Healthy Mouth and a Healthier You

What's in My Dental Care Products? Ask the Dentist

Dentist Steven E. Roth, DMD, answers your additional questions about dental care product ingredients.

Question:

I use a mouthwash that contains alcohol. I've read that this can be harmful to my oral health. Is this true?

Answer:

For most people, mouthwashes containing alcohol are safe to use daily. However, alcohol can be a problem for people in recovery from alcoholism, or who have a tendency to abuse alcohol. There are many alcohol-free mouth rinses available.

Question:

I see that propylene glycol is listed as an ingredient in my toothpaste. Someone told me that it's also an ingredient in antifreeze! This is scary! What purpose does it serve in my toothpaste?

Answer:

Propylene glycol is an ingredient in antifreeze, but it is also an ingredient in many medications and cosmetics. It is a moisturizer that keeps your toothpaste wet!

Question:

What does a product have to do in order to get the ADA Seal of Acceptance?

Answer:

The ADA Seal of Acceptance originated in 1930 by the American Dental Association to help consumers know what dental products have met standards for safety and effectiveness. Research on the product must be submitted for review and meet ADA criteria to obtain approval.

Question:

I use antibacterial toothpaste, and I've noticed that it contains triclosan. Is this really safe to use?

Answer:

Triclosan is an antibacterial agent. It is used in many consumer products, including toothpaste, where it acts to prevent gingivitis. It has been tested and is not dangerous.

Question:

My dentist says that I overbrush my teeth and that the abrasive in my toothpaste is harming the enamel of my teeth. I thought I was doing the right thing by brushing often. Should I brush less often, or is there toothpaste that is gentler on the enamel of my teeth?

Answer:

Use a softer brush and a less abrasive toothpaste like a fluoride gel, or toothpaste made especially for sensitive teeth. I have some patients that brush their teeth by dipping their toothpaste in mouthwash, which contains no abrasive.

Question:

A friend of mine says that fluoride has never been approved by the FDA to be used in toothpaste. Is this true?

Answer:

No, that is not true. It has been approved for use in toothpaste and as a topical application.

Question:

I've been using a new brand of whitening toothpaste and mouth rinse, and I've developed brown spots on my teeth. This was supposed to improve the look of my teeth, not make them worse! What is causing this to happen? I have stopped using the products.

Answer:

One way to help ensure the products are safe is to look for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. As for the appearance of the brown spots on your teeth, it could be staining, or there could be something wrong with your teeth. Either way, go to a dentist for an evaluation.

Question:

What ingredients should I look for in toothpaste?

Answer:

Use fluoride toothpaste to help avoid cavities. Your brushing technique is more important than the toothpaste you use! Also, be sure to floss your teeth daily. If you only brush your teeth and don't floss, you will miss 40% of the tooth surface.

Question:

Should I use an electric toothbrush, or a manual toothbrush?

Answer:

An electric toothbrush is not necessary. People can do a great job with a manual toothbrush, but I am a big fan of the electric toothbrushes. They seem to remove more plaque from teeth than the manual brushes.

Question:

I heard that fluoride can damage teeth. If so, what are the alternatives to fluoride toothpaste?

Answer:

Fluoride can be so effective that it can stain teeth brown. There are several methods of repairing the brown spots. The brown stain is not actually damage, but a product of the "hardening of enamel."

Question:

No matter what I do -- brush, floss, or rinse -- my front teeth feel gritty. Would it help if I used something abrasive, like salt or plain baking soda to brush my teeth?

Answer:

Abrasives can definitely help, but they can also can do damage. The safest thing to do is see your hygienist and dentist to verify that your teeth and mouth are healthy and clean. It may be that your teeth just need a good professional cleaning.

Question:

I heard that hydrogen peroxide is good for your teeth. Is this true, and how do you use it?

Answer:

Diluted hydrogen peroxide can and has been used safely, but it can also burn soft tissue like gums, the tongue, and palates. I suggest you review using this method with your dentist or dental hygienist.

Question:

I get a salty taste in my mouth after I brush and rinse. What causes this?

Answer:

A salty taste in your mouth could result from a gum or decay problem, or it could be a byproduct of a mouth rinse or toothpaste. Sinus problems, leaky crowns and fillings, and certain metabolic health issues can also be a factor causing the salty taste to develop. Get an examination from a dentist. You may also need a referral to see a doctor who is an ear, nose, and throat specialist.

Question:

What purpose does glycerin serve in toothpaste? I thought it was a sweetener!

Answer:

Glycerin prevents toothpaste from drying out and helps maintain product consistency.

Question:

My grandmother used to give me clove oil when I had a toothache. It worked better than any of the drugstore pain relief products. Is there any reason not to use clove oil now when I have a toothache?

Answer:

Clove oil contains eugenol, a natural painkiller and antibacterial. This oil is also an ingredient in the temporary sedative materials that dentists use. If you need it, you should probably see a dentist.

Question:

Why is there a warning label on toothpaste? Is it really dangerous if I swallow some of it?

Answer:

Fluoride can be harmful if swallowed in large amounts. Ingesting a slight accidental drop from toothpaste will not be dangerous, but if a large amount is ingested, go straight to the emergency room or call your local poison control center.

Question:

What is neem? I've seen neem toothpastes in the natural foods store. Is it worth a try?

Answer:

For many centuries, people in India and the Asian subcontinent used a twig from the neem tree as a form of toothbrush. They did not use toothpaste made of neem. They simply chewed on a neem twig to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

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