Choosing the right toothpaste

Words and translated by Audrey Liu

While toothpaste is a daily essential, is there anything one should consider when buying it? Based on reports from the Consumers' Foundation, many types of toothpaste do not clearly mark its ingredients or usage directions. Some toothpaste even contains harmful ingredients. As we use toothpaste at least twice a day, we should certainly use caution to choose a correct, safe brand and not base our decision on cheap prices.

A good place to start is understanding basic toothpaste ingredient functions, which includes cleansing, abrasive or adhesive agents, fragrance, and interface-active agents. Some brands even add food-coloring pigments to make colors look more appealing. However, opting for more natural ingredients is recommended and it's best to avoid coloring agents.

It's notable that human skin cells are sensitive to harmful ingredients such as Triclosan and SLS. Triclosan has been classified as EPA pesticides in the U.S. but we continue to see it in many products in Taiwan. Some manufacturers may also use alternate names like Triclosan, Aquasept, Gamophen, Irgasan, Sapoderm, and Ster_Zac. Moreover, some ingredients such as SLS are very strong cleaning agents that may cause oral problems and SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) should be avoided in any cleaning and maintenance products. (Please check ingredients and safety of brands prior to purchasing via this website: http://www.cosdna.com).

Finally, there are different opinions on the use of fluoride toothpastes because extended and prolonged use of fluoride is harmful to the body. If you want healthy teeth, use mouthwash and brush your teeth after eating or drinking, use dental floss and maintain good oral habits. Furthermore, be sure you get enough calcium, do regular oral health checks and choose non-fluorinated, harmful chemical-free, natural toothpaste.