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Do you pay attention to the composition of your toothpaste when shopping? According to 60 million consumers, it would be better to check the list of ingredients. One of the substances present would be carcinogenic.
Toothpaste: which component is the problem?
During their survey, 60 million consumers were interested in the composition of twelve toothpastes, all of different brands. The finding was shocking. A carcinogenic substance has been detected. Its name: titanium dioxide. As a result, three out of four products contained it.
According to ANSES, this substance is used in many products (cosmetics, medicines, paints, sunscreens, etc.) for its various properties. When it comes to toothpaste, titanium dioxide helps give the paste its white color.
“What is worrying is the presence of titanium dioxide which is always present in half of the toothpastes. Currently, it is prohibited in food because there are suspicions of carcinogenic effects”, explains Sophie Coisne – deputy editor-in-chief at 60 Millions de consommateurs, to our colleagues at BFMTV.
In 2019, titanium dioxide had already been detected in many toothpastes. That year, the Agir pour l’environnement association had revealed in their investigation report that 271 toothpastes out of 408 tested contained titanium dioxide. In addition, 1 out of 2 toothpastes intended for children also had it.
Moreover, 60 million consumers also advise to avoid those promising bright white teeth. The latter are very abrasive and can in the long term lead to oral disorders.
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Fluoride, an ally for the teeth
Today, in many toothpastes, there is a trace element called fluoride. The latter is beneficial for the teeth. Be careful, present in excess in the body, the latter can very quickly become harmful to oral health.
Fluoride is a valuable ally for the teeth because it allows the remineralization of dental enamel. It is a translucent white tissue that makes up the outer part of the tooth. Due to acid attacks that occur with each consumption of food, the latter becomes fragile. Thanks to fluoride, the enamel allows the teeth to be properly protected. In addition, fluoride prevents the development of cavities.
According to the recommendations of the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD), the dose of fluoride contained in toothpastes varies according to age. Indeed, for children between 6 months and 6 years, the recommended amount should not exceed 1000 ppm. The UFSBD advises between 6 months and 3 years to use a trace of toothpaste, in the width of the toothbrush. On the other hand, a pea of toothpaste is recommended for children between 3 and 6 years old. Finally, from the age of 6 and until adulthood, the dose of fluoride should not exceed 1,450 ppm.
If in doubt about the toothpaste you are using, do not hesitate to seek advice from your dental surgeon.