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The one harmful ingredient that shouldn't be in your toothpaste

Check your toothpaste's ingredient list, because experts say one could be harmful to your health.

Posted Updated

By
Monica Laliberte
, WRAL executive producer/consumer reporter
RALEIGH, N.C. — Check your toothpaste's ingredient list, because experts say one could be harmful to your health.

According to Consumer Reports, the one ingredient you don't want in your toothpaste is triclosan. If you have an older tube of Colgate Total, it may contain it. If so, toss it. While the antibacterial agent may help prevent gingivitis, experts say it may also have health concerning side effects.

Children brushing teeth

"[It could cause] endocrine disruption, as well as impact immunity and contribute to antibiotic resistance," said Tunde Akinleye, a health editor with Consumer Reports.

Triclosan was banned from hand and body soaps in 2017. It's still allowed in toothpaste but is essentially gone from the market. Colgate's new Total SF toothpaste does not contain triclosan.

According to dentists, other ingredients are helpful, and some should be considered mandatory.

"The first thing people should look for in a toothpaste is fluoride," said Dr. Michael Schwarz, DMD. "Fluoride will help decrease tooth decay."

Baking soda or sodium bicarbonate may help reduce plaque, while hydrogen peroxide can act as a whitener -- although some experts say it's not concentrated enough or on your teeth long enough to make a noticeable difference.

Calcium carbonate and modified silica are abrasives that help remove food debris and surface stains. sodium lauryl sulfate, or SLS, helps creates foam to help circulate toothpaste between teeth.

If you have sensitive teeth, try regularly using toothpastes with ingredients such as sodium citrate, casein phosphopeptide and potassium nitrate. Some toothpastes contain the ingredient xylitol which, when paired with fluoride, could prevent cavities better than fluoride alone, according to a study.

Pet owners should be aware, though, that xylitol is very dangerous for dogs.

With so many promises and choices, how do you know which toothpaste is right for you? "I usually say the one you won't mind using," Schwarz said.

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