Unfortunately, many commercial toothpastes do more than just enhance oral health—they introduce harmful chemicals that may compromise it. Let’s explore some of the most problematic ingredients hiding in your toothpaste tube.

The Hidden Dangers in Your Toothpaste

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): The Irritating Foaming Agent

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is one of the most common ingredients in commercial toothpaste. It’s used as a detergent to create a foamy lather, giving you that "clean" feeling while brushing. However, this sudsy effect is purely cosmetic—it does not actually improve cleaning effectiveness.

While SLS helps break down particles on teeth, it is also a known skin and tissue irritant. In toothpaste, it has been linked to:

• Mouth ulcers and canker sores – Many studies have shown that individuals prone to canker sores experience more frequent outbreaks when using toothpaste containing SLS.
• Gum irritation – SLS can inflame delicate gum tissue, potentially contributing to gum recession and sensitivity over time.
• Dry mouth and microbiome disruption – By stripping away both harmful and beneficial bacteria, SLS can throw off the balance of your oral microbiome, leading to bad breath, increased cavity risk, and weakened enamel.
  
  

Despite these issues, SLS remains in most mainstream toothpastes simply because it creates a foaming effect that people associate with cleanliness.

What’s the alternative? Many natural toothpastes now use gentler surfactants, such as coco-glucoside or saponins, which create a mild lather without irritating oral tissues.

Triclosan: The Banned Antibacterial Agent

Triclosan was once a common antibacterial ingredient in toothpaste, praised for its ability to fight plaque and gum disease. However, growing health concerns led to the FDA banning triclosan in hand soaps in 2017—yet it continued to be used in some toothpaste formulas for years.

Research has raised serious concerns about triclosan, including:

• Hormone disruption – Triclosan has been found to interfere with endocrine function, potentially affecting thyroid hormone regulation.
• Antibiotic resistance – Long-term exposure to triclosan may contribute to bacterial resistance, making it harder to fight infections.
• Environmental contamination – Triclosan is persistent in the environment, accumulating in water supplies and harming aquatic ecosystems.
  
  

While many brands have phased out triclosan, it’s still important to check ingredient labels to ensure your toothpaste does not contain this questionable chemical.

Safer alternatives? Naturally antibacterial ingredients like tea tree oil, coconut oil, and xylitol help fight harmful bacteria without disrupting hormone function or harming the environment.

Artificial Sweeteners: A Hidden Risk for Gut & Oral Health

Toothpaste needs to taste good to encourage regular use, so manufacturers often add artificial sweeteners like aspartame, saccharin, and sucralose to enhance flavor. These sweeteners make toothpaste palatable without using sugar, but they may not be as harmless as they seem.

• Potential gut health issues – Some research supports that artificial sweeteners disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, which can negatively impact digestion and immune function.
• Unknown long-term effects – While these sweeteners are considered "safe" in small amounts, their long-term impact on metabolic health remains a topic of debate.
• Taste receptor confusion – Some artificial sweeteners can overstimulate taste receptors, increasing cravings for sugary foods, which can indirectly contribute to poor oral health.

Better options? Natural sweeteners like xylitol, stevia, and monk fruit offer a safer, cavity-fighting alternative while still improving taste.

Fluoride: A Controversial Ingredient with Potential Risks

Fluoride has been added to toothpaste for decades due to its ability to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities. While it’s true that fluoride can slow down decay, its risks have sparked growing concerns.

Potential issues with fluoride include:

• Dental fluorosis – Overexposure to fluoride during childhood can cause white spots, discoloration, and even enamel weakening, ironically making teeth more vulnerable to damage.
• Neurotoxicity concerns – Some studies suggest high fluoride levels may be linked to reduced cognitive function in children when consumed in large amounts.
• Bone & thyroid health risks – Excessive fluoride exposure has been associated with weakened bones, thyroid dysfunction, and potential hormonal imbalances.
  
  

Natural remineralization alternatives? Hydroxyapatite, the primary mineral in tooth enamel, is now being used as a fluoride-free alternative that naturally strengthens teeth without the potential risks. NOTE: For effective remineralization via absorption, the hydroxyapatite needs to be in a nano form.

Propylene Glycol: A Synthetic Chemical with Uncertain Safety

Propylene glycol is a petroleum-based chemical used in toothpaste as a humectant, helping retain moisture and prevent the product from drying out. While it is generally recognized as safe in small amounts, concerns exist regarding its potential effects.

• Skin & gum irritation – Some individuals experience sensitivity or allergic reactions to propylene glycol.
• Absorption into the bloodstream – Since toothpaste comes into contact with delicate oral tissues, there is a chance that chemicals like propylene glycol can be absorbed into the bloodstream over time.

Safer options? Glycerin derived from plants is a natural alternative that keeps toothpaste smooth and hydrated without potential risks.

Read Your Labels & Choose Wisely

Most people don’t think twice about what’s in their toothpaste, but choosing the wrong formula can have lasting consequences on your oral and overall health. Many conventional toothpaste ingredients do not actually benefit your teeth—instead, they can contribute to irritation, microbiome disruption, and even long-term health concerns.

When selecting a toothpaste, look for:

✔ SLS-free and triclosan-free formulas
✔ Natural sweeteners like xylitol instead of artificial ones
✔ Fluoride-free remineralizing ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite
✔ Gentle, plant-based surfactants instead of harsh detergents

By making informed choices, you can ensure that your toothpaste is truly supporting your oral health—not working against it.