Oral Care Products and Packaging: Plastic-Free for Better Oral Health as well as Better Overall Health

Oral Health: The Beginning of the Digestive System…”You Are What You Eat…or Ingest”

“Son…did you brush your teeth before bed???....Aw but mom I brushed them last night!” Little did I know how right my mother was about proper oral hygiene. Proper oral care can help promote proper oral health. Good oral health starts with a good oral hygiene routine. The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends people brush their teeth for two minutes twice a day with a toothbrush that has soft bristles. Brushing and flossing disturbs bacteria, stopping it before it can create plaque and ultimately cause gum and bone disease. Plaque is a sticky, gel-like substance made of bacteria that forms on and between teeth. It can also penetrate below the gum line to the unseen tooth surface. The removal of plaque from the teeth and gum areas is essential for the maintenance of oral health. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into a substance called tartar. If tartar is allowed to accumulate, gingivitis, or an inflammation of the gums, usually accompanied by redness, swelling, and bleeding, can result. Eventually, gums begin to separate from the teeth, forming areas that can become infected. If this goes unchecked, the bone that supports the teeth is destroyed, resulting in tooth loss. Oral health is often overlooked relative to its importance in your overall health. Your mouth is the beginning of your digestive system starting your body’s uptake of essentials from food, drink, snacks, supplements, and medications. This uptake is based on your intake of these and other things. You can also incidentally ingest other residuals from things like chewing gum, toothpaste, or mouthwash. All of these things we ingest include a vast range of essential nutrients as well as unwanted toxins. Your oral care products and devices are included in this list. Your oral health might play a part in adverse conditions such as endocarditis, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy and birth complications, gum disease, and pneumonia. All of these adverse conditions can be affected by poor oral health. Other negative health conditions can in turn adversely affect oral health including diabetes, HIV/AIDS, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Other conditions that might be linked to oral health include eating disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and an immune system condition that causes dry mouth called Sjogren's syndrome. All of these conditions can adversely affect your oral health. So, your oral health is related directly to your overall health.

Plastic: Market Overview, Types, Statistics, Composition and Concerns

In order to fully understand the oral care market, we need to better understand the components that go into producing both the toothpaste as well as the toothpaste packaging and oral care devices. This includes many raw materials derived from petroleum and petrochemicals as well as plants, animals, and minerals. Plastic in its many forms can be derived from many of these raw materials and is one of the largest raw materials by sheer volume used in the oral care industry today. As of 2022, the world produced over 400 million metric tons of plastic annually. This number has been steadily increasing over the years, reflecting the growing demand for plastic in various industries. You might notice that many plastic containers come with a number inside a triangle of arrows. This 1 through 7 numbering system is called a Resin Identification Code. It was developed in the late 1980s as a way to help plastic recyclers identify the type of plastic resin used to make a specific plastic product. However, just because a plastic product has a resin identification number, it does not necessarily mean the item is recyclable. The following is a guild to the numbering system:

#1-Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET or PETE): A quite common, easy to recycle type of plastic, accepted by most municipal recycling programs. It is commonly found in disposable food and drink containers, including water and soda bottles, and prepared- and frozen-food containers.

#2-High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE): A non-transparent plastic, also widely accepted in municipal recycling programs. It is commonly found in household cleaner bottles, some food containers, and cutting boards.

#3-Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC): PVC is more difficult to recycle than PET 1 and HDPE 2. This type of plastic can be found in children’s toys and a variety of bottles, including detergent and shampoo. #4-Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE): A soft, flexible type of plastic that is commonly used to make thin plastic bags. Check to make sure it is accepted locally.

#5-Polypropylene (PP): PP plastic can be found in straws, soft-drink cups, and certain food containers. PP plastic can be recycled but check to make sure it is accepted locally.

#6-Polystyrene (PS): PS plastic is also known as styrofoam. It is commonly found in takeout containers and disposable cups. It is generally not accepted within recycling programs.

#7-Other: This category is for everything not listed in #1-#6. These include Bisphenol A (BPA), Polycarbonate, and bio-based plastics. Many plastics in this category are not recyclable although you will find some that are industrially compostable. This is a category of great concern due to the lack of information regarding the composition of these plastics.

Because of the rapid growth of plastics, they are in return a rapidly growing segment of municipal landfills. While plastics are found in all major waste categories, the containers and packaging category had the most plastic tonnage at over 14.5 million tons in 2018. This category includes single use bags, sacks, bottles, jars, tubes, and wraps. Some of the most common plastic packaging types include Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Polypropylene (PP), Polyethylene (PE) and High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE). Manufacturers also use plastic in durable goods, such as appliances, furniture, casings of lead-acid batteries and other products. Plastics are found in nondurable products, such as disposable diapers, trash bags, cups, utensils, and medical devices. The plastic food service items are generally made of clear or foamed polystyrene, while trash bags are made of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) or Low-Density Polyethylene (LDPE). A wide variety of other types of plastic are used in other nondurable goods. All of these as well as other types of plastics are used to make many products including toothpaste tubes, caps, and oral cleansing devices.

One of the most common starting raw materials for manufacturing plastic is ethane which is mainly derived from natural gas, crude oil, or coal. In other words, ethane is a hydrocarbon derived from fossil fuels. It is the main component in the production of many plastics including ethylene and polyethylene, a major feedstock in the plastics industry which we just mentioned. Ethane production nearly doubled between 2013 and 2021. It is forecast that ethane production will continue to grow in the U.S. as well as globally as the demand for plastic including ethylene for toothpaste tubes, toothbrushes, and other oral care devices. Consumers most notably recognize polyethylene or high-density polyethylene used in many everyday products and single use packages. It is estimated that the expansion of ethylene production by the U.S. petrochemical industry from almost 27 million metric tons per year in the first quarter of 2013 (when the first increase in production of ethylene in over a decade began) to almost 40 million metric tons per year in 2020.

Plastic: Environmental Pollution Concerns

Global plastic pollution is an existential environmental threat impacting everyone on planet Earth. “Every year, over 400 million tons of plastic is produced worldwide – one third of which is used just once”, said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. “Every day, the equivalent of over 2,000 garbage trucks full of plastic is dumped into our oceans, rivers, and lakes.” He noted that microplastics are finding their way into the food we eat, the water we drink, and even the air we breathe. “Plastic is made from fossil fuels – the more plastic we produce, the more fossil fuel we burn, and the worse we make the climate crisis” the UN chief said. “We must work as one – governments, companies, and consumers alike – to break our addiction to plastics, champion zero waste, and build a truly circular economy.” Here are some statistics regarding the massive global plastic problem. The annual global accumulation of plastic pollution is approximately 57 million tons a year. This plastic ends up in various environments, from the deepest oceans to the highest mountains, and even inside human bodies. A significant portion of plastic pollution comes from uncollected waste and open burning. In 2020, about 52 million tons of plastic waste entered the environment, with 43 percent as unburned litter. More than two-thirds of plastic pollution originates from the Global South, with countries like India, Nigeria, and Indonesia being major contributors. Mismanaged plastic waste affects wildlife and ecosystems, particularly in oceans where it can harm marine life. An excellent example of marine plastic pollution is the Great Pacific Garbage Patch located between California and Hawaii. Although there is a vast amount of plastic floating trash on the ocean surface such as fishing gear, buckets, and shoes, this garbage patch as well as other global garbage patches like it, are made up almost entirely of tiny bits of plastic called microplastics and nanoplastics. These plastics cannot always be seen by the naked eye. Even NASA satellite imagery does not show a giant patch of garbage. The vast majority of microplastics in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch are below the surface. Microplastics breakdown into even smaller particles known as nanoplastics as they degrade due to environmental factors such as waves and sunlight. Oceanographers and ecologists recently discovered that about 70 percent of marine plastic debris actually sinks to the bottom of the ocean. From this understanding, experts surmise that the seafloor beneath the Great Pacific Garbage Patch may also be contaminated with plastic pollution

There are 2 forms of plastic composition that are causing the most concern regarding human health. These 2 forms are responsible for the vast majority of plastic pollution found in the environment today as noted above in the Great Pacific Plastic Patch. The first category is microplastics . Microplastics are polymer fragments that can range from less than 0.2 inch (5 millimeters) down to 1/25,000th of an inch (0.001 micrometer or 1 nanometer) according to the US Environmental Protection Agency. For comparison, a strand of human hair is about 80,000 nanometers wide. Nanoplastics is our second form of plastic. Nanoplastics must be measured in billionths of a meter. Nanoplastics are the most worrisome plastics for human health, experts say, because they are essentially invisible plastic pieces that can penetrate individual human tissue cells. Some of these plastics have ties to cancer. Liquid nanoplastics, another form of plastics, are included in identifying plastics of concern. Nanoplastics can potentially interrupt cellular processes by invading individual cells and tissues in major organs. They may also facilitate the uptake and deposition endocrine-disrupting chemicals such as bisphenols, phthalates, flame retardants, heavy metals and Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). Bisphenol A (BPA), is an endocrine disruptor that has been linked to fetal abnormalities, low birth weight, and brain and behavior disorders in infants and children. In adults, the chemical has been linked to the development of diabetes, heart disease, erectile dysfunction, cancer and a 49 percent higher risk of early death within 10 years. Endocrine disruptors interfere with the human reproductive system, leading to genital and reproductive malformations as well as female infertility and a decline in sperm count, according to the Endocrine Society.

In a recent study posted on NIH titled Bioaccumulation of Microplastics in Decedent Human Brains Assessed by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry, human post-mortem liver, kidney, and brain (frontal cortex) samples were analyzed for plastic and plastic polymers. The results identified Polyethylene (PE), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Nylon 66 (N66), Styrene-butadiene (SB), Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), Nylon 6 (N6), Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), Polyurethane (PU), Polycarbonate (PC), Polypropylene (PP), Polystyrene (PS) in the tissue samples. In a separate study, Human brain samples collected at autopsy in early 2024 contained more tiny shards of plastic than samples collected eight years prior, according to a preprint(not yet been peer-reviewed and published in a journal) posted online in May. “The concentrations we saw in the brain tissue of normal individuals, who had an average age of around 45 or 50 years old, were 4,800 micrograms per gram, or 0.5 percent by weight,” said lead study author Matthew Campen, a regents’ professor of pharmaceutical sciences at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. “Compared to autopsy brain samples from 2016, that’s about 50 percent higher,” Campen said. “That would mean that our brains today are 99.5 percent brain and the rest is plastic.”

Plastic is manufactured using many different raw ingredients. Some of these ingredients are considered Contaminants of Emerging Concern. According to the EPA, one of these contaminants is 1,4-Dioxane. It is a solvent used in the production of plastics including toothpaste tubes. It can also be found in some ingredients used in the manufacture of personal care products including toothpaste. The United States Environmental Protection Agency classifies dioxane as a probable human carcinogen having observed an increased incidence of cancer in controlled animal studies. It is also a known irritant. One source of this toxin is Polyethylene which is used to make plastic toothpaste tubes and other oral care devices such as toothbrushes. In a new study, it was also the predominant type of plastic found tissue samples. It was found in greater quantities in the brain than in the liver or kidney, according to the study. Polyethylene was also the predominant type of polymer found in human and dog testicles, according to an August 2024 study by Campen and his team. The production of various forms of Polyethylene (PE), such as Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) plastics, are the biggest contributor to the release of the solvent 1,4-dioxane into the environment, according to industry data collected by Defend our Health, an environmental advocacy group. As a byproduct of the ethoxylation process, 1,4-Dioxane is found in many cleansing and moisturizing ingredients. It can contaminate cosmetics and personal care products such as deodorants, perfumes, shampoos, toothpastes, and mouthwashes. The ethoxylation process makes the cleansing surfactants, such as Sodium Laureth Sulfate(SLS) found in many toothpastes, more effective at killing bacteria and while improving the foaming characteristics of the toothpaste. Research has found 1,4-Dioxane in both ethoxylated raw ingredients as well as in off-the-shelf cosmetic products. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that 97 percent of hair relaxers, 57 percent of baby soaps and 22 percent of all products in their database for cosmetic products, named Skin Deep, are contaminated with 1,4-dioxane. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) conducted tests on cosmetic raw materials and finished products for the levels of 1,4-dioxane. The results showed its presence in ethoxylated raw ingredients at levels up to 1410 ppm (parts per million), and at levels up to 279 ppm in off the shelf cosmetic products. Levels of 1,4-dioxane exceeding 85 ppm in children's shampoos was of special concern. While the FDA encourages manufacturers to remove 1,4-dioxane, it is not required by federal law. On 9 December 2019, New York passed a bill to ban the sale of cosmetics with more than 10 ppm of 1,4-Dioxane as of the end of 2022. The law will also prevent the sale of household cleaning and personal care products containing more than 2 ppm of 1,4-Dioxane at the end of 2022.

Another chemical group in plastic packaging that has been found inside the human body is Phthalates, research revealed. Found in shampoo, makeup, perfume and children’s toys as well as food containers, phthalates have been linked with genital malformations and undescended testes in baby boys and lower sperm counts and testosterone levels in adult males. Previous studies have also linked phthalates to childhood obesity, asthma, cardiovascular issues, cancer and premature death in people ages 55 to 64.

Toothpaste: Single-Use Plastic Tube Packaging

Plastic tubes seem to be ubiquitous with toothpaste. And it has been this way for many decades starting in the 1980s. I am old enough to remember when aluminum tubes were essentially the only toothpaste package available. You would dispense the toothpaste using a roll up tube squeezer. This was the main packaging throughout the industry at the time. The aluminum tubes worked but they tended to leak and were highly reactive to other active ingredients such as fluoride. But plastic tubes changed everything with their convenience and inexpensive cost. In our daily quest for oral hygiene, we often overlook the environmental footprint of the products we use. One such product is the single-use plastic toothpaste tube, a seemingly innocuous item that contributes significantly to global plastic pollution. According to Colgate, it is now estimated that over 20 billion single use plastic toothpaste tubes are discarded every year on planet Earth with the vast majority ending up in landfills or even worse in our waterways and eventually in the oceans. The amount of plastic oral care waste is staggering and it is increasing every year. In a brief history of toothpaste in the US, Colgate in 1873 began the mass production and sales of toothpaste in glass jars. In 1880, Dr. Washington Sheffield of New London, CT began producing toothpaste in a collapsible metal tube named Dr. Sheffield's Creme Dentifrice. It was Leonard A. Jenkins, who brought the first toothpaste tubes to the consumer market on April 13, 1908. These earliest collapsible tubes were made of tin, zinc, or unfortunately the in worst case scenario lead, a known toxin that with continued exposure and bioaccumulation in the human body can lead to death. These metal tubes were often coated with vegetable wax on the inside. It wasn’t until the 1980’s that the toothpaste and plastics industry were able to design modern day single-use plastic toothpaste tubes. Every year, approximately 20 billion toothpaste tubes are discarded globally. These tubes are typically made from layers of plastic and aluminum, making them difficult to recycle. As a result, most of these tubes end up in landfills or, worse, in our oceans. The multi-layered composition of toothpaste tubes poses a significant challenge for recycling. The combination of plastic and aluminum makes it nearly impossible for standard recycling facilities to process them. In addition, the plastic recycle code can be confusing and leads to misidentification of recyclables. Unfortunately, this only adds to the burden on recycling facilities and ultimately results in these items being sent to landfills. The environmental impact of single-use plastic toothpaste tubes is profound. These tubes contribute to the 106.2 million tonnes of CO2 emissions from single-use plastics annually. Additionally, they make up about 13.2 percent of landfill waste and account for 1.75 percent of the U.S. carbon footprint. The persistence of plastic in the environment means that these tubes can take hundreds of years to decompose, during which time they can release harmful chemicals, microplastics and nanoplastics into the environment. While the convenience of single-use plastic toothpaste tubes is undeniable, their environmental cost is too high to ignore.

Here is a breakdown of the common components of plastic toothpaste tubes. The tubes are typically made from multi-layered materials to ensure durability, flexibility, and protection of the toothpaste inside. The outer layer is usually made from Polyethylene (PE), which provides flexibility and durability. It also allows for high-quality printing and branding on the outside of the tube. The barrier layer is often made from Aluminum or Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol (EVOH), this layer protects the toothpaste from oxygen and moisture helping preserve its flavor and fluoride content. The adhesive layers bond the different materials together helping ensure the tube remains intact and functional. The combination of these materials, especially the inclusion of aluminum, makes traditional toothpaste tubes difficult to recycle. The layers need to be separated, which is not feasible for most recycling facilities. Toothpaste tubes are classified as various types, each with their own composition and characteristics. They include plastic barrier laminate (PBL) tubes made from multiple layers of plastic, typically Polyethylene (PE). They are flexible and durable and tend to return to their original shape after being squeezed. Aluminum barrier laminate (ABL) tubes consist of layers of plastic and a thin layer of Aluminum. They provide excellent barrier properties to protect the toothpaste from oxygen and moisture. They however do not return to their original shape after being squeezed. High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) tubes are designed to be recyclable and are more environmentally friendly compared to traditional PBL and ABL tubes. Another type of toothpaste tube is co-extruded (CE) tubes made from multiple layers of plastic extruded together in a single process.

Plastic: Found in the Human Body

In a recent study by UCLA Health titled ‘The Truth About Nanoplastics in Bottled Water,’ the authors of the study were able to identify seven types of microplastics and nanoplastics found in drinking water. They included Polyamide, Polypropylene, Polyethylene, Polymethyl Methacrylate, Polyvinyl Chloride, Polystyrene, and Polyethylene Terephthalate. In the study, researchers discovered bottled water sold in stores can contain 10 to 100 times more bits of nanoplastic than previously estimated. These nanoparticles are so infinitesimally small they cannot be seen under a microscope. At 1,000th the average width of a human hair, nanoplastics are so tiny they can migrate through the tissues of the digestive tract or lungs into the bloodstream, distributing potentially harmful synthetic chemicals throughout the body and into cells per the study. They determined that in one liter of water, which is the equivalent of two standard-size water bottles, contained an average of 240,000 plastic particles from these seven types of plastics, of which 90 percent were identified as nanoplastics and the rest were microplastics, according to the study. Based on this information, we can assume quite accurately that the same microplastics and nanoplastics can also be found in your toothpaste.

Let’s look at a recent tampon study to better understand plastic toxicity. Admittedly, it is not possible to be sure what exact plastic components or exact plastic composition are found in most plastic packages or devices. This is true for tampons as well as toothpaste tubes. So, for arguments sake, since there are no studies specific to micro or nanoplastic degrading from plastic toothpaste tubes, we will look at the composition of plastic tampons as a guild line for toothpaste tube composition. Past research has found tampons and other menstrual products may contain chemicals such as Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), Phthalates and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). In a recent study, Schilling and her team evaluated 30 tampons from 14 brands purchased from major online retailers and stores in the United States, United Kingdom, and Greece. The team ran tests for 16 heavy metals: Arsenic, Barium, Calcium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, Mercury, Nickel, Lead, Selenium, Strontium, Vanadium, and Zinc. The researchers conducted a blind study, so they did not know the brands. “We found an average of 100 nanograms per gram of lead, and 2 nanograms per gram of arsenic in the tampons,” said Kathrin Schilling, senior study author and assistant professor of environmental health sciences at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health in New York City. “But there was no detectable level of chromium and no detectable level of mercury, which is particularly good. The average lead concentration in tampons was about 10 times higher than the maximum levels currently allowed in drinking water,” Schilling said, adding that arsenic levels were five times lower than current limits for drinking water. So, in addition to petrochemical toxins possibly leaching from your plastic toothpaste tubes and devices, we also need to be aware of heavy metals and endocrine disrupters like PFAS. These chemical groups have been shown to disrupt the body’s endocrine system, which regulates sexual development, metabolism, blood sugar, mood, sleep and more.

We can also look at plastic food packaging and the implications of toxins leaching into our food for further evidence of similar contamination present in personal care products. This was the topic of a recent article titled Toxic Chemicals Used in Food Preparation Leach into Human Bodies by Sandee LaMotte, sighting a new study. Of the 14,000 chemicals known to migrate into food during processing and packaging, more than 3,600 chemicals end up in the human body with some being connected to serious health harms, the new study found. “Many more chemicals may be harmful in ways that science does not yet know,” said senior study author Jane Muncke, managing director and chief scientific officer at the Food Packaging Forum, a nonprofit foundation based in Zurich, Switzerland, which focuses on science communication and research. “We’re measuring not only the chemicals that were known to be used in the food manufacturing process, but all the gunk as well — the byproducts and impurities that we call non-intentionally added substances,” Muncke said. “Those substances are always present in plastic, in can and package coatings, in printing inks and so on. They may not have a technical function in the food processing, but they are there regardless and migrating into people, and we measure them.” These results are concerning for the oral care industry due to the similarity of the plastic used to manufacture oral care products and packaging to the plastic used in the food industry.

Toothpaste: Single-Use Plastic Tube Packaging Alternatives

There are several companies offering alternative toothpaste packaging other than plastic tubes. One alternative to plastic is aluminum tubes. Just be aware that the inside of the tube is typically coated with some type of epoxy or plastic. The plastic lining is used mainly to keep the extremely reactive aluminum metal from reacting with active ingredients in the toothpaste itself such as fluoride. And unlined aluminum tubes are just not a realistic choice due to their reactivity. Additionally, aluminum tubes tend to crack and leak as they are not very flexible. Some companies are offering glass packaging. They typically come with a metal cap. Glass is an excellent choice. Incidentally, glass was also the first type of packaging used in the 1880s for the first commercially sold toothpaste in the US. In a way, we are returning to a time before plastic. Product dispensability can be a challenge when using a glass jar. There is a company offering a wire clamp jar with a stainless-steel spatula which seems to work quite well. Wood spatulas are another option for dispersibility. When it comes to proper closure of glass jars, both silicone and latex are realistic non-plastic alternatives. The use of a pharmaceutical grade silicone O-ring as the jar seal is even better. Natural latex is probably the least offensive option that was not plastic. However, there is a certain percentage of the population that has latex allergies. Even though this is not direct human contact situation, it nevertheless is something to consider. Colgate now offers a fully recyclable toothpaste tube to make use of their partnership with a recycling program called TerraCycle. By making conscious choices and supporting innovative solutions, we can reduce the impact of these everyday items on our planet. It is time to rethink our oral hygiene habits and opt for more sustainable alternatives.

Toothpaste: Ingredients:

The history of toothpaste is an interesting journey that spans thousands of years, reflecting the evolution of dental care practices across different cultures. The ancient Egyptians (around 5000 BC) made and used the earliest known toothpaste. They created a dental paste made from crushed oxen hooves, myrrh, eggshells, pumice, and water. The Greeks and Romans improved on the Egyptian formula by adding abrasives like crushed bones and oyster shells to help clean teeth. China and India (around 500 BC) developed their own versions of toothpaste, incorporating herbal ingredients like ginseng, mints, and salt. During the Middle Ages, people in Europe used a variety of substances to clean their teeth, including burnt bread and charcoal. However, these methods were not remarkably effective and often abrasive. The modern concept of toothpaste began in the early 1800s with tooth powders made from chalk, soap, and salt becoming popular. Packaging was a problem often using clay jars or abalone shells. Neither were very sanitary. But by the mid-1800s, toothpaste in jars was introduced, which was more convenient and hygienic. By the 1950s, fluoride was added to toothpaste, revolutionizing dental care by significantly reducing cavities and tooth decay. The introduction of collapsible metal tubes in the late 19th century, and later plastic tubes in the 1980s, made toothpaste more accessible and easier to use. Today, toothpaste comes in various formulations to address specific dental needs, such as whitening, sensitivity, gingivitis, bad breath, and gum health. The evolution of toothpaste reflects ongoing advancements in dental science and consumer preferences, aiming to improve oral health and hygiene.

I wanted you to provide an example of the type of ingredients found on a toothpaste ingredient declaration. These ingredients are commonly found in many of the toothpastes available in today’s global market. If they contain a drug such as Fluoride, the FDA requires a drug label and the product will need to be labeled accordingly. The following is a random compilation of some of those common ingredients. I do not know if they are listed in accordance with the correct INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients). They were all merely copied from online sources. Understanding these ingredients and their potential effects on the body can help you choose the right toothpaste for you and avoid any unwanted toxins.

Ingredients: Sodium Fluoride, Stannous Fluoride, Sodium Monofluorophosphate

Calcium Carbonate, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Carrageenan, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Calcium Phosphate, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Sodium Saccharin, Xylitol, Sodium Benzoate, Red 40, Natural Flavor, Zinc Citrate, Red 33, Methylparaben, Titanium Dioxide, Hydrogen Peroxide, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Mica, Sodium Hydroxide, Carbamide Peroxide, Potassium Nitrate, Erythritol, Strontium Chloride, Sorbitol, Water, Hydroxyapatite, Hydrated Silica, PEG-8, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Cocos Nuciferia (Coconut) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Rosemary Oil, Wintergreen Oil, Cinnamon Leaf Oil , Stevia, Lemon Peel Oil, Eucalyptus Leaf Oil, Clove Bud Oil, Flavor, Cellulose Gum, Menthol, Coconut Flour, Inulin, Sodium Saccharin, Blue 1, Yellow 10, SD Alcohol 38B, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Spearmint Oil, Hydroxyapatite, Silica, Carbomer, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Calcium Sulfate, Sodium Methyl Coco Taurate, Xanthan Gum, Natural Flavor (peppermint), Sodium Carbomer, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate. PEG-12, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Potassium Phosphate, Rebaudiana A (Stevia Leaf Extract), Aloe Vera Gel, Guar Gum, Charcoal Powder, Hydroxyapatite (nano), Poloxamer 105, PVP, Calcium Pyrophosphate, PEG/PPG-116/66 Copolymer, Flavor, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sucralose, BHT, Dicalcium Phosphate Dihydrate, Flavor(Aroma), Sorbitan Oleate, Carrageenan, Tocopheryl acetate, Yellow 6, Sodium Coco-Sulfate, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Papain, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil

You can now start to see a pattern of overlap between the plastic ingredients used in the toothpaste product itself when compared to the plastic ingredients used in the plastic packaging . There are many concerns. These ingredients can fall into several categories relating to function. Some of these functions include bactericides, preservatives, solvents, abrasives, thickeners, flavors, humectants, cleansers, drug actives, colors, and whiteners. Ingredients such as Pentasodium Triphosphate, Disodium Pyrophosphate, Calcium Pyrophosphate, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, Disodium Pyrophosphate, Potassium nitrate, Tetrasodium pyrophosphate are used for whitening, tartar control and sensitivity. The list of ingredients includes preservatives to prevent bacteria, mold and yeast contamination, emulsifiers to help avoid product separation from incompatible ingredients, artificial colorings, and dyes for product appeal, as well as anti-foaming, bulking, bleaching, and gelling agents. The following lists several ingredients of concern commonly used in the manufacture of toothpaste:

Fluoride, in its different forms, is used extensively in the oral care industry. Fluoride, when used as an active ingredient in toothpaste, must be listed on the ingredient declaration as a drug according to the FDA. The American Dental Association (ADA) will not issue a seal of approval for a toothpaste if it does not contain fluoride. It is used to help control the harmful bacteria in your mouth as well as help fortify the enamel in your teeth. Fluoridated toothpaste sold in the United States contains fluoride in the form of Sodium Fluoride, Stannous Fluoride or Sodium Monofluorophosphate. When you brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste, a small amount of fluoride can be ingested and absorbed into your digestive tract. The most common use level of is 1,000 to 1,100 mg/L (about 1.3 mg in a quarter teaspoon, a typical amount of toothpaste used for one brushing. The amount of fluoride ingested from toothpaste depends on the amount used, the person’s swallowing control, and how often the person uses fluoridated toothpaste. Estimated typical amounts of fluoride ingested daily from toothpaste are 0.1 mg to 0.25 mg for infants and children aged 0 to 5 years, 0.2 to 0.3 mg for children aged 6 to 12 years, and 0.1 mg for adults. Fluoride in toothpaste, regardless of its form, is well absorbed into the human body. Approximately 80 percent or more of orally ingested fluoride is absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, about 50 percent of the fluoride is retained in the body, primarily in bones and teeth, while the rest is excreted in urine. Ingesting too much fluoride can cause gastrointestinal irritation, as it can form hydrofluoric acid in the stomach. This can lead to symptoms like stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. It can also cause a number of serious adverse health effects, including neurological and endocrine dysfunction. In 2012, researchers from Harvard School of Public Health and China Medical University found a strong connection that fluoride may negatively affect cognitive development in children. There is still much we do not know about the effects of fluoride, and we should be cautious about adding it to our diets. In a 2006 study by the US National Research Council of the National Academies they found evidence that fluoride affects normal endocrine function. The endocrine is a system of glands that help control many functions within the body by releasing hormones. Such functions help determine how your heart beats, and how your bones develop and grow.

Triclosan is an ingredient that can be found in toothpaste, body wash, antibacterial soaps, and personal care products. It is used as an antimicrobial to help extend the shelf life of cosmetics including toothpaste. It is also effective in killing and controlling bacterial in your mouth. In 2016, the Food and Drug Administration issued a final rule banning triclosan along with 18 other hazardous ingredients establishing that over the counter (OTC) consumer antiseptic wash products containing these active ingredients can no longer be marketed. Since this ruling, Colgate stopped manufacturing its Total Toothpaste with triclosan. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a study conducted found a decrease in some thyroid hormones. However, there is no significant data yet on the effects in humans in relation to the study. Thyroid hormones help control your metabolism and keep it regulated. A decrease in such hormones could result in a slow metabolism. There are also several studies investigating the link between triclosan and antibiotic resistance as well as a link to developing skin cancer. Triclosan faces FDA scrutiny for potential hormone impact and leading to antibiotic resistance. Triclosan is one example of a potentially hazardous chemical that should probably be avoided.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is a commonly used cleansing surfactant derived from petrochemicals. It is one of the most commonly used cleansing surfactant ingredients used to manufacture toothpaste, which helps create the foaming effect as well as killing bacteria. SLS is a known skin irritant. In fact, this known irritancy potential is used as a standard to measure erythema in human repeat insult patch tests. It can be an oral and digestive tract irritant possibly contributing to mouth sores and aggravating aphthous ulcers. In a preliminary study by the Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine, patients using a paste containing SLS over a 3-month period had significantly more ulcers after the trial than at the beginning. Alternatively, when the patients switched to a SLS free paste, the number of ulcers reduced drastically. One of the main concerns regarding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is its byproduct 1,4 dioxane linked to many adverse human health conditions. Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, and Sodium Methyl Coco Taurate are other examples of petrochemical derived surfactants used in toothpaste.

Propylene Glycol is a petrochemical derived ingredient and used extensively in the personal care, pharmaceutical, and food industries. It is a solvent used to improve a products shelf life, appearance and texture. In large quantities, propylene glycol has been linked to damage of the central nervous system, liver, and heart. Propylene Glycol can cause organ damage in large quantities, leading to toxicity and possibly kidney or liver disease.

Artificial Sweeteners are used throughout the oral care market. There are currently inconsistent and contrary studies on the effects of artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, erythritol sodium saccharin, xylitol, sucralose, and aspartame on the human body. Saccharin, in the past, has been linked to bladder cancer, brain tumors and lymphoma. However, to date, there is no conclusive evidence to support these claims. Aspartame on the other hand, has been found to adversely affect gut bacteria and increase blood glucose which has been linked to insulin resistance. If you need a sweet toothpaste, it may be better to switch to a more natural sweetener like stevia, although it too may also have negative health implications. It is probably best to avoid all sweeteners in your toothpaste.

Artificial colors are added to food, drugs, and cosmetics purely to elicit an emotional response that helps enhance consumer appeal to the product. They provide absolutely no health benefits and, on the contrary, may actually be harmful to human health. There are two main categories that make up the FDA’s list of permitted color additives. In addition to undergoing approval, some color additives are known as “certifiable.” Certifiable color additives are human-made and come primarily from petroleum and coal sources. In the certification procedure, a manufacturer submits a sample from the batch for which the manufacturer is requesting certification, and the FDA evaluates the sample to determine whether the sample meets the color additive’s requirements for composition and purity. If it does, the FDA “certifies” the batch and issues a certification lot number. Only then can that batch be used legally in FDA-regulated products. Certified color additives have special names consisting of a prefix, such as FD&C (Food, Drugs & Cosmetics), D&C (Drugs & Cosmetics), or Ext. D&C (External Drugs & Cosmetics) followed by a color name and a number. An example is FD&C Blue No. 1, which is often found in toothpaste. Each certified color additive is required to be declared on product labels by its listed name or by a shortened form of its name, consisting of just the color and number, such as Yellow 10, which is also found in toothpaste. Other color additives, in the second main category, are “exempt” from batch certification. These are obtained largely from plant, animal, or mineral sources. Examples include annatto extract and grape color extract. They are not subject to batch certification requirements, but they are still artificial color additives and must comply with regulatory requirements. Both types of color additives are subject to the same rigorous safety standard. “Color additives are safe when used properly,” says Linda Katz, M.D., M.P.H., director of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Cosmetics and Colors. “There is no such thing as absolute safety of any substance. In the case of a new color additive, the FDA determines if there is ‘a reasonable certainty of no harm’ under the color additive’s proposed conditions of use.” However, there is an extensive amount of new data suggesting that these colors may be harmful. The three most widely used colors include Yellow 5, Yellow 6, and Red 40. These colors contain compounds, including Benzidine and 4-Aminobiphenyl, that research has linked with cancer. In 2021, the California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment publishes its systematic review, concluding that ‘synthetic food dyes can cause or exacerbate neurobehavioral problems in some children.’ California passes AB-418, the California Food Safety Act, which bans Red 3 and three other dangerous food additives in the state in 2023. A report released in April 2021 by the state of California—with contributors from UC Berkeley and UC Davis—confirmed the long-suspected belief that the consumption of synthetic food dyes can cause hyperactivity and other neurobehavioral issues for some children. “Evidence shows that synthetic food dyes are associated with adverse neurobehavioral outcomes in some children,” said OEHHA Director Lauren Zeise. “With increasing numbers of U.S. children diagnosed with behavioral disorders, this assessment can inform efforts to protect children from exposures that may exacerbate behavioral problems.” Other artificial colors found in today’s toothpastes include Red 40 and Red 33”.

PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) is a synthetic chemical compound derived from the by-products produced during the refinement of petroleum, natural gas, or coal. PEG is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry as a laxative for the treatment of constipation as well as various other uses, including as a moisture carrier, solvent, and thickener. Polyethylene Glycol-based gels, referred to as hydrogels, are used extensively in the pharmaceutical and personal care industries for the delivery of therapeutic and medical active ingredients, owing to their inert characteristics, their high biocompatibility, and their ability to be chemically modified to control material properties. Coatings made of Polyethylene Glycol are also applied to tooth implants to minimize the risk of immune reaction. Other applications of Polyethylene Glycol include as a surfactant, emulsifier, cleaning agent, humectant, and skin conditioner in personal care products including toothpaste. Polyethylene Glycol is not a single chemical entity in and of itself. Instead, it is a category of compounds in which polyethylene and glycol have been bonded together. Different forms of polyethylene glycol are usually delineated by placing a number after the abbreviation PEG, such as PEG-100 and PEG-3350. This number represents the molecular weight of that specific compound. Other PEG ingredients found in toothpaste include PEG-8, PEG-12, and PEG/PPG-116/66 Copolymer. One of the main human health concerns regarding PEG is 1,4-Dioxane. PEG is an ethoxylated material and the byproduct of ethoxylation is 1,4-Dioxane which is considered a possible human carcinogen. It is best to avoid toothpaste containing PEG.

Artificial preservatives such as Sodium Benzoate, Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT), SD Alcohol 38B, and even Fluoride are used to extend the shelf life of a range of cosmetics, including lotions, gels and even toothpaste. These preservatives are intended to kill bacteria as well as prevent oxidation. Although some may be classified as GRAS by the FDA, there are still many health concerns with these synthetic preservatives. Unfortunately, there are still a lot of unknowns when it comes to the long-term effects on the human body. When used orally, they have the potential to enter your body through the digestive system, possibly interfering with the health of your gut microbiome. This disruption can in turn lead to other health issues by altering normal biological functions. Parabens are another category of petrochemically derived artificial preservatives. You will find them on ingredients listed designated as Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Isobutylparaben or Ethylparaben. They again are designed to help kill bacteria in your mouth as well as help maintain product integrity. Parabens can disrupt hormone function by mimicking the hormone estrogen. In some cases, parabens may lead to breast cancer. Some studies also claim that parabens are linked to developmental and reproductive issues, however this has yet to be confirmed. The Food and Drug Administration is still evaluating the safety of parabens due to the limited information on the topic. With such limited information on the safety of preservatives, it would be sensible to avoid it in toothpaste.

Titanium Oxide (Ti02) is a synthetically derived inorganic mineral compound used throughout the world in a multitude of products and industries. In most consumer applications, it is mainly used as a color additive. Titanium dioxide is currently approved for use in the US as a coloring additive in foods, medical products, drugs, and cosmetics including toothpaste. It is also approved by the FDA as a Category 1 Sunscreen active at concentrations up to 25 percent, consistent with the level set in the Stayed 1999 Final Monograph. When consumed in the food we eat, TiO2 can potentially accumulate in our bodies. This ingestion can also happen when we brush our teeth. Ti02 is associated with health risks such as DNA damage and immune system toxicity. The European Union banned the use of titanium dioxide in foods due to these safety concerns including a study observing mouse genetic damage. The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) and other public health advocacy organizations petitioned the FDA to ban chemicals in foods in March 2023, but the agency has yet to respond. You should try to avoid this ingredient in your toothpaste until more information is available.

Polysorbate 80 is a petrochemically derived ethoxylated emulsifying agent that is considered a liquid nanoplastic. It is used to help to improve the texture and stability of products including toothpaste. It is a worrisome source of 1,4-dioxane that has been linked to inflammation and as well as adversely affecting the gut microbiota. Again, best to stay clear of any ingredient that contributes 1,4-Dioxane.

Carbomers are synthetic, crosslinked polymers of acrylic acid derived from petrochemicals. Synthetic polymers such as Carbomer are primarily used as thickening and stabilizing agents in many personal care and pharmaceutical products including toothpaste. Carbomer is considered microplastic. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved many carbomers for use as inactive ingredients in drug products. Furthermore, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) considers carbomer safe for use in cosmetics and personal care. However, the CIR Expert Panel also noted that benzene is an impurity in carbomers. It recommended that manufacturers should reduce the concentration to the lowest possible value. The FDA also recommends that drug manufacturers avoid using benzene during the manufacturing process. Benzene is a known toxic agent that can cause leukemia. It is also toxic to blood cells and may lead to blood disorders. Exposure to benzene may also cause bone marrow failure, which can increase a person’s risk of developing acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Aplastic Anemia and Myelodysplasia Syndrome. Try to avoid synthetic ingredients in your toothpaste until further research is available.

Carrageenan is extracted from red edible seaweeds and is classified as a natural linear sulfated polysaccharide. It is used as a gelling, thickening, texturizing and stabilizing agent in the food, cosmetics, industrial, and pharmaceutical industries. Carrageenan was patented as a food additive for use in the United States in the 1930s. It has also been used as a laxative, as treatment for peptic ulcer disease, and as a component of pharmaceuticals, food, personal care products, including toothpaste. In 1959, carrageenan was granted GRAS (Generally Regarded as Safe) status in the United States. By FDA standards, GRAS substances are permitted to be used in products only at the required level and as long as good manufacturing processes are followed. In 1982, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) noted sufficient evidence for the carcinogenicity of degraded carrageenan in animal models to infer that “in the absence of adequate data on humans, it is reasonable, for practical purposes, to regard chemicals for which there is sufficient evidence of carcinogenicity in animals as if they presented a carcinogenic risk to humans”. However, carrageenan continues to be widely used in the world today. It has been associated with induction and promotion of intestinal neoplasms and ulcerations in numerous animal experiments. The potential role of carrageenan in the development of gastrointestinal malignancy and inflammatory bowel disease requires careful reconsideration of the advisability of its continued use as a food, pharmaceutical or personal care additive.

Toothpaste: Ingredient Alternatives

Brushing your teeth is a vital part of maintaining good oral hygiene, but as you can see there are many things to consider when purchasing your toothpaste. Many of the ingredients in toothpaste have serious health concerns. It is probably best to choose a product that does not contain any of these problematic ingredients as we have discussed. I asked my AI Microsoft Copilot “How do you make the most natural toothpaste?” It came back with the following:

There are many ways to make natural toothpaste. Here is one recipe that I found:

1/2 cup coconut oil

4 tablespoons baking soda

15 drops peppermint essential oil

Mix all the ingredients together until it forms a nice, soft paste. Transfer the toothpaste to an airtight jar.

Although it is far from a finished, stable, commercially viable formula, it does provide us with some direction for a natural toothpaste. Look for products that contain these 3 ingredients as well as other natural ingredients such as Silica, Glycerin, Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, and Hydroxyapatite. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) is time tested and proven as an effective dentifrice and is considered a good cleaning agent for your teeth. Toothpastes containing baking soda have been shown to have antibacterial properties which help protect your teeth from decay. After brushing with baking soda, the increase in oral pH increased significantly again helping reduce bacteria with an alkaline environment. Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate (SCG) is a natural cleansing surfactant derived from vegetable amino acids. It is an excellent alternative to ethoxylated cleansing surfactants such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). Look also for products that are anhydrous or water-free. This means you are not shipping water and it also means less chance of contamination in a preservative free system. Try to avoid ingredients such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Carrageenan and Fluoride which can irritate the stomach lining and cause discomfort. Swallowing toothpaste with toxic ingredients can lead to these symptoms or even worse. To prevent this, it is essential to use a toothpaste that is free of harsh chemicals and to spit out the toothpaste after brushing and rinsing properly. Furthermore, waiting for at least 30 minutes after brushing before eating can also help reduce the risk of digestive discomfort. Being mindful of your toothpaste and brushing habits can help you maintain good oral health without causing adverse health effects. When you remove water, preservatives, synthetic thickeners, petrochemicals, and plastic from you oral care regiment, you will be helping improve both your oral health as well as your overall health.

Toothpaste: Plastic Toothbrushes

Toothbrushes are essential tools for maintaining oral hygiene. Globally, it is estimated that over 23 billion plastic toothbrushes are discarded each year. In the United States alone, more than 1 billion plastic toothbrushes are thrown away annually. This contributes significantly to plastic pollution, as these toothbrushes take hundreds of years to decompose. They are typically composed of several key materials, mainly petrochemical derived plastic. Most toothbrush handles are made from Polypropylene (PP) or polyethylene (PE), which are durable and resistant to moisture. These plastics can be molded into ergonomic shapes for comfortable use. The majority of toothbrush bristles are made from Nylon, a synthetic fiber that is strong, flexible, and resistant to wear. Nylon-6 is the most commonly used material, although some eco-friendly options use Nylon-4, which is compostable under certain conditions. A few natural toothbrushes use boar hair bristles, but these are less common due to hygiene concerns and the fact that they are not suitable for vegetarians or vegans as they are animal derived. Many toothbrushes feature rubber grips made of various types of plastic on the handle to provide better control and comfort while brushing. Approximately 2 billion plastic toothbrushes end up in oceans and landfills every year. It is part of the 13 million tons of plastic that end up in the oceans every year.

Toothpaste: Plastic Toothbrush Alternatives

Many manufacturers are now offering eco-friendly alternatives, such as bamboo toothbrushes and those with recyclable or biodegradable components. Some eco-friendly toothbrushes use bamboo handles, which are biodegradable and have natural antimicrobial properties. Bamboo is the most common non-plastic toothbrush handle on the market today. The bamboo is fully biodegradable making it an exceptional choice of material. It grows abundantly throughout the world so it is completely sustainable. Unfortunately, the bristles will still be Nylon-6 which is the main material used in the toothbrush bristle market today. Bamboo toothbrushes have a handle made of bamboo which is biodegradable. However, several types of bristles are advertised. Some companies claim to have natural bristles made from Castor Bean Oil. These bristles are actually Nylon-11 with Castor Bean Oil being a starting raw material. And although Castor Bean Oil may be one of the starting raw materials, there is a great deal of petrochemical processing involved. The chemical process of creating Nylon-11 begins with ricinoleic acid which makes up 85-90 percent of Castor Oil. Ricinoleic Acid is first transesterified with Methanol, a petrochemical derived solvent, creating Methyl Ricinoleate. This is then cracked to create Heptaldehyde and Methyl Undecylenate. These undergo hydrolysis to create Methanol, which is re-used in the initial transesterification of Ricinoleic Acid, and Undecylenic Acid that is added on to Hydrogen Bromide. After hydrolysis, Hydrogen Bromide then undergoes nucleophilic substitution with ammonia to form 11-Aminoundecanoic Acid, which is polymerized into Nylon-11. Hence, these Castor Bean Oil bristles are anything but natural. The BioPreferred Program is a USDA led initiative that aims to assist in the development and expansion of markets for biobased products. Biobased products provide an alternative to conventional petroleum derived products and include a diverse range of offerings such as toothbrush bristles. Another plant-based material used to make toothbrushes is Polylactic Acid (PLA). Most of these are compostable but only in a commercial composting facility. There are also companies that produce toothbrushes made out of willow twigs with a frayed end that is fully biodegradable. It can be used with either powder or toothpastes.

Plastic: Dental Floss and Other Oral Care Products and Devices

Dental floss has become an integral part of our oral hygiene regiment. It helps remove the food particles and bacteria from between our teeth and at the gum line. Dental floss is made from various materials including but not limited to Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), Nylon, Silk, Polyester, and Corn PLA. Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is more commonly known as its trademarked name Teflon. Dental floss can be lubricated with wax to help facilitate insertion between teeth. Waxes include Microcrystalline Wax, Candelilla Wax, Beeswax, Carnauba, Castor Oil, and Rice Bran Wax. In 1994, Americans used more than 2.5 million miles of dental floss, the equivalent of circling the earth more than 100 times. Adults and children over age 10 are advised to floss at least once a day. Floss is available in string or ribbon form. Ribbon floss is the most effective choice when there are ample spaces between the teeth. When teeth have tight joints, the preferred choice is the narrower string floss. Waxed or lightly waxed is recommended for use between tightly crowded or crooked teeth. Dental floss is commonly made out of one of two polymers (synthetic compounds), either nylon or Teflon. Nylon is defined as a fiber-forming substance of a long-chain synthetic polyamide. A polyamide is a compound characterized by more than one amide group which is a chemical related to ammonia. Considering the health concerns with plastic, try to look for naturally derived dental floss. Especially stay clear of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) being PFAS, a known endocrine disrupter. One of the best alternatives for plastic free dental floss is silk, although it is considered animal derived.

There are other oral care products of concern that are also made of plastic. They include dental picks, teeth whitening systems, water flossers and mouthwash. Again, try to find alternatives to plastic when possible. Always read ingredient lists especially on mouthwash and oral rinse products. A denatured hydroalcoholic mouthwash or oral rinse is probably best but please check with your dental provider. Alcohol can take the place of many toxic petrochemical derived antibacterial ingredients that are commonly found in oral rinse products.

Plastic: Conclusion

Plastic is found literally everywhere on the planet including in our bodies. As consumers, we have choices regarding the products we use and consume. The more petrochemical derived plastics and toxins that we produce, the more plastic pollution and contamination will occur. It is not possible for us to avoid all plastics and petrochemicals in our lives. So, when we have a choice, we need to be diligent and choose non-plastic alternatives. Glass and stainless steel are excellent choices for food and personal care product storage and for food preparation. Investing in a good-quality reusable bottle made of glass or stainless steel is best for drinking. Then filling it with filtered or purified water will help eliminate both unwanted micro and nanoplastics in your water as well as eliminate single use plastic water bottle waste. Bring your own reusable bags including ones you can use for fruits and vegetables when you go to the grocery store. Buying soaps and other cleaning products in refillable containers. Every time you avoid purchasing something in a single-use plastic bottle, bag, container, or plastic toothpaste tube, you are helping the environment and you are helping yourself by limiting the microplastics and nanoplastic particles you take into your body.

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