Triclosan in toothpaste: the unknown risk on toothbrushes

Triclosan is contained in cleaning products and toothpaste. Find out here what this means for your health and what you should look out for

Disinfectants in toothpaste – what you should be aware of

• The disinfectant triclosan destroys bacteria and is therefore added to many cleaning and hygiene products.

• However, triclosan is suspected of harming the environment and is also said to be carcinogenic. For this reason, the proportion of triclosan in toothpaste must not exceed 0.3 percent.

• Triclosan, however, is deposited on the toothbrush. In the course of a study, scientists at the University of Massachusetts made some alarming findings.

• After just four weeks, the amount of triclosan in the brush head increased by a factor of seven to twelve. The softer the toothbrush, the higher the concentration of triclosan on the brush head

• If you switch to a toothpaste without the nasty additive for the sake of your health, be sure to replace your toothbrush at the same time. As researchers have discovered, the triclosan already deposited on the brush head is released in particular when you switch to a triclosan-free toothpaste.

Triclosan-free alternatives: Dental care without risk

Triclosan is a controversial additive in toothpaste that can not only harm the environment, but also your health. If you want to be on the safe side, you should switch to triclosan-free toothpaste. But what alternatives are there?

• Fluoride-containing toothpaste: Fluoride is an important component for preventing tooth decay and can also help with sensitive teeth. However, make sure that the fluoride content is not too high and that the toothpaste does not contain any other questionable ingredients.

• Natural toothpaste: There are now many toothpastes on the market that are based on natural ingredients. These include herbal extracts, essential oils or clay, for example. These can be a gentle alternative to conventional toothpaste.

• Homemade toothpaste: If you want to avoid chemical additives completely, you can also make your own toothpaste. You will need coconut oil, baking soda and essential oils, for example. However, make sure that the toothpaste is not too abrasive and does not damage your teeth.