Toothpaste: Beware of These Ingredients
Rim Qasim Ali: On store shelves and in pharmacies, various types of toothpaste are lined up. This large number often prompts us to stop and examine them closely to learn their features and make the right choice. Some packages claim to protect the gums, others emphasize strengthening tooth enamel, while others boldly advertise that they are “suitable for sensitive teeth” or even “tartar-removing.” According to a report published on the website Passportsante, experts advise against blindly trusting marketing claims, stressing that toothpaste is a fundamental product for oral health care, as it helps remove stains, food residues, and bacteria that cause cavities and gum problems. At the same time, they warn that an added ingredient may have health implications.
Like many other products, toothpaste packaging may contain substances that harm the endocrine system. The most common ingredients in several toothpaste brands are butylparaben and propylparaben, along with triclosan, which should be avoided as much as possible.
Skin irritation after brushing your teeth may be caused by sodium lauryl sulfate, a common ingredient in toothpastes used for its cleansing and foaming properties. This compound can cause sensitivity or irritation of the skin and tissues surrounding the mouth in some individuals.
An ingredient banned in Europe remains in use: E171, known as titanium dioxide, is a food additive that has been banned in the European Union for several years, and for good reason. Some nanoparticles of this substance can reach the bloodstream through the oral mucous membranes. A 2016 study conducted by the French National Institute for Agricultural Research (INRA) revealed the possibility that titanium dioxide may cause cancer when ingested, and this whitening agent is suspected of contributing to colorectal cancer. Nevertheless, it is still present in some toothpaste formulations available in markets around the world. Therefore, caution is advised regarding this additive and its harmful effects, and consumers should note that it may be listed under the name E171 or CI 77891 in some toothpaste products.
