Many people buy toothpaste solely based on a recognizable brand, delicious smell and affordable price. However, even a popular product may contain many hazardous substances. Dental therapist Yulia Raevskaya told socialbites.ca about this.
The first ingredient you should pay attention to in toothpaste is triclosan.
“This is a synthetic compound, a powerful, broad-spectrum antibacterial and antifungal substance. It was initially used as an insecticide in the USA, then they began to actively add it to household chemicals. At the beginning of the 21st century, triclosan was used in soaps, shampoos, shower gels, deodorants and dental It was widely used in personal hygiene products such as toothpaste. However, in the composition of toothpastes, this substance plays the role of an antiseptic, which is not only pathogenic, but also destroys the beneficial microflora, leading to dysbiosis in the oral cavity. In addition, triclosan is a source of toxic and carcinogenic compounds when released into the environment. Today, in toothpastes “There are safer antiseptics, for example, chlorhexidine. But here, too, everything is not so simple. Pastes with antiseptics are prescribed according to the dentist’s indications, they can only be used in courses,” explained the specialist.
Toothpaste may also contain parabens (methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben), which have antiseptic and antifungal properties and are widely used as preservatives in the cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food industries. They act as a preservative in toothpaste and extend its shelf life.
“It is important to know that parabens tend to accumulate in the body, they are strong allergens and can cause contact dermatitis and cheilitis,” the doctor added.
It is also worth paying attention to the presence of surfactants – surfactants that have cleansing and foaming properties.
“Manufacturers often add SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) to their cosmetic products. In toothpaste, SLS is responsible for creating a thick foam that has deodorizing and cleansing properties. Brushing your teeth with SLS paste for a long time may cause dryness and irritation in the oral mucosa. This ingredient is also contraindicated in patients with chronic recurrent aphthous stomatitis because it often causes its exacerbation,” the dentist concluded.
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