Could Your Toothpaste be Harbouring Dangerous Chemicals?
A leading UK dentist has warned consumers about the dangers of using certain types of toothpaste.
Dr Tony Talbot, a member of the Royal College of Surgeons and an expert in restorative dental treatment, warned that many commercial toothpastes contain ingredients that may have harmful effects for health. Dr Talbot believes that manufacturers often base formulas based on chemistry rather than dentistry or medicine and this may be contributing to members of the public ingesting chemicals, which may be linked to a higher risk of health issues.
Dr Talbot said that manufacturers often use slogans to increase sales, including ‘used or recommended by UK dentists’, but this is purely because they send out free samples to a large number of clinics up and down the country. He advised the public to be wary of commercial products and to take the time to read labels.
Dr Talbot mentioned a number of chemicals, including SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate), which is used as an agent to make toothpaste wetter, enabling it to cover more ground more easily. The issue with SLS is that it contributes to the formation of gaps in the mucosal cells in the mouth, which enables toxins and carcinogens (cancer-causing substances) to get inside. SLS can increase the risk of recurrent mouth ulcers and irritation.
Dr Talbot also issued a warning about the use of triclosan, an ingredient, which has already been removed from toothpastes in America. This ingredient was found to reduce the risk of gum disease, but it was also linked to the growth of cancerous cells.
Microbeads can also be a cause for concern, as Dr Talbot says that they are becoming increasingly commonplace in the ecosystem and this may contribute to environmental issues.
In contrast to warnings against commercial ingredients, Dr Talbot advised the public to stick with fluoride toothpaste, as this mineral has proven benefits for oral health. His thoughts were echoed by Prof Damien Walmsley, scientific adviser to the British Dental Association, who advised the public to be wary of buying some products due to the reluctance of manufacturers to reveal exactly what is inside them. He cited Colgate’s use of triclosan as an example and said that it was difficult enough for dentists to work out which products to use, let alone consumers. The advice from the experts is to go with a reputable brand, which offers basic fluoride toothpaste.
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