Dental Care Ingredients

It helps to know what is and isn’t necessary in terms of common ingredients found in hygiene products. We include a numerical scale from the Environmental Working Group (EWG).

EWG Scale:
0-2 Low Hazard
3-6 Moderate Hazard
7-10 High Hazard

Fluoride is ranked a 2 and is deemed safe by the FDA when used in proper quantities. It’s recommended for use in patients with HIGH CAVITY RISK.

INGREDIENTS TO AVOID:

Benzoyl Alcohol (EWG 4-6 rating): colorless liquid solvent with a mild pleasant aromatic odor but may cause allergies and immunotoxicity. Creates an acidic environment in the mouth and may cause cavity-causing bacteria to thrive.

FD&C Blue No. 1 (EWG 3-8 rating) : a water-soluble artificial blue dye also known as Brillant Blue FCF (“for coloring food”) that has cancer concerns.

Titanium Dioxide (EWG 3 rating): a powder that’s also used as a white pigment in a variety of products such as sunscreens, cosmetics, paints, and plastics but may cause cancer.

Peppermint Oil (EWG 5 rating): essential oil that may cause allergies and immunotoxicity

Cocamidopropyl Betaine (EWG 1-5 rating): surfactant used in personal care products but may cause allergies and immunotoxicity.

Methylparaben (EWG 3-4 rating): one of the most common parabens often used in a mixture as a preservative in cosmetic products to prevent germ growth but is a known allergen and endocrine disruptor.

Propylparaben (EWG 9 rating): a benzoate ester used as a preservative in many water-based cosmetics due to its antifungal and antimicrobial properties but is a known endocrine disruptor

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (EWG 5-7 rating): Orange peel oil that can be a skin toxicant and allergen

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (EWG 1-2 rating): a foaming detergent that can irritate sensitive tissues like oral mucosa. May cause tissue sloughing in sensitive patients. Can decimate oral microbiome.

Diethanolamine DEA (EWG 10 rating): a white solid that absorbs water that is a known respiratory toxicant and carcinogen. Disrupts the oral microbiome

INGREDIENTS TO SEEK:

Xanthan Gum (EWG 1 rating): a thickening agent that is also a prebiotic that can help to balance the microbiome

Cranberry Seed Oil (EWG 1 rating): antioxidant prebiotic that helps to balance the microbiome

Inulin (EWG 1 rating): prebiotic fiber that promotes the growth of beneficial bacteria.

Xylitol (EWG 1 rating): sweetener whose 5-carbon chain structure starves cavity-causing bacteria and reduces in the mouth.

Soapbark Extract (EWG 1 rating): a foaming agent that gently cleans teeth without stripping minerals.

In conclusion, when it comes to selecting oral hygiene products, it’s imperative to be vigilant about the ingredients they contain. Steering clear of toxic components like parabens, triclosan, and artificial sweeteners is essential to safeguard your overall health. Instead, opt for products enriched with beneficial ingredients such as xanthan gum, cranberry seed oil, and xylitol. By making informed choices, you not only ensure the long-term health of your teeth and gums but also contribute to a safer, more eco-conscious oral care routine. If you’re unsure about which products are best for your individual needs, consider scheduling a consultation with our team of oral care experts. We’re here to help you make personalized choices that will keep your smile radiant and healthy for years to come. Don’t hesitate to reach out – your oral health is our priority!