When studying toothpaste ingredients, without a degree in chemistry it can be hard to know what’s what. Internet searches can cause even more confusion, so here’s our summary of the ingredients most commonly used, categorised by function:
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Ingredient |
Used for |
What you really need to know |
| Category: Sweeteners – substitute for sugar, masking the otherwise unpleasant taste of the other ingredients in toothpaste | ||
| Sorbitol
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Sweetens; neutralises plaque acid; a humectant, so traps water in the paste, keeping it smooth
Helps fight bacteria in saliva that causes tooth decay. Great for dry mouths as increases saliva production
Calorie free artificial sweetener |
A naturally occurring sugar alcohol. The nhs.uk website says “When ingested…,too much sorbitol in the intestine can cause water retention, resulting in diarrhoea… A 2011 report by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) on the health claims of polyols, including sorbitol, concluded that they promote dental health by helping to neutralise plaque acidity on teeth and repairing tooth enamel.”
Not a problem if you avoid swallowing toothpaste in any significant quantity (eating 50g per day would cause diarrhoea)
Xylitol volume control required as can also cause bloating etc. if ingested in large amounts. Toxic for dogs. Can be sourced naturally
The NHS say “When consumed, most of the sucralose is not absorbed by the body and is eliminated through excretion. Between 8% and 20% enters the blood and is removed through urine, essentially unchanged. The EU’s Scientific Committee on Food (SCF) has concluded that repeated consumption of sucralose is “unlikely” to lead to accumulation in the body (PDF, 128kb).” |
| Category: Abrasives – small particles acting as exfoliants on biofilm on teeth (precursor to plaque) | ||
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Provides a comprehensive clean and polish | Too much abrasion can cause problems such as sensitive teeth and bleeding gums. However, hard bristles and over-zealous brushing are more likely causes of this. Tartar control and whitening toothpastes tend to be more abrasive. There is a list of commonly available toothpastes ranked by their level of abrasiveness:
Toothpaste-Abrasiveness-Ranked-by-RDA Hydrated silica is naturally occurring and can also be manufactured from silicone dioxide. It is safe although can be contaminated by toxic crystalline silica, so some manufacturers x-ray it before use |
| Category: Fluorides – an additive used to strengthen enamel | ||
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Helps to remineralise teeth, strengthening enamel | Lack of mineralisation can cause white spots on the teeth due to decalcification. However, ingesting too much can be harmful to the body and to developing teeth. Children aged 6m-3 yrs should be encouraged not to swallow paste. The NHS recommends using children’s fluoride toothpaste containing no less than 1,000ppm of fluoride (check label) or family toothpaste containing between 1,350ppm and 1,500ppm fluoride
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| Category: Antimicrobials – get rid of bad bacteria and prevent bacterial combination | ||
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Reduces gum infections | Suspected side effect of blitzing all bacteria, good and bad, upsetting the delicate balance of our oral eco-system (e.g. hormone disruption) |
| Category: Foaming agents – a detergent, helps lathering, making it easier to spread around the mouth | ||
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May also help dissolve dental plaque
Also helps maintain the flavour throughout . May relieve dry mouth |
SLS is believed to cause mouth ulcers for some. Concerns that SLS is a carcinogen have been dispelled by recent evidence. However, 1,4-Dioxane, a by-product of SLES, sodium lauryl ether sulphate is carcinogenic. Trace levels must therefore be measured. There is a view that SLS is best avoided but companies such as Colgate disagree
Despite the other beneficial properties of CAPB, some people believe that foaming agents are unnecessary toothpaste ingredients. There also have been reports of skin reactions but at far higher volumes than the amounts used in toothpaste. |
| Category: Preservatives | ||
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Prevent contamination by mould and harmful bacteria | Parabens: Used in so many products, it’s difficult to establish their impact on us. However, one study linked use to breast cancer and another possible reduced sperm count in mice. Phased out by most companies since 2016. Many prefer assurance of no artificial preservatives
Sodium Benzoate is safe. When mixed with Vitamin C it forms the carcinogen, Benzene so there has been some concerns about its use. Even then, it would have to be eaten in large quantities to pose a risk. Small amounts in toothpaste are thought to be fine |
| Category: Humectants – Trap water | ||
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Keeps toothpaste consistency, stops it drying out | Glycerin can also leave a pleasant feel in the mouth and have a flavour-extending effect. Also known as glycerol and glycerine, it’s a non-toxic odourless, colourless, viscous liquid that is slightly sweet tasting.
Claims on the internet that it coats teeth in a film have been discredited, claiming it’s actually very soluble in water and any traces would be quickly removed by saliva.
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| Thickening agents – Binders | ||
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Stabilises the toothpaste texture, binds water
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– Cellulose gum (also known as carboxymethylcellulose, or CMC) is sometimes called a “dietary fiber” It is an additive that isn’t absorbed or digested by the gut, so risks of allergic reaction are low. Too much could have a laxative effect but most people don’t need to worry about it in toothpaste.
– Carrageenan concern has been raised over link to bowel inflammation ad even cancer. Contested by some, but probably best to avoid |
| Colouring | ||
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Dyes to colour toothpaste. | Also used as food colourings, For E102 0.1% of the population are intolerant.
There is controversy about other potential ill effects of consumption but studies have yielded no evidence for this. E133 can be toxic if ingested in high doses. The amounts used in toothpastes are significantly lower than the safety limits. Ingesting toothpaste should always be avoided
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