4 Toothpaste Ingredients You Should Avoid

There are so many toothpastes on the market these days and many of them claim to be dentist-recommended, but which ones can you actually trust and which ones are actually causing damage to your teeth? If you’re spending money on seeing a private dentist, it doesn’t make sense to not buy the right toothpaste when that’s what you’ll be putting on your teeth every single day. The last thing you want is to have to constantly pay to see a private dental hygienist because your toothpaste just isn’t cutting.

The next time you go shopping, here are the ingredients you need to avoid.

Fluoride

Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis which causes discoloured spots on your teeth. However, it can also lead to a number of other adverse health effects such as neurological and endocrine dysfunction. A Harvard School of Public Health study found a strong connection between fluoride and negative cognitive effects in children.

Triclosan

This is an ingredient that is often found in toothpaste, body wash, antibacterial soaps and cosmetics. A study has shown that it may decrease your thyroid hormones which help control your metabolism and keep it regulated. A slower metabolism can lead to negative effects such as weight gain, fatigue, and other health problems.

Propylene glycol

This is an ingredient that is often used in products to improve their shelf life, appearance and texture but doesn’t actually contribute to a cleaner mouth. In large quantities, propylene glycol has been linked to the damage of the central nervous system, liver and heart. This ingredient is often found in other cosmetics, however, it is best to avoid overconsumption by not buying toothpaste that contains it.

Artificial sweeteners

We find artificial sweeteners in many things we consume, but there are still inconsistent studies on the effects of sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame. Aspartame has been found to affect gut bacteria and increase blood glucose which can lead to insulin resistance.

Are you looking for a dental clinic in Manchester? Riyo Dental is a private dentist offering private dental hygienist services, teeth whitening, Invisalign and much more. To get started with our great dental clinic, get in touch.