The 6 Problem Ingredients to Never Put in Your Mouth
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Creates foam but can irritate mouth lining
Triggers canker sores for many people
Disrupts oral microbiome balance
Found in: Colgate, Crest, many drugstore brands.
2. Triclosan (Banned in many countries)
Endocrine disruptor
Linked to thyroid problems and gut inflammation
Still found in older formulations and some off-brand pastes
3. Titanium Dioxide (TiO₂)
Used as a whitening agent
Possible carcinogen when absorbed through mucosal tissue
Banned in food in the EU
Still allowed in U.S. toothpaste
4. Artificial Sweeteners & Dyes
Examples:
Blue 1
Red 40
Yellow 5
Saccharin
These contribute to inflammation and have no health purpose in oral care.
5. PEGs (Polyethylene Glycols)
Potentially contaminated with carcinogens like 1,4-dioxane
Used as emulsifiers
6. Fluoride (Controversial)
Not inherently toxic in small amounts, but:
Can disrupt thyroid function at higher doses
Not ideal for young kids
Doesn’t solve the root cause of decay (oral microbiome imbalance)
Safer alternative: hydroxyapatite
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