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| Image obtained from google search One of the ingredient - triclosan (0.3%) |
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| Image obtained from google search |
Recently, the use of Colgate Total containing chemical called triclosan has raised the concern of public. Use of triclosan was prohibited by FDA in US in September 2016. Triclosan is a chemical that exhibits antimicrobial and antifungal propertiesthat was previously widely used in commercial products such as soaps, detergents, toothpaste and baby wipes. However, experts have suggested that triclosan should not be encouraged to be used in commercial products. In fact, the use of triclosan have been banned in US for soaps and detergents. Previous animal studies have proposed that high dose of triclosan can potentially affect thyroid hormones level in our body. In addition, the use of triclosan in toothpaste was not shown to be beneficial in teeth care. Despite all these, the company had claimed that the use of triclosan is safe to use.
To date, there are no still no significant evidence that triclosan could harm to your teeth or body (when it is absorbed). The concentration is 0.3% in Colgate Total toothpaste. Daily use of toothpaste containing triclosan is not recommended by chemist expert. However, asking your dentist if the use of toothpaste with triclosan suit you will be the best option at the moment. In fact, the use of triclosan could be useful for some patient with gingivitis or dental-related diseases.
Worry not ! Just keep yourself up-to-date if you are concerned.
Tips for dental care:
1. brush your teeth twice daily [ first thing in the morning and last thing before you go to bed :) ]
2. do regular flossing or use interdental brush to remove plaques in between your teeth.
3. choose a toothpaste is fluoride . Fluoride is important for teeth health and reduce risk of dental caries especially for kids.
4. replace a toothbrush every three month or when toothbrush is worn.
References
1. Why experts say most people should avoid Colgate Total
http://www.newshub.co.nz/home/health/2017/07/why-experts-say-most-people-should-avoid-colgate-total.html
2. Ingredients in Colgate Total should not be sold over the counter, says chemistry expert
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11892778
3. Pharmacy Today Healthcare Handbook 2015
All images obtained from Google search.
