Oral Care

Understanding harmful chemicals in toothpaste and mouthwash

Common Exposures

Your oral care products might contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed into your body more easily than you think. This guide highlights common ingredients to avoid, their risks, and safer alternatives to keep you and your family healthy.

Oral care products often contain potentially harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through the mouth. Examples include:

  • Triclosan: Found in toothpaste and mouthwash, this antibacterial agent can disrupt hormones and contribute to antibiotic resistance.

  • Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent in toothpaste that causes skin irritation and canker sores, while also polluting water systems.

  • Propylene Glycol: A solvent that can lead to skin irritation and organ toxicity with long-term exposure.

  • Diethanolamine (DEA): Used for texture, this ingredient can form carcinogenic compounds and disrupt hormones.

  • Saccharin: An artificial sweetener that may cause allergic reactions and has been linked to potential cancer risks in some studies.

Health Impacts

Hormone Disruption: Ingredients like Triclosan and DEA interfere with the body’s endocrine system, potentially leading to long-term health issues.

Irritation and Sensitivity: SLS and Propylene Glycol are known irritants, causing skin reactions, mouth ulcers, and dryness.

Carcinogenic Risks: Chemicals such as DEA and saccharin have been associated with potential cancer risks, particularly in high exposure levels.

Children’s Health: Children are especially vulnerable to these risks due to their smaller size and developing systems, which can absorb higher concentrations of harmful chemicals relative to body weight.

Practical Tips for Reducing Exposure

Read Labels Carefully: Avoid products containing Triclosan, SLS, DEA, and other harmful chemicals. Look for "natural" or "chemical-free" oral care options.

Switch to Safer Alternatives: Use products made from natural ingredients like baking soda, coconut oil, or essential oils for oral hygiene.

Try DIY Solutions: Create your own toothpaste with baking soda and coconut oil, or use diluted hydrogen peroxide as a mouth rinse.

Teach Healthy Habits: Encourage regular brushing and flossing with safer products to maintain oral health without harmful chemicals.

Resources / Tools

Healthier Oral Care Products | Environmental Working Group (EWG)

11 Non-Toxic Toothpaste Brands for a Fresh and Healthy Smile

15 Toxic Ingredients in Dental Care to Avoid

Natural Toothpaste: A Guide to Chemical-Free Oral Care

10 Best Natural Toothpastes for a Healthy Smile

Make Natural Toothpaste and Avoid Toxins with Homemade Solutions

“In terms of household cleaners, neither ingredients nor products must meet any sort of safety standard, nor is any testing data or notification required before bringing a product to market.”
— Rebecca Sutton, PhD, senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group