It is recommended to brush your teeth twice a day, morning and evening, for two minutes with toothpaste containing fluoride. Brushing helps remove plaque and fluoride to prevent cavities from forming. The Belgian Consumers Association Test Achats recently carried out a survey of 17 toothpastes. She gave an update on the harmful ingredients present in these products.
The presence of harmful substances in some toothpastes
In its investigation, The Consumers Association assessed the amount of fluoride contained in different toothpastes. "Enamel rich in fluorine is harder and more resistant to acid attack, which reduces the risk of cavities. The fluoride content of a toothpaste must therefore be high enough to be effective, but not too high to avoid the risk of discoloration of the teeth (particularly dangerous in children) ", she recalled.
The body has revealed that a large majority of toothpastes tested contain products that are harmful to health such as:
- titanium dioxide: this is a dye that makes the paste white. According to the Belgian Consumers Association, this product is suspected of being carcinogenic by health authorities.
- sodium lauryl sulfate: according to the institution, this "substance prevents mouth ulcers to cure ".
- allergens: a majority of toothpastes evaluated contain at least one allergen. Which is problematic for people who suffer from hypersensitivity in the oral area.
A warning regarding the degree of abrasion
For this survey, the association also looked at the environmental impact of toothpastes. "This is not a negligible factor, as we brush our teeth several times a day and the product then ends up in our wastewater ", she stressed. According to the results, some products contain zinc oxide as well as PEF hydrogenated castor oil, two elements that are very dangerous for the environment. The Consumers Association has also found the presence of microplastics in several toothpastes.
In the eyes of Test Achats, the degree of abrasion is very important for oral health. She therefore advised against toothpastes deemed "too abrasive". "This is precisely why we want the degree of abrasion to be indicated on the label: light, medium or heavy. You can then make an informed decision and discuss it with your dentist", she advocated.
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⋙ 10 good habits to adopt to take care of your teeth
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