Teen wary of additive triclosan in toothpaste
DEAR DOCTOR: One of our teens, who is obsessed with science and medicine, says she read a story that there’s something in toothpaste that causes colon cancer. Now she’s refusing to brush her teeth. Is there any truth to what she’s read?
DEAR READER: Your teen is referring to triclosan, a highly effective antimicrobial and antifungal agent. This won’t make her happy, but it’s found in more than 2,000 consumer products, including cleansers, personal care and household goods, and some pet supplies. That means it’s found in everything from toothpaste, clothing and makeup to kitchenware, furniture and toys.
In 2016, the FDA stopped manufacturers from offering for sale any overthe-counter antiseptic wash products like liquid, foam and gel hand soaps, bar soaps and body washes that contain triclosan. The ruling came as a result of studies that found the compound can alter hormone regulation in animals, could have a hand in the development of antibiotic-resistant germs and might be harmful to the immune system. So far, the FDA hasn’t stepped in to prevent
the use of triclosan in toothpaste, where it is claimed to help protect against gingivitis. And for products like clothes, cookware, furniture and toys, which don’t make health claims, the regulation of triclosan is up to the Environmental Protection Agency.
A recent study linked even short-term oral exposure to triclosan with adverse effects on the colon and its colonies of beneficial bacteria. It’s important to note that these studies were done on mice, and that further research regarding the effects of triclosan on humans is needed.
Because colon cancer is associated with inflammation, interest in these new triclosan studies is quite keen. We fully expect to see more research into the subject. In the meantime, no, we definitely don’t think she should stop brushing her teeth. But there are toothpastes without triclosan, and identifying them for the family seems like a great project for the young scientist.
Eve Glazier, M.D., MBA, is an internist and associate professor of medicine at UCLA Health.