What’s In Your Toothpaste?
What’s Really In Your Toothpaste? Why It Matters More Than You Think
There’s nothing quite as refreshing as the feeling of brushing your teeth. Whether you’re freshening up in the morning or scrubbing away after a garlic-filled meal, that minty burst from your toothpaste leaves your mouth feeling clean and your breath more pleasant. But how often do you actually stop and think about what’s in your toothpaste?
We use toothpaste daily—usually twice a day, every day. That’s over 700 uses per year. Even if we don’t intentionally swallow it, a small amount inevitably gets ingested. So, shouldn’t we be more curious about what exactly goes into this product we use so regularly? Let’s take a closer look at what’s in your toothpaste, what to avoid, and how to choose the best option for your oral health.
What’s Typically In Your Toothpaste?
Toothpaste is more than just a flavored gel. It’s carefully formulated with specific ingredients to help clean your teeth, protect your enamel, freshen your breath, and maintain gum health. Here are some common ingredients you’ll find in your toothpaste:
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Fluoride – A key ingredient that strengthens enamel and helps prevent cavities.
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Mild abrasives – Such as calcium carbonate or hydrated silica, which help scrub away plaque and surface stains.
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Humectants – Like glycerin, to keep toothpaste from drying out.
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Detergents – Such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which help create the foaming action.
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Binders and thickeners – To maintain a smooth consistency.
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Flavoring agents – Usually mint oils to provide a fresh taste.
Most of these ingredients are safe and serve specific purposes. But not everything that has historically been found in your toothpaste is beneficial—or even safe.
The Problem with Microbeads In Your Toothpaste
One ingredient that raised major concerns in recent years is polyethylene microbeads. These tiny plastic particles were once commonly added to toothpaste as a “scrubbing” feature, helping to remove plaque and improve breath freshness.
While microbeads may sound harmless, they pose serious health and environmental risks. These plastic beads do not dissolve, and when used in your toothpaste, they can get lodged between your teeth or gums. Over time, they may irritate your gum tissue, trap food particles, and even contribute to gum disease.
Many dental professionals reported finding these tiny beads embedded in patients’ gums during routine cleanings. Think of it as a constant irritation—like having a piece of popcorn kernel stuck in your gum line, but worse.
The Bigger Problem: Plastic in Your Body
The idea of having plastic in your toothpaste, and potentially in your body, is unsettling. These polyethylene particles don’t break down in the mouth or the digestive system. And if they don’t pass through your system, where do they end up?
Scientists and health professionals have raised red flags about the potential long-term effects of consuming microplastics—implicating issues ranging from inflammation to hormone disruption. From an environmental standpoint, microbeads flushed down the drain also contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and waterways.
Due to these growing concerns, the Canadian federal government banned the manufacture and sale of personal care products containing microbeads, effective July 1, 2018. But if you’re using an older toothpaste or one from another country, check the label carefully.
What Should Be In Your Toothpaste?
When choosing a toothpaste, look for these dentist-approved ingredients:
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Fluoride – The gold standard for cavity prevention.
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Calcium phosphate – Helps remineralize teeth.
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Xylitol – A natural sweetener that fights cavity-causing bacteria.
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Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) – Naturally neutralizes acids and whitens teeth.
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Natural mint oils – Provide flavor without synthetic chemicals.
Avoid products that contain:
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Polyethylene or microbeads
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Artificial dyes
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Triclosan – An antibacterial agent linked to health concerns
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Strong detergents like high concentrations of SLS, which can irritate sensitive mouths
Always read the label. If you don’t recognize most of what’s listed in your toothpaste, ask your dentist for advice.
Ask Your Dentist: The Best Way to Choose Toothpaste
With so many brands on the market, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you choose whitening toothpaste? Sensitivity protection? Tartar control? Fun flavors? The best step is to talk to your dentist at The Teal Umbrella. They know your oral health history and can recommend a toothpaste tailored to your needs.
Most dental professionals recommend sticking with simple, fluoride-based toothpaste that avoids trendy but unnecessary additives. Often, these are also the most affordable choices on the shelf—proof that you don’t need to spend more for better oral care.
Final Thoughts: Know What’s In Your Toothpaste
Choosing the right toothpaste means paying attention to what’s in it. Avoid plastic microbeads, steer clear of harsh chemicals, and stick to ingredients proven to benefit your teeth and gums.
What’s in your toothpaste should work for your health—not against it.
