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Antibacterial Properties of Toothpaste

The antibacterial properties in toothpaste are the ingredients that kill bacteria that result in gum disease and cavities. Consumersearch.com reports that Colgate Total is the toothpaste most frequently recommended by dental experts because it contains tricolsan, which is a broad-spectrum antibiotic, as well as fluoride.

  1. Not for Kids

    • Although Colgate Total is the toothpaste most frequently recommended by dental experts it should not be used by children who are less than six years old. This is because the antibacterial agents have yet to be tested on young children.

    Reported Benefits of Triclosan and Zinc Chloride

    • Triclosan limits the formation of dental plaque and also destroys bacteria in the mouth, both of which are detrimental to your teeth. Another antibacterial agent is zinc chloride or zinc citrate, which also controls dental plaque. Some people think triclosan is so effective as an antibacterial agent that they put toothpaste on their pimples.

    Safe or Not?

    • Triclosan is currently considered safe for adults by the companies that produce products containing this ingredient even though the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is continuing to study the effects of triclosan on humans. Triclosan is considered to be a potential human health risk and an environmental risk, notes Downwithbasics.com.

    Chlorophenol

    • Triclosan is in a class of chemicals that may be a carcinogen, causing cancer. This class of chemicals is called chlorophenol. When too much of this is applied topically it can cause skin irritations. When taken internally it can lead to convulsions, circulatory problems, cold sweats and even coma and death.

    EPA

    • According to the EPA, triclosan is an antimicrobial active ingredient that slows the growth of fungi, mildew and bacteria and is found in some toothpaste and in antimicrobial hand soaps. Further studies will be done by the EPA to determine the toxicological effects that it can have at various doses and to determine if varying levels of exposure are safe.

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