27 Feb Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste: Propylene Glycol, Parabens, and More
Have you ever read through the list of ingredients in your preferred brand of toothpaste? Some of those long, unpronounceable words could be toxins in disguise. Many harmful ingredients are allowed in toothpaste because they are added in such small amounts. But even though you spit your toothpaste out, traces of it are still going to be absorbed into your body through your saliva. Here are five harmful ingredients to watch out for.
Is Your Toothpaste Toxic? Five Ingredients to Avoid
1: Propylene Glycol
A solvent used in many pharmaceutical products, propylene glycol is considered safe in small amounts. However, large doses are toxic and can damage the nervous system, heart, liver, and kidneys.
2: Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
This ingredient is used as a thickener in cosmetic products like soap and shampoo. It has a well-established reputation for causing skin irritation. In toothpaste, it can irritate the gums and cause canker sores as well.
3: Triclosan
Triclosan is an antimicrobial agent that’s added to toothpaste because it can help prevent plaque and gingivitis. Unfortunately, it is also an endocrine disruptor that can interfere with normal thyroid function.
4: Diethanolamine (DEA)
A possible carcinogen, diethanolamine can be found in substances like antifreeze and brake fluid. So what’s it doing in toothpaste? It’s also a foaming agent.
5: Parabens
Like triclosan, parabens are also endocrine disruptors. These preservatives mimic estrogen hormones and can cause problems with fertility and the reproductive organs, premature births, and even cancer.
Holistic Toothpaste Alternatives
Fortunately there are many brands of natural toothpaste that are good for your teeth and safe for your body, too. However, you might have to go to a health food store instead of the drug store to find them. Look for a natural toothpaste with beneficial ingredients like xylitol, neem oil, and green tea extract.
Just remember, sometimes even natural toothpastes can have harmful ingredients. For example, activated charcoal can cause permanent damage to the tooth enamel because it’s so abrasive. If you’re ever in doubt about which toothpaste is safe, feel free to ask for a recommendation at your next dental checkup.
Holistic Dentistry in Prescott, AZ
Your dental health, mental health, and physical health are all more closely connected than you might think. And just like you don’t want harmful additives in the food you eat, you don’t want toxic ingredients in your toothpaste, either!
As a holistic dental practice, we care about your total wellbeing. That’s why we use biocompatible dental materials that are safer for your body and better for your health. Experience the difference for yourself—make an appointment at Prescott Dentistry today!
Photo by Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons License for Commercial Use 2/22/25.