5 Chemicals to Avoid in Your Toothpaste

As you brush your teeth in the morning, you’re swirling around a chemical mixture in your mouth for 30-60 seconds and swallowing some percentage of these chemical ingredients every time you brush.

Do you know which chemicals to avoid?

Fluoride

Fluoride, an effective cavity-fighter, at higher doses is also a potentially toxic chemical linked to human nervous system, reproductive health, and endocrine system disruption.

The problem: Scientists aren’t yet sure if the amount added to toothpaste plus the amount you get in tap water equals a hazardous dose. To be safe, we recommend that young children (who swallow more of their toothpaste) should use fluoride-free toothpastes.

Environmental Concerns

Fluoride isn’t the only potential health and safety issue with oral care products. Some toothpastes and mouthwashes contain Triclosan, regulated by the FDA for use in the treatment of gingivitis.

However, triclosan is also a potential hormone disruptor that is hazardous to marine life.

Other Chemicals

There are less well-known chemicals to avoid in toothpaste as well.

Some of these are: the immune system toxicant BHT (short for butylated hydroxytoluene), skin toxicants, parabens, and hydrogen peroxide.

In Japan, hydrogen peroxide is banned for use in cosmetics.

What to Buy

Find the best toothpastes for health and environmental performance.

You can also browse our social ratings to find companies that don’t test their oral care products on animals.

Or, view all of our toothpaste ratings and check out yours!