Despite FDA Ban From Soaps, Triclosan Considered Effective Ingredient In Toothpaste

Recently, it was shared in the American Dental Association (ADA) newsletter that even though the Federal Drug Administration has banned “Triclosan” from being used in soaps, it is still considered an effective ingredient in toothpaste.

From the article….

“The New York Times reports that the ingredient triclosan, which the FDA banned from antibacterial soaps recently, can still be legally used in some toothpastes. According to FDA spokesperson Andrea Fischer, the ingredient is “demonstrated to be effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis.” Fischer adds, “Based on scientific evidence, the balance of benefit and risk is favorable for these products.” The article noted that a 2013 Cochrane review “concluded that toothpastes with triclosan and fluoride outperformed those with only fluoride.”

The ADA reported previously that a study in the May 2016 issue of mSphere was “designed to examine whether use of consumer products” containing triclosan could “alter gut microbiome composition, endocrine function, and markers for obesity, diabetes, and inflammation.” The ADA says the study is “strongly suggestive” of triclosan’s “safety for use by humans.”

The ADA provides official commentary on the FDA’s final rule and the Times reporting here.”

What does that mean for you?

“At this point, the American Dental Association believes in the safety of the ingredient — and should not be a cause for concern.
According to an article in the New York Times….

What happens when you add triclosan to toothpaste? In 2013, an independent review of 30 studies by The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews concluded that toothpastes with triclosan and fluoride outperformed those with only fluoride on several counts. When used for six to nine months, triclosan-fluoride toothpastes reduced plaque severity by 41 percent more than fluoride pastes alone. The triclosan-fluoride combination reduced gum inflammation by 22 percent more and gum bleeding by 48 percent more than fluoride alone.

For the truly dedicated, two to three years of using triclosan toothpaste showed a 5 percent drop in cavities compared with brushing with fluoride paste alone.”

Local personal injury lawyers in Florida also don’t see any real issues with this ban, but advise it’s always smart to keep and eye on any changes.

To learn more, let’s chat.

If you have questions for a periodontist – please contact our offices. We’d be happy to talk more with you!

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