seen some of our patients come in with tiny beads embedded in their gum line. This is not only alarming for its strangeness, but can prove irritating to the patient, and potentially to the gums. We were interested to note that a Chicago news team learned of similar problems, and launched an investigation.
These beads are typically blue, and can show through the thin layer of gum tissue that covers the roots of your teeth. So where are the beads coming from? Certain toothpastes with added, appearance-enhancing ingredients. These polyethylene beads are meant to improve the look of the toothpaste (according to product manufacturers). Is a pretty-looking paste worth potential dangers to your health? We don't think so. While there haven't been any studies performed to assess the longer-term effects of these beads becoming stuck in the mouth, the immediate problems are discomfort to the patient - and your toothpaste should never affect you in a negative way.
The beads aren't biodegradable and could remain in your mouth indefinitely. Why choose toothpaste that bothers you when yours could be bead-free? Big toothpaste companies under the Proctor and Gamble umbrella are working on making a plastic-free change:
"...a company spokesperson says many of its products will be microbead-free within six months, and all products free of the plastics by March 2016."
While this is great news, in the meantime, you should be wary of plastics in your toothpaste. Check the ingredient list to make sure it doesn't contain polyethylene or polypropylene.
Understanding the Triclosan Debate
Triclosan is a newly hot topic in the dental world. This is because emerging studies continue to suggest that the agent may have an impact on the development of cancer and disruption of hormone regulation. And patients using triclosan-laden toothpaste (e.g., Colgate Total) have far more triclosan in their systems. Research on triclosan's effects on the body are not yet conclusive, but there are hints of associated problems in a variety of research studies. Colgate has responded to investigations of the toothpaste's safety with extensive rebuttals, and has stated that Colgate Total is the most thoroughly studied toothpaste on the market - all to ensure patient safety.
As with every debate, there are two sides to this issue. But concerned patients have good reason to make sure their toothpaste doesn't contain this agent.
Ask Our Everett Dentist: Which Oral Hygiene Products are Safe?
It's exhausting (and impossible) to try to become an expert on toothpaste and its safety. So why not bring a professional into your efforts? By checking in with your dentist, you can gain the peace of mind that comes with knowing you're taking the right steps - for your short- and long-term health.
If you ever have questions about your oral health or oral hygiene, we're just a phone call away. Patients are also welcome to submit questions or requests online. Don't spend time feeling nervous about your toothpaste - just get in touch to get answers!
