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In its latest issue, the magazine 60 million consumers notes an ingredient harmful to teeth which is nevertheless included in the composition of certain children’s toothpastes. To check on yours.
A shame for a toothpaste! According to the latest issue of the magazine 60 million consumers, an ingredient, which has nothing to do there, is nevertheless found in the composition of pediatric toothpastes. This ingredient is simply sugar!
Caramel and fructose found in organic brands
To get children to adopt their products, manufacturers mix several ingredients, apart from fluoride:
“water, surfactants for the mousse, flavorings, colorings, gelling agents, preservatives and sometimes even, more surprisingly, sugars” details the magazine.
Written in small letters, the mentions caramel, glucose or fructose are sometimes present, more frequently in organic references (Biolane, Buccotherm bio, etc.). However, on a daily basis, these sugars contribute to the formation of cavities… Nonsense for Dr Christophe Lequart, spokesperson for the French Union for Oral Health (UFSBD) and member of our committee of experts who alert in the media:
“These are fermentable sugars, broken down by bacteria present in the mouth. They will transform them into acids, responsible for the demineralization of the enamel and, thus, promote the formation of cavities”.
Too small quantities to be dangerous? Not so sure !
Fortunately, these sugars are present in very small quantities. Brands such as Body Nature explain that glucose “helps stabilize a gelling agent of natural origin and provides a less liquid and smoother texture.
But their presence, even if low (at 0.05% of the total formula) remains an aberration in a dental hygiene product. “Even in small quantities, long-term repetition of this exposure increases the cariogenic risk. insists Dr. Lequart.
An annoying ingredient which adds to another frequent problem: the absence of fluoride in some organic toothpastes.
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