Colgate Total is the only toothpaste in the United States that contains triclosan. For some critics, the decision to take triclosan out of topical products but leave it in an oral product is a bit of a head-scratcher.
The reason for these recommendations is because when too much fluoride is ingested, it is toxic. Excess fluoride ingestion is linked to dental fluorosis, a condition that causes tooth enamel to become discoloured and which when present can indicate that the rest of your body has been overexposed to fluoride as well.
Ireland is the only European country with a policy of mandatory water fluoridation. Worldwide, the Irish Republic and Singapore are the only countries which implement mandatory water fluoridation. The majority of drinking water in the Republic, (but not Northern Ireland), is fluoridated.
yes, fluoride helps prevent tooth decay – in fact, since 1950 the American Dental Association has backed fluoride as “safe, effective and necessary in preventing tooth decay”. By strengthening enamel and slowing its breakdown, fluoride limits the ability for plaque and bacteria to go to work on your teeth.
The amount of fluoride in toothpaste is usually not swallowed in large enough amounts to cause harm.
Triclosan is an endocrine-disrupting chemical. That means it can harm your endocrine system, leading to issues with proper hormone function.
Too much fluoride can lead to dental fluorosis. Fluorosis is a condition that produces a change in the color of tooth enamel. This discoloration usually manifests as white or sometimes brown spots. Fluorosis usually occurs when children who are in the teeth forming years swallow toothpaste rather than spitting it out.
Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste with Fluoride
We chose Colgate Cavity Protection Toothpaste as the best overall because it addresses the main uses of an effective toothpaste. It contains fluoride, the leading active ingredient recommended by dentists to strengthen teeth and prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride. Fluoride is the main cavity-fighting ingredient in toothpaste, which helps strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay.
Find the ADA Seal of Approval
When a toothpaste has the American Dental Association stamp of approval, that means the product has been evaluated for its safety and effectiveness by the ADA Council on Scientific Affairs. Frankly, you should be looking for ADA approval on any dental product.
Bronner's is one of the more well known natural personal care brands and they also make a great non toxic toothpaste which is fluoride free, and free from artificial colors, sweeteners and flavours.
1. Fluoride toothpaste. General dentistry uses fluoride to re-mineralize teeth with procedures like fluoride treatments. Fluoride helps fight off tooth decay and lowers the risk of infection.
In short, there is no real difference between the different toothpaste brands supermarkets sell. Aside from a few minor ingredient, differences between the types of toothpaste available, there is not much difference between a brand that claims to be 'for sensitive teeth' and a brand that is just a generic toothpaste.
In 2011, Colgate removed triclosan from soaps, citing changing consumer preferences and superior formulations.
The Toxicity of Triclosan
While the speed of this elimination limits triclosan's toxicity to humans, its direct exposure to the skin has been associated with some contact dermatitis and skin irritation reactions. Studies have found triclosan in human breast milk, urine and blood plasma.
As a xenoestrogen, triclosan can displace estradiol from its receptors and potentially increase exposure to estradiol, which has been a risk factor identified for the development of breast cancer.
Therefore, it is possible that excess fluoride exposure may contribute to increased pineal gland calcification and subsequent decreases in nighttime melatonin production that contribute to sleep disturbances.
In the case of acute fluoride toxicity, one or a combination of the following symptoms such as gastric disturbances (nausea, vomiting occasionally with blood, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness, and hypocalcemia) are observed. These symptoms result in generalized or localized muscle tetany especially of hand and feet.
The most common side effect of fluoride is fluorosis (fluoride-induced tooth discoloration). People with fluorosis develop spots on their teeth that can range from light white to dark brown. These spots typically occur during tooth development, usually in children under the age of 6.
In some research studies, Iodine is shown when applied to teeth to prevent cavities, just as fluoride does and they can have a better effect when they are combined together. With new developing research studies happening every day, the use of iodine in the dental field has great potential for growth.
Facts about Fluoridation. 98% of western Europe has rejected fluoridation. This includes: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the majority of Switzerland (97%), and the majority of the United Kingdom (90%).