Which Toothpaste Ingredients Should You Avoid?

There are countless products on the oral hygiene market. Some of them are high-quality, while others are much less beneficial for your oral and overall health. How can you tell which products are right for you? Which toothpaste ingredients should you avoid? This blog post discusses a few common components of toothpaste that you might be better off without.

Triclosan

Triclosan is an ingredient that is often added to toothpaste to fight oral bacteria. Unfortunately, it can bioaccumulate within human tissues and interfere with hormone production. Its health effects are well-studied. Triclosan was even banned in many consumer products, such as soaps and gels, back in 2016. Unfortunately, it is still allowed in toothpastes.

Fluoride

A lot of conventional dentists hail fluoride as something of a miracle ingredient. They claim it can play a big role in cavity prevention. However, overuse of fluoride can be dangerous for your oral and overall health. Plus, it is quite easy to maintain a healthy smile without any products that contain fluoride.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)

SLS is a foaming agent found in many types of toothpaste because it helps to clean away food debris and helps active ingredients to make contact with the teeth. However, many holistic dentists are concerned about its toxicity. Plus, it may cause or worsen canker sores in some patients.

Parabens

Parabens are artificial preservatives often used in personal care products, including things like shampoo and toothpaste. Sadly, they may disrupt hormone function and lead to other toxic effects. There have also been some suspicions that parabens may increase the risk of breast cancer.

Diethanolamine (DEA)

DEA is a foaming agent used in some toothpastes. Like other ingredients on this list, it can disrupt hormones. It can even react to other chemicals and turn into a carcinogen known as N-nitroso DEA.

How Can You Make Informed Choices?

Of course, it is important to be balanced and reasonable when you are choosing personal care products. There are varying opinions on all of the above-listed products, so it would be wise to do deeper research so you can make your own well-informed decisions about how to care for your teeth. Dr. Thomas and the Enclave Dental team would also be happy to recommend some products that they believe are effective and in line with holistic principles.

Meet the Practice

Dr. Preetha Thomas is an experienced holistic dentist in Southlake. She strongly believes in educating patients and empowering them to make smart decisions about their oral and overall health. If you would like her advice on how you can select toothpaste and other products that will help you enjoy a clean mouth without endangering your overall health, get in touch with Enclave Dental at 817-912-1218.