Plastic Beads Are Being Removed from Toothpaste
The tiny little beads found in your favorite toothpaste are in the process of being removed. Although they are approved by regulators, dentists have become vocal on how the beads could cause dental hygiene problems. Polyethylene plastic beads became very popular in hygiene products a few years ago. They are commonly used in toothpaste, face washes and scrubs.
The Food and Drug Administration says the beads are safe to use in these products, but dentist have found that they are getting stuck in between the cracks of teeth. The beads do not disintegrate and can trap bacteria in the gums. The bacteria can lead to gingivitis and can then become infected. Once infected, it can move to the bone and can result in periodontal disease.
The beads were banned in Illinois because they were not able to sift them out of water supply and they can end up in large bodies of water and harm marine life. The product found in toothpaste is only used to provide color to the toothpaste and holds no real value. In response to a Texas-based hygienist, Trish Walraven who actively wrote about the harm she has seen the beads have on her patients, Crest released a statement that they are removing the micro beads from their products by March 2016. The American Dental Association has stated that ‘relevant dental health studies do not indicate the Seal [of approval] should be removed from toothpaste,” and have continued to endorse Crest products, even with the beads.
The FDA, although approving the beads to come in contact with food, says it has never approved micro beads to be put in toothpaste. The FDA considers toothpaste an over-the-counter drug. No ruling has been made to say that it is safe to consume.
Source: Washington Post and Today Health