Is Titanium Dioxide In Toothpaste Harmful?

Toothpaste plays a very important role in maintaining good dental health and oral hygiene. These essential dental care products ensure a clean, bacteria-free mouth with strong and shiny teeth. A tube of Toothpaste is made with a range of ingredients that contributes to better dental health. However, ingredients like Titanium Dioxide in your Toothpaste might be doing more harm than good.

Several speculations are going around on whether Titanium Dioxide In Toothpaste is Harmful or Helpful.

Well, Titanium dioxide is a naturally occurring compound. It reacts with the oxygen in the air. Titanium dioxide is commonly used as a white pigment in cosmetics, dental care products, polishes, and paints. In Toothpaste, it is present as a white colorant that aids in removing stains and plaque from the surface of teeth. Using Titanium dioxide in Toothpaste is a very common and old practice, but it has also been a concern for health and safety.

Several claims and studies suggest that the nanoparticles of Titanium Dioxide can lead to a range of health issues. Ingesting the same can cause inflammation and damage to human DNA. This, as a result, can prove cancerous. 

So, should we avoid using Toothpaste with Titanium Dioxide? Well, join us in this article, and we will discover the usage, potential risks, and usage of Titanium Dioxide in Toothpaste. By the end of the article, you will be able to make an informed decision. Let’s get started. 

Titanium Dioxide and Its Role in Toothpaste

Titanium Dioxide is present in a range of Toothpaste and everyday cosmetic products. This whitening agent provides brightness, and in Toothpaste, it aids in leaving a clean and bright appearance. 

Toothpaste with Titanium Dioxide is known for its ability to remove stains and plaque from teeth. Such Toothpaste is a popular choice amongst consumers. People with pale, discolored, and darker teeth often choose Toothpaste with Titanium Dioxide and experience impressive results. Titanium Dioxide is a compound present in insoluble fine, white powder form.

When used in Toothpaste spreads easily throughout the formula. This natural mineral plays a safe role in your dental care products. It, in fact, has a high refractive index. This means less of it is used to achieve the desired effect, and it also reflects light to deliver a white and bright appearance. 

Dental and other dental care experts recommend Toothpaste with Titanium Dioxide to individuals who have tooth stains due to bad eating and drinking habits. This mineral effectively remove stains from the surface of your teeth, ideally the one caused by wine, coffee, tea, soft drink, and cigarette. 

While aiding in numerous benefits, Titanium Dioxide in your Toothpaste helps in promoting a brighter smile and good dental health. 

The Harmful Effects Of Titanium Dioxide

Titanium dioxide, though, is a common mineral in many of our daily cosmetic products, but there are constant conflicts about it being harmful.

Some recent studies claim that Titanium Dioxide has ill effects on human health and that cosmetic products containing this mineral can be harmful. Not only that but using such products isn’t even a healthier practice for the environment.  

Titanium Dioxide is most commonly associated with Respiratory issues. When you inhale the fine powder of Titanium Dioxide in large quantities, you may experience lung inflammation. Using Toothpaste containing said ingredient cannot lead to this risk.

However, in factories where Titanium dioxide is used for production, it can become airborne there and result in a range of lung and respiratory problems among the workers. In the long run, exposure to the fine particles of Titanium Dioxide can also prove cancerous to the lungs. It can disrupt cell function and damage your DNA. The nanoparticle of Titanium Dioxide is also known to be harmful to your immune system. 

Similarly, the topical use of Titanium Dioxide is also claimed to be dangerous for your skin. It may cause irritation and allergic reactions. Titanium Dioxide is said to penetrate deep into the skin and enter your bloodstream. However, studies like these aren’t well-researched, and nothing hazardous can be claimed. The ill effects of Titanium Dioxide on the skin are still a topic of debate. 

Not only does Titanium Dioxide directly affect human health, but it also acts as a pollutant for the environment. Titanium Dioxide, when released in water bodies, can reduce the oxygen level and prove harmful to aquatic life. It can make the aquatic environment difficult to breathe for both plants and fish. 

Not just that but by accumulating in soil and water Titanium Dioxide can leave damage biodiversity and our ecosystems as well.

However, those were the ill effects of Titanium Dioxide as a mineral. Given the amount used in Toothpaste and the composition kept in mind, the situation presently isn’t alarming. Some Toothpaste has a very small amount of Titanium Dioxide, and it is there just to increase the goodness in your dental and oral care routine.

Other Commonly Harmful Ingredients in Toothpaste

Not only Titanium Dioxide but your regular Toothpaste have a lot of ingredients that can be toxic as a Standalone. Toothpaste is a staple, but not each of them is created equal. Here are some of the toxic and harmful ingredients in your Toothpaste that you can possibly choose to avoid:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) is commonly used in Toothpaste as a foaming agent. SLS adds lather in Toothpaste. However, it is also known for causing irritation and dryness in some individuals. In other scenarios, regular exposure to SLS can also cause canker sores.
• Triclosan, an antibacterial agent in Toothpaste, is known for its potential ill effect on human hormones. It, in fact, is banned in some countries.
• Toothpaste has a range of artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame. The sweeteners may seem safe for enhancing the taste of your Toothpaste, but they are also linked with neurologic issues and health hazards like cancer. 
• Propylene Glycol is a lesser-known ingredient, but it is there in your Toothpaste to maintain that thickness. However, Propylene Glycol is known for causing organ toxicity and skin irritation.
• Lastly, the most talked about toothpaste ingredient is Fluoride. While Fluoride isn’t toxic, it, in large amounts, can prove dangerous for your health.  

The above ingredients can be a standalone danger to your health, but they are there in your Toothpaste. If you are skeptical about their usage and effect on your health, talk to a dentist. A dental expert will recommend you a safe and suitable toothpaste for your dental health. Some of the above ingredients might be helpful and important for improving your overall dental and oral hygiene. 

Is it OK to use Toothpaste without Titanium Dioxide?

Titanium dioxide is there in your Toothpaste as a whitening agent. Besides that, it has no necessary role in your dental and oral health. Therefore, it is absolutely OK to use Toothpaste without Titanium dioxide. 

You can browse your nearest supermarket for a range of Toothpaste that does not have Titanium dioxide. These Toothpastes are equally or even more effective, contributing to your dental health. Just read the ingredient list and go for the one that suits your dental concerns and overall health the most. 

In fact, if you are skeptical about using Toothpaste with Titanium Dioxide due to the claims surfing around, you can definitely choose to do so. Your Toothpaste must meet your individual needs and should ultimately provide you with satisfactory results. However, while picking a toothpaste, do go for products that ADA-approved.

Wrapping up…

Using Toothpaste with Titanium Dioxide is still a topic of debate and discussion. Titanium Dioxide as a standalone can be toxic and harmful to your health as well as the environment around you. However, your Toothpaste’s composition aids in whitening your teeth. The amount of Titanium Dioxide in your Toothpaste may not be as harmful as projected. But if you are still skeptical, ask your dentist for a recommendation. A professional will help you make a more informed choice depending on your dental care need.