Brushing your teeth with a triclosan-free toothpaste can be a wonderful way of taking care of your oral hygiene.
You may wonder why it has to be triclosan-free.
Triclosan is a chemical used in many toothpaste products with the purpose of eliminating unwanted bacteria from your mouth.
The problem with this chemical is that it has been linked to certain health problems.
A triclosan-free toothpaste can be a great product alternative and really beneficial for your teeth.
Benefits of using a triclosan-free toothpaste
No harmful chemicals in the toothpaste
Brushing your teeth is something you do twice a day (at least) to maintain a healthy oral hygiene.
Brushing your teeth with products containing chemicals can be something that makes you uncomfortable.
Although chemicals like triclosan may have their benefits, they can also have some side effects. For instance, triclosan may eliminate unwanted bacteria, but it may also affect the beneficial ones from your mouth.
Going for a triclosan-free toothpaste can help you stay away from triclosan and possibly other chemicals.
Choosing the right toothpaste requires more than knowing details about different chemicals. That is an essential part. So is asking your dentist for a toothpaste recommendation.
If you’re interested in this topic, check out non- SLS toothpaste.
Leaves your teeth clean
A triclosan-free toothpaste is a product free of potentially harmful chemical(s) and which can do a pretty good job of cleaning your teeth.
To make sure you’re buying the right product, you need to check the ingredients list and see what ingredients the product used.
Also, read the product reviews to have an idea what other customers say about the product. It may help you understand the product better and make a smart decision.
It’s like picking the right toothbrush. You think of how sensitive your teeth and gums are and the characteristics you want the brush to have.
Take the bamboo toothbrush as an example.
Everything you need to know about triclosan
What is triclosan?
Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal chemical.
Its purpose is to kill different bacteria and germs. It can also act as a preservative and help eliminate odor.
The chemical is used in different products, including:
- soap
- toothpaste
- detergents
- toys
- aftershave
- makeup
- deodorant
Triclosan was first used as a pesticide in the 1960s. Now, it’s commonly found in personal care products.
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How effective is triclosan?
Knowing that triclosan kills bacteria and germs can create the impression that products which contain this chemical are better than the ones which don’t.
You may think it can destroy even the strongest germs.
The problem is that there is no concrete study to prove that triclosan eliminates all the unwanted bacteria.
So, at the end of the day, you may not know if washing your hands with soap containing triclosan is better than using triclosan-free soap.
The bigger problem is when bacteria resist this chemical. They become even more resistant and harder to eliminate.
Health concerns regarding triclosan
Triclosan in toothpaste products has not been found harmful to the oral hygiene. In fact, it has been shown that it can prevent gum disease.
Yet, triclosan has been linked to other health problems. Hormonal problems and cancer are two health concerns related to this chemical.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that this information is based on studies done on animals or cells.
Triclosan is also toxic for the wild animals. After we use the toothpaste or the soap, the water with the product (and the chemical) goes down the drain. It can end up reaching aquatic flora and fauna.
If you’re interested in ways of taking care of the environment, take a look at compostable paper plates.