After reports of negative effects caused by a plastic additive in Crest toothpaste, the company decided to remove the ingredient from their products.

The additive is called polyethylene, and it's used in things like plastic bags, garbage bins, and bullet proof vests. From what I can tell, the purpose of it in the toothpaste seems to be strictly aesthetic, giving toothpastes those neat little blue micro-beads you see.

According to a number of dental professionals, the cost of these funny blue dots could be your mouth's health. In a story by WPRI.com, Trish Walraven, a dental hygienist, said she noticed small plastic balls on teeth of a few different people. All these patients had used Crest toothpaste, so she checked with other professionals which all agreed that the beads were potentially dangerous.

The micro-beads could hold bacteria, and having them lodged in your gums opens you up to potential gingivitis, and eventually periodontal disease.

After the public learned of the danger behind the polyethylene microbeads, Proctor & Gamble, released a statement saying they would stop using the ingredient in their Crest toothpastes despite it being an FDA approved food additive.

While it'll take a few months to completely get the toothpastes with polyethylene off the shelves, make sure to check the ingredients in the mean time. Chewing gum is another product that uses the plastic additive, so keep an eye out and keep your teeth healthy!  Boy am I glad I use Tom's of Maine instead!!

 

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