Avoid these substances in toothpaste

We all use toothpaste, and dentists recommend fluoride toothpaste for the best protection against cavities. 

The Danish Consumer Council THINK Chemicals has tested fluoride toothpaste for the presence of chemicals unwanted for your health and the environment. 

These brands are included in the test 

We have tested 31 toothpastes from Danish stores and online shops. We have selected toothpaste from both popular brands and niche brands. 

The brands in the test are Avivir, Aquafresh, Best@care, Colgate, Clinomyn, Curaprox, Denivit, Denttabs, Dentalux, Dr. Jones, G.U.M, Green People, Jordan, Lavera, Kingfisher, Marvis, Oral-B, Parodontax, Parodol, Pierrot, Rema1000, SB12, Sence, Sensodyne, The Humble Co., Urtekram, Xtra, Zendium, Waken, and Änglamark. 

Titanium dioxide in toothpaste 

In the test, we found the colorant titanium dioxide in 11 toothpastes, which therefore receive a medium chemical rating, the B-rating. Compared to last year's test of toothpaste, it would appear that titanium dioxide is being phased out in toothpaste. 

Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring colour pigment that can make products like toothpaste appear chalk white. 

Titanium dioxide can accumulate in the body and is suspected of damaging genetic material when ingested. 

Therefore, the substance is prohibited as an additive in food, but it is still allowed in personal care products, which you inevitably ingest a part of during use. 

We recommend keeping an eye out for titanium dioxide or CI 77891 in personal care products that you can ingest, such as toothpaste. 

Avoid suspected endocrine-disrupting substances in toothpaste 

In the test, 5 toothpastes receive the lowest chemical rating, C-rating. 

They all contain substances suspected of being endocrine disruptors, such as parabens, triclosan, and methyl salicylate. 

Endocrine-disrupting substances can, for example, affect the ability to conceive or contribute to certain forms of cancer. 

Triclosan has long been under scrutiny. In addition to potentially affecting the hormonal system, the substance accumulates in the environment and can create resistant bacteria. The Environmental Protection Agency recommends completely avoiding triclosan. 

These toothpastes perform poorly 

In the test, these five toothpastes receive the lowest chemical rating because they contain suspected endocrine-disrupting substances: 

• Denivit Anti-Stain Intense Toothpaste 
• G.U.M. Paroex toothpaste 
• Parodol Fluor toothpaste 
• Pierrot Ultrafresh dental gel 
• Sence Coolmint toothpaste 

Fluoride in toothpaste is not the same as PFAS 

Fluoride in toothpaste is sometimes confused with harmful fluorinated substances, also called PFAS. But they are not the same. 

Fluorinated substances are used, among other things, to make outdoor clothing, frying pans, or dental floss water-, dirt-, and grease-repellent. 

Fluoride in toothpaste is not the same type of substance. Fluoride in toothpaste is called inorganic fluoride and prevents cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. 

Fluoride does not have the same properties as PFAS. However, small children should not ingest too much fluoride. Therefore, use only a small amount of toothpaste and teach them to spit it out. 

Good advice on fluoride in toothpaste 

The total exposure to unwanted chemicals in products can be problematic - not the individual product 

It is generally a good idea to limit your exposure to endocrine-disrupting substances where you can. That way, you keep your total exposure as low as possible. 

The individual toothpaste will not pose any health risk, even if it contains substances suspected of being endocrine disruptors. 

But your - or your child's - total exposure to these substances may contribute to endocrine-disrupting effects. This is known as the cocktail effect.