As part of a recent survey, available on newsstands since September 8, 2022, 60 Million consumers analyzed the composition of 12 toothpastes among the most used by the French. The results are disturbing!
Indeed, while all toothpastes contain water, surfactants for the foaming effect and fluoride to protect tooth enamel, some also contain controversial substances such as titanium dioxide, which is said to is carcinogenic and dangerous for the immune system.
Titanium dioxide, a dangerous abrasive product
The mouth-body connection is very direct and poor oral health can contribute to disease heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and other problems. Therefore, having a healthy mouth is essential, and anything we put into it, even for a short time, can affect our overall health.
Protective mucous membranes line our mouths, which in turn can become irritated, inflamed and infected with toxic ingredients.
These substances can also be absorbed quickly and enter our bloodstream, while other ingredients can upset the natural balance of our mouth flora, which is responsible for maintaining our oral health. Thus, cThe imbalance can also affect the gut microbiome.
According to 60 Million consumers, some also contain controversial substances, such as titanium dioxide, which is suspected of being carcinogenic and dangerous for the immune system. Half of toothpastes of the selection contains titanium dioxide (titanium dioxide or TiO2), which is sometimes hidden under the codes CI 77891 or E171, say their experts. If this ingredient is the subject of controversy, it is because a sufficient level of evidence allows it to be considered as carcinogenic proven in animals based on experimental data. Titanium dioxide is suspected of promoting colorectal cancer and is currently banned in food products.
Half contains
In the selection of 60 million consumers, it turns out that half contains titanium dioxide. This is a compound used to impart a white color to toothpaste paste.
Also, titanium dioxide is added to toothpaste not only for its white coloring, but also for its ultraviolet ray absorbing properties. However, by brushing your teeth with a toothpaste containing it, you take the risk of ingesting some of it. For information, ANSES has shown that the absorption of this additive leads to an inflammatory response at the intestinal level in rats.
Moreover, this is not the first investigation to pin titanium dioxide. In 2019, the association Act for the environment revealed that the two-thirds of toothpaste tested contained them. ” titanium dioxide is used to color white. And to opacify the toothpaste, to give it a more ‘hygienic’ aspect that the manufacturers consider to be more profitable. “The association then declared.
Triclosan, an endocrine disruptor
Titanium dioxide isn’t the only ingredient thought to be linked to cancer risks found in toothpaste. The association 60 Millions de consommateurs also cites the triclosan. It is an antimicrobial strongly suspected of being an endocrine disruptor. It could be absorbed and reach the bloodstream via the mucous membranes.
Furthermore, it is recommended to avoid the sodium lauryl sulphate Where sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Thus, this surfactant used to lather toothpaste can be irritating to the gums and mucous membranes.
Toothpastes singled out for their carcinogenic components
- Elmex anti carries
- Parodontax – daily care
- Sanogyl – gum care with vitamin complex
- Sensodyne – sensitivity action (red)
- Signal – Pure breath
Toothpastes to avoid
Twelve toothpastes that have been scrutinized by 60 million consumers. Thus, four received a red card, because very harmful to the teeth.
- enamel diamond charcoal : This toothpaste was judged “ potentially one of the most harmful“. Its generally too large particle size of the coal leads to a highly abrasive action. Thus, it risks damaging the enamel in the event of daily use.
- Sanogyl gum care with vitamin complex : it contains titanium dioxide, sodium lauryl sulphate, potentially irritating“. It also contains polyethylene glycol (PEG-32) obtained through a process that uses carcinogenic ethylene oxide.
- Sensodyne red sensitivity action : this toothpaste also contains contains titanium dioxide and sodium lauryl sulphate.
- Pure breath signal : it contains potassium sorbate. It is a potentially allergenic preservative, polyethylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide.
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