Ethan Clarke
Crest 3D White is a popular toothpaste that promises to give users a whiter smile. However, it has been the subject of controversy due to the presence of plastic beads in its formula. These microbeads, typically made from polyethylene, are a common ingredient in various personal care products, including cleansers and exfoliants. While Crest and some dental professionals defend the use of plastic in their toothpaste as safe and FDA-approved, others raise concerns about their potential impact on both the environment and oral health. Some users have reported finding these beads lodged in their gums during dental visits, prompting discussions about the necessity and safety of plastic additives in oral care products. This has led to a growing awareness of the presence of microplastics in personal care products and a push for alternative ingredients.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic beads | Polyethylene (PE) microbeads |
| Plastic bead colour | Coloured |
| Plastic bead size | Microscopic |
| Plastic bead purpose | Provide colour, scrub beads |
| Plastic bead safety | FDA-approved food additives, safe according to Crest and Dr. Scott Phillips |
| Plastic bead side effects | Getting stuck in gum, causing infection, accidental swallowing, tooth decay, intestinal blockage, leukemia |
| Plastic bead environmental impact | Plastic pollution in oceans |
| Plastic bead alternatives | Yes |
| Plastic bead ban | Illinois became the first state to ban products with microbeads |
| Company response | Crest promised to stop putting plastic in within six months, not introduce microplastic beads into new products |
| Other ingredients | Fluoride, baking soda, whitening agents, hydrated silica |
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What You'll Learn
Dentists find plastic beads stuck in gums
Dentists and dental assistants began noticing tiny blue plastic beads stuck in their patients' gums. These beads were found to be microbeads made from polyethylene, a non-biodegradable substance often used in toothpastes and other personal care products. Illinois became the first state to ban products with microbeads, with companies given until 2017 to phase out their use.
The presence of these plastic beads in the gums can lead to several oral health issues. When debris becomes lodged in the gums, it creates pockets that become breeding grounds for bacteria. This can result in infections, gum problems, and potentially gum disease or periodontitis.
Some dentists have expressed concern over the presence of plastic microbeads in the gums, worrying that they could cause inflammation or other issues. However, there is currently limited data on the proportion of users who experience these issues and the seriousness of the problem.
In response to the concerns, Crest, the manufacturer of toothpastes containing microbeads, stated that their use of polyethylene (PE) was harmless and FDA-approved. They also asserted that they would not be introducing microplastic beads into any new product categories. The company later announced that they would be removing microbeads from their toothpastes, with plans to have all products free of plastics by March 2016.
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Plastic beads in Crest 3D White are microplastics
Crest 3D White is a popular toothpaste that has been reported to contain plastic beads. These beads have been described as blue plastic capsules or specks that get stuck in people's gums. Some people have also reported ingesting the beads, which has raised concerns about potential health risks. In response to these reports, Crest stated that their use of polyethylene (PE) in the toothpaste is harmless and FDA-approved. They also mentioned that they would not be introducing microplastic beads into any new product categories.
The presence of plastic beads in Crest 3D White has sparked concerns among consumers and environmental advocates. Some people have expressed discomfort with the idea of having plastic stuck in their gums, while others worry about the potential health implications of ingesting microplastics. Additionally, there are environmental concerns as microplastics can contribute to plastic pollution in oceans and water bodies.
While Crest maintains that the use of polyethylene in their toothpaste is safe, some organizations and individuals have called for the removal of plastic beads from cosmetic products. Illinois became the first state to ban products containing microbeads, and other states and countries are considering similar actions. As a result, Crest and other companies have started phasing out the use of microplastics in their products, with Crest specifically committing to finding alternatives for their toothpaste.
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Microbeads are harmful to the environment
Microbeads are tiny plastic particles, typically between one micrometre and one millimetre in diameter. They are commonly added to bathroom products such as hand wash, exfoliating scrubs, and toothpaste. Made from polyethylene or other plastics like polypropylene or polystyrene, they serve as exfoliating agents or give lotions a smooth feeling. However, their presence in personal care products has raised concerns about their environmental impact.
Microbeads, due to their small size, can pass through the filters of wastewater treatment plants, ending up in rivers, lakes, and oceans. According to the Environmental Science & Technology Journal, approximately 808 trillion microbeads are washed down the drain daily. This contributes to water contamination and plastic pollution, creating floating plastic islands. Marine wildlife can mistake these microbeads for food, leading to clogged digestive systems and the absorption of toxins, which can then accumulate up the food chain.
The durability of plastic further exacerbates the issue. Plastic products often have lifespans much longer than their actual usage time. For example, a plastic bag is used for an average of 20 minutes but can take up to 1000 years to break down. Microbeads, in particular, can persist in the environment for up to 10,000 years. This longevity poses a significant threat to wildlife and marine life, causing entanglement, respiratory issues, and starvation.
Recognizing the environmental hazards of microbeads, several countries have taken action. The Netherlands was the first country to legally ban microplastics in cosmetic products, followed by Australia, Canada, the UK, and others. The Microbead-Free Waters Act in the US and similar phased bans in the UK and Ireland target microbead-containing cosmetics and cleaning products. Consumer pressure has also played a role, with major supermarkets and cosmetics companies phasing out microbeads from their products.
To address the environmental concerns associated with microbeads, individuals can opt for natural exfoliants such as oatmeal, apricot pits, sea salt, or coconut husks. These alternatives have low environmental impacts and do not pose risks to marine life. Additionally, apps have been developed to help consumers identify products containing microplastics by scanning barcodes, empowering people to make informed choices and contribute to the global effort to reduce plastic pollution.
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Microbeads can cause health issues
In 2014, it was discovered that Crest 3D White toothpaste contained plastic beads, with dentists and dental assistants noticing tiny bits of plastic stuck in people's gums. These beads were microbeads, small beads made from polyethylene, which are not biodegradable and can slip through water filtration systems.
Microbeads are a form of single-use plastic, often disregarded due to their invisibility. They have been found in deep oceanic waters, remote lakes, groundwater, and even drinking water. The tiny particles can carry harmful chemicals, such as PCBs and fat-soluble compounds, into our bodies. They can also absorb pollutants from the environment, acting as carriers when ingested. While there is no conclusive evidence of health risks, studies indicate potential contributions to plaque, tartar, and gingivitis buildup.
The durability of plastic contributes to its environmental and health hazards. Single-use plastics, like bags, have an average usage time of 20 minutes but can take up to 1000 years to break down. Microbeads, specifically, can remain in the environment for up to 10,000 years. During this time, they can cause damage to wildlife, entangling animals, blocking their digestive tracts, and leading to starvation.
The presence of microplastics in the environment and our bodies has sparked concerns among scientists and clinicians. While the specific health risks are still being studied, there are indications of potential harm. Studies using a model of the human intestinal lining have found that nanoplastics can enter cells and even cell nuclei, leading to concerns about cancer and reproductive issues. Research in mice has shown similar reproductive effects, including reduced sperm count and quality, ovarian scarring, and metabolic disorders.
The ubiquity of microplastics and preliminary findings from human cell and animal studies have led to urgent calls for further research and regulation. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on reducing plastic manufacturing and promoting recycling to mitigate the potential health threats posed by plastic waste.
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Crest 3D White contains polyethylene (PE)
It has been reported that Crest 3D White toothpaste contains polyethylene (PE) in the form of microbeads. These microbeads are small plastic particles that are added to some personal care products such as toothpastes and exfoliants. While Crest 3D White is advertised as a whitening toothpaste, some users have expressed concerns about the presence of plastic microbeads in the product.
The presence of polyethylene (PE) in Crest 3D White toothpaste has sparked concerns among consumers and dental professionals. Some dentists and dental assistants have noticed tiny bits of plastic stuck in their patients' gums, which have been identified as microbeads. These microbeads are not biodegradable and can be small enough to slip through water filtration systems, contributing to environmental concerns. Additionally, there are worries about the potential health risks associated with ingesting these plastic particles.
Procter & Gamble (P&G), the parent company of Crest, has defended the use of polyethylene (PE) in their toothpastes. They assert that the colored polyethylene (PE) specks used in their oral care products are safe, FDA-approved food additives that are commonly used in chewing gums and other toothpastes. P&G maintains that their use of polyethylene (PE) is harmless and within safe limits.
However, in response to consumer concerns and the growing awareness of the environmental impact of microplastics, Crest has committed to phasing out the use of plastic in their toothpastes. They have stated that they will stop adding plastic to their toothpastes within six months and are actively identifying alternative ingredients to replace the polyethylene (PE) specks. This decision aligns with the ban on products containing microbeads in states like Illinois, with companies given until 2017 to make the transition.
While the safety of polyethylene (PE) in toothpastes like Crest 3D White remains a subject of debate, it is important for consumers to have access to accurate information and alternatives. The presence of plastic microbeads in personal care products has become an increasingly scrutinized issue, with consumers expressing their concerns about both the environmental and health implications. As a result, companies like Crest are reevaluating their use of these ingredients and working towards more sustainable and safe alternatives.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Crest 3D White contains microscopic plastic beads, also known as microbeads or microplastics. These beads are made from polyethylene and are not biodegradable. While Crest has asserted that the use of polyethylene in their toothpaste is harmless and FDA-approved, there have been reports of these beads getting stuck in people's gums and causing infections.
Plastic beads in toothpaste, like Crest 3D White, are used to help keep teeth clean and healthy. They serve as exfoliants for the teeth, removing food particles and other debris. Additionally, polyethylene beads are commonly used to add color to products, giving them the appearance of containing small beads or flecks.
The presence of plastic beads in toothpaste has sparked concerns among consumers due to their potential impact on both the environment and human health. These microplastics can slip through water filtration systems and contribute to plastic pollution in oceans. Regarding human health, there are mixed opinions. Some people have reported health issues such as tooth decay, intestinal blockage, and even leukemia after ingesting the beads. However, Dr. Scott Phillips, an associate professor at the University of Mississippi Medical Center, stated that "scientific evidence doesn't indicate polyethylene used in toothpaste poses any risk to the teeth or gums." It is important to note that the potential risks may depend on individual factors, and further research is needed to conclusively determine the safety of plastic beads in oral care products.
