It is well known that you pay more attention to food ingredients than to those related to your oral hygiene, and more specifically those that make up your toothpaste. However, this industrial toothpaste that we use twice a day contains many toxic substances. They are bad for both our health and our environment. It is also important to know that each person uses about 75 litres of toothpaste in their lifetime. All the chemicals are absorbed into the bloodstream. Indeed, the mouth absorbs everything. This is why you should be very careful when choosing your toothpaste.
Here is a guide to all the harmful substances in solid toothpaste and also in tube toothpaste so that you can make the most appropriate choice for your oral and general health.
The link between harmful substances and toothpaste
A harmful substance is a product or preparation which, if ingested, can cause risks of limited severity. The composition of a toothpaste can have a direct impact on oral health because the mouth is a particularly sensitive area. This vulnerability of the mouth is due to two factors: the fragility and permeability of the oral mucosa located in the inner wall of our mouth. The substances contained in toothpaste therefore come into contact with this mucosa by crossing the skin barrier. They then reach our body.
The different harmful substances in toothpaste
Titanium dioxide
This is a compound of oxygen and titanium. It is usually present in toothpaste in the form of microparticles or nanoparticles. It is able to enter the body through the bloodstream. It therefore has the ability to reach major vital organs such as the brain. In the long term, it is capable of disrupting their proper functioning. Despite these drawbacks, it is used in toothpaste to give it a white, opaque appearance.
Sulphates
Sulphates are surfactants that allow fats to disperse in water. Sulphates such as sodium lauryl sulphate give toothpaste the ability to foam well. It also contributes to its thickening. However, it is not the foam that allows for better brushing efficiency. Moreover, overly aggressive sulphates irritate the fragile oral mucosa and sensitise the teeth and gums.
Triclosan
This is a substance found in cosmetics and oral hygiene products. It is known for its disinfectant, antibacterial and antimicrobial action. It thus preserves toothpastes in the long term. However, this molecule is an endocrine disruptor. Indeed, it minimises the action of hormones once it is present in the body. It therefore causes an imbalance in the physiological hormone system.
Plastic microparticles
These are small plastic particles. They are very polluting if we take into account their production mechanism. They are found in toothpaste in the form of granules that polish but damage the teeth. The use of a polishing toothpaste sensitises the gums and teeth. In addition, they take a very long time to break down in the environment. Their presence in a toothpaste is therefore not necessary as they are harmful.
Top toothpastes in tubes to use with care
Oral b Complete Freshness
This toothpaste contains substances that irritate the oral mucosa, such as sodium lauryl sulphate. It also contains titanium dioxide and hydrated silica which contains nanoparticles. These have inflammatory and irritating properties that sometimes cause lung cancer. It also contains cetylpyridinium chloride which causes tooth sensitivity and tongue irritation.
Enamel Diamond Red Formula the original
This toothpaste owes its red colour to sweeteners such as erythrulose which are sometimes allergenic. It also contains a cleaning agent called sodium lauryl sulphate which irritates the oral mucosa. Moreover, the whitening it provides is not without danger for the dental enamel. In fact, it contributes to the wear of the enamel as it turns the teeth yellow. In addition, it does not properly protect the teeth and gums from external aggression.
Complete Expert Vademecum
This toothpaste contains harmful substances such as zinc sulphate. The main side effects of this product are headaches and a metallic taste in the mouth. It does not protect effectively against acid attacks, nor does it properly prevent the formation of plaque. It contains pollutants such as zinc sulphate and sodium lauryl sulphate, which are harmful to the mucous membranes.
Colgate Chlorophyll Freshness
This toothpaste contains a large amount of calcium carbonate which causes mouth irritation. It also contains cellulose gum, which can cause stomach aches. Furthermore, it contains mostly chlorophyll, which can sometimes give your tongue a yellowish or blackish colour. Finally, the benzyl alcohol contained in this toothpaste causes skin irritation.
Cattier Dentargile Organic Clay Toothpaste
This toothpaste contains titanium dioxide. This increases the risk of colon and lung cancer. It also contains sodium chloride. It is a moderate skin irritant that causes dry skin, redness and dermatitis but it is also a moderate lung irritant. In addition, it leaves small clay granules on your teeth that are likely to damage tooth enamel.
On the other hand, we have the solution if you want to use an effective tube toothpaste before you know whether or not the ingredients in these toothpastes are harmful to you. You can use the Y-Brush toothpaste tube. This 100% natural toothpaste tube is made of organic mint. It contains 99% natural ingredients and therefore no ingredients that are harmful to your oral health. Moreover, 20% of these ingredients are from organic farming.
The main solid toothpastes to be used with care
Lamazuna, peppermint solid toothpaste
This solid toothpaste is considered to be far too abrasive for the teeth. The essential oils of peppermint and coconut are present in large quantities in this toothpaste. This makes it not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women and children under 3 years of age as they can cause breathing problems and convulsions. In addition, it does not protect properly if you have tooth decay.
Pachamamai, Crystal solid toothpaste
This solid toothpaste is made of coconut oil which is high in saturated fatty acids. The high concentration of saturated fatty acids can clog your arteries, which can lead to a heart attack. In addition, it contains calcium carbonate, which can cause hypercalcaemia, vomiting and abdominal pain. In addition, its peppermint oil can cause jaundice or high blood pressure.
The Green Emporium, toothpaste tablet
This solid toothpaste contains sorbitol. Excessive consumption of this substance can have laxative effects which can be quite disabling in everyday life. It also contains citric acid, which can cause allergies or hives. In addition, it has a high concentration of sodium bicarbonate. However, this is a harmful substance that can cause nausea and vomiting.
Naturae Bioty, remineralising Siwak mint powder toothpaste
This solid toothpaste contains white clay, which in the long term can sometimes damage tooth enamel. It also contains Siwak powder which has the effect of reddening the gums. Its vegetable charcoal can cause vomiting, regurgitation in the lungs or constipation. In addition, baking soda can cause discomfort in the abdomen.
Bélice, peppermint freshness solid toothpaste
This toothpaste is made from peppermint oil, which can be irritating and is bad for people with allergies. It also contains limonene. This is an allergen that can sometimes cause lung damage. It also contains decyl glucoside, which can cause irritation of the oral mucosa. In addition, it is also abrasive, which can damage tooth enamel.
However, to find out which of these solid toothpastes is not recommended for your oral health, it is important to consult a dentist who will tell you the benefits of a particular toothpaste for your oral health and also the main contraindications. In the meantime, you can use a solid toothpaste from the Y-Brush brand. This is a solid toothpaste with naturally derived ingredients that is made without parabens. It is therefore not an endocrine disruptor.
We hope that this guide has helped you to understand the impact of harmful substances on your oral and general health. We also hope that you have learned which substances you should not look for in toothpaste. The only thing left to do is to use a toothpaste that contains only natural and organically grown ingredients.
