Pointed out, titanium dioxide, yet already banned in food.
White teeth, but at what cost? In a large survey devoted to the composition of toothpastes, 60 Million consumers analyzed the composition of 12 of these products among the most used by the French. The results are edifying since according to this same media, three out of four products contain a substance that is problematic for health: titanium dioxide.
“What is worrying, disturbing, is the presence of titanium dioxide which is always there in half of the toothpastes. Currently, titanium dioxide is prohibited in food because there are suspicions of effects carcinogens”, reveals, to BFMTV, Sophie Coisne, deputy editor-in-chief at 60 Million consumers.
Titanium dioxide in the viewfinder
According to a note from ANSESNational Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health Safety, this substance, in the form of a nanometric powder, is used “for its properties of absorption of ultraviolet rays and its white coloring character.”
In the light of several studies carried out by this same agency, the Risk Assessment Committee (CER or RAC for risk assessment committee) of ECHA (European Chemicals Agency) concluded that the substance should be “classified as suspected human carcinogen category 2 by inhalation.” In fact, manufacturers must inform about their product “the risks incurred by workers when handling products containing TiO2 (its chemical name, editor’s note).”
This is not the first time that titanium dioxide has been identified in consumer products. In 2019, the association Agir pour l’environnement revealed that two-thirds of the toothpastes tested contained it. It was also recalled that “titanium dioxide is used to color white and to opacify toothpaste, to give it a more ‘hygienic’ appearance that manufacturers consider to be more profitable.”
Promote fluoride
In order to avoid risks, 60 million consumers advises the French to read the compositions of toothpastes carefully, a reflex that still seems far from certain. Especially since according to this same survey, it is also advisable to be wary of products promising a dazzling whiteness, its too abrasive components which can damage the enamel of the teeth.
Conversely, it is preferable to favor toothpastes with a high concentration of fluoride.
“It is the most important element, it allows to remineralize the teeth. It is important in terms of acid attacks, fluorine helps to strengthen the teeth and prevent the risk of cavities”, details, with BFMTV, dentist Saoussen Hamitouche.
Regarding toothpastes dedicated to children, 60 Million consumers advises to respect the ages indicated in order to promote good dental growth.