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Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste to Avoid

Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste to Avoid

Dan Montelongo -
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This foaming agent has the beauty industry buzzing because of its harmful effects on the body. It is often used in soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, and other products to achieve a lather effect. The harshness of this chemical has been proven to create microscopic damage to the oral tissue that lines the inside of your mouth, causing Canker Sores.

Silica: This form of sand, commonly found in whitening toothpastes, scratches away at tooth enamel causing irreparable damage to teeth.

Polyethylene: A versatile ingredient used often as an emulsion stabilizer, viscosity increasing agent, and binding agent, it is also found in toothpaste because of its properties as an exfoliating, polishing agent. However, warnings suggest that using it on broken skin can lead to toxicity.

Sodium Hydroxide: Commonly used in drain and oven cleaners, this strong corrosive is now appearing in whitening toothpastes, causing burns and gastrointestinal ailments.

Propylene Glycol: A common delivery vehicle and solvent in many toothpastes and beauty products, this chemical is used in other industries as anti-freeze, airplane de-icer, and brake fluid. Large amounts need to be ingested to cause acute toxicity, but prolonged use can also cause harm.

Ammonium Hydroxide: Ammonium hydroxide is found in many industrial products and cleaners such as flooring strippers, brick cleaners, and cements. Prolonged exposure can cause irritation, burns, gastrointestinal and respiratory issues.