When an individual brushes their teeth, they must use toothpaste with safe ingredients to clean their teeth. A common ingredient in various toothpaste is carrageenan. There has been a lot of debate on whether or not toothpaste that contains carrageenan is safe to use. However, carrageenan is a nontoxic FDA- approved ingredient that can be consumed. Nevertheless, carrageenan is a widely used ingredient and is not considered harmful. If you want to make sure you are using non-toxic toothpaste, schedule an appointment with general dentistry, dentists located in Basking Ridge & Morristown, NJ who can ensure you are using safe toothpaste.
Why does toothpaste contain carrageenan?
Several oral health brands use different ingredients to formulate their toothpaste. A common ingredient in toothpaste is carrageenan. Carrageenan is a soluble substance that is extracted from red seaweed. It is most commonly used as a thickener as it helps to thicken the consistency of toothpaste. It is a great alternative ingredient that replaces synthetic thickeners. Carrageenan is among the many standard ingredients in toothpaste. Typically, toothpaste also includes detergents, fluoride, abrasive agents, and flavoring ingredients. As mentioned above, carrageenan is FDA-approved and is used in the manufacturing of several foods and medicines as a stabilizer. It can also help ingredients from separating. Ultimately, carrageenan is used in toothpaste to keep a thick consistency and stability.
When can carrageenan be harmful?
Carrageenan is typically only harmful when it is degraded. Carrageenan has been deemed harmful in laboratory animal testing. Scientific findings claim that it can be linked to:
- gastrointestinal inflammation
- ulcers
- colon cancer
- digestive issues
- insulin resistance
- glucose intolerance
Individuals that regularly used products with carrageenan have claimed once they stopped using products that contained it their digestive issues were resolved. There have been studies that claim that it causes inflammation to occur. Nevertheless, there is no evidence of it directly causing cancer or illness in humans. Ultimately, carrageenan has not overtly been found to be harmful and has been deemed safe for humans. However, it can have health benefits including successfully treating intestinal issues, bronchitis, coughs, and tuberculosis.
Do dentists recommend using toothpaste with this natural ingredient?
Typically, dentists recommend using toothpaste that contains fluoride as it helps reduce the risk of infection and tooth decay. However, dentists do not have a problem with clients using toothpaste with carrageenan. Although if a patient is experiencing any side effects that are believed to be linked to the use of this natural ingredient, they should switch to a toothpaste that does not use it. Dentists typically recommended their patients refrain from using toothpaste with triclosan, charcoal, microbeads, sodium bicarbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, parabens, and other potentially harmful ingredients. These ingredients can be harmful to humans if uses for an extended period.
Individuals need to consult with a general dentist on what toothpaste they should be using to ensure their safety. Certain ingredients in toothpaste may not be safe, this is why it is crucial to check what toothpaste you should be using with your dentist. Don’t hesitate to contact us and schedule an appointment today to ensure you’re not using toothpaste with harmful ingredients.
