Chloe Zhang
The presence of plastic beads in toothpaste has been a cause for concern for many dental hygienists and consumers. It was discovered that Crest, a popular toothpaste brand, includes polyethylene plastic beads in some of their products, such as Crest 3D White and Crest Pro-Health. These plastic beads, also known as microbeads, are not biodegradable and have been found to get stuck in the tiny crevices between teeth and gums, potentially leading to dental issues. While the American Dental Association and the FDA have stated that there is no clinical evidence questioning the safety of these microbeads, Illinois has become the first state to ban products containing microbeads, and Crest has pledged to remove them from their toothpastes by 2016.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic beads | Polyethylene microbeads |
| Plastic type | Polyethylene |
| Biodegradability | Non-biodegradable |
| Presence in Crest toothpaste | Confirmed by Crest |
| Health risk | Potential risk of gingivitis, but unproven |
| FDA stance | Safe for use, but will be removed due to consumer demands |
| ADA stance | Safe for use, no plans to remove the "Seal of Approval" |
| Environmental impact | Contributes to plastic pollution in water bodies |
| Alternative toothpastes without plastic beads | Tom's of Maine, Colgate, some Crest products |
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What You'll Learn
Crest has confirmed the use of plastic beads in some toothpastes
Crest has confirmed that the company puts plastic beads into some of its toothpastes. The plastic beads, known as polyethylene microbeads, were discovered by dentists and dental assistants who noticed them stuck in people's gums. These microbeads are not biodegradable and are so minuscule that they can pass through water filtration systems, ending up in the water supply and the oceans.
Crest has stated that the plastic is used for cosmetic reasons, providing colour to the toothpaste. However, the product has sparked controversy due to concerns about its potential impact on dental hygiene and the environment. Some dentists believe that the plastic beads can contribute to gingivitis by becoming lodged between the teeth and gums, while environmentalists worry about plastic pollution in bodies of water.
In response to the concerns, Crest pledged to remove polyethylene from some products by March 2015 and from all products by 2016. The American Dental Association (ADA) has stated that it sees no harm in the microbeads and has given its "Seal of Approval" to Crest ProHealth toothpaste, recommending that individuals follow the FDA's guidance. The FDA considers toothpaste a drug product and maintains that it is safe for use, but it is worth noting that the FDA spokesman Jeff Ventura emphasized that manufacturers are responsible for ensuring the safety of inactive ingredients in over-the-counter monograph drug products like toothpaste.
It is worth noting that most toothpastes do not contain polyethylene, and there are several Crest products that are plastic-bead free, including Crest Cavity Protection Regular Paste, Crest Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening, and Crest Kids Cavity Protection – Sparkle Fun Gel.
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The plastic beads are made of polyethylene
Plastic beads in toothpaste have been a cause for concern for many consumers. These tiny beads, which can resemble fish eggs, are often mistaken for food by marine animals and ingested. The plastic also acts as a sponge for toxins, soaking up pesticides, phthalates, and heavy metals and carrying them through the food chain. For example, tuna and swordfish are turning up with microbeads in their stomachs.
Crest is one such toothpaste brand that has used plastic beads in its products. These plastic beads are made from polyethylene, a common form of plastic used in products like plastic bottles and grocery bags. While Crest no longer uses polyethylene in its toothpastes, it has been replaced by other plastic additives.
Polyethylene microbeads are of particular concern because they do not break down and can cause environmental harm. They have been found to pollute waterways and poison wildlife. In addition, there are concerns about the health impacts of ingesting microbeads, as the plastics that make them up are suspected to be hormone disruptors.
To address these concerns, several large cosmetics manufacturers, including Johnson & Johnson and L'Oréal, have removed or pledged to remove microbeads from their products. Some states and countries have also taken action, with Illinois being the first state to crack down on the sale of products with non-biodegradable microbeads.
While the American Dental Association (ADA) and the FDA have stated that polyethylene microbeads in toothpaste are not harmful, consumer pressure has led to their removal from many products. It is important for consumers to be aware of the ingredients in their dental care products and to make informed choices about their purchases.
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The American Dental Association approved the use of polyethylene
The American Dental Association (ADA) is an organization that sets rigorous standards for oral healthcare products. Toothpaste that earns ADA approval must meet strict criteria for safety and effectiveness, verifying its excellence in promoting oral health. ADA-approved toothpaste undergoes rigorous testing to ensure it meets high standards for safety and effectiveness. By choosing ADA-approved toothpaste, consumers can trust that they are using a product proven to promote oral health and prevent dental issues.
The ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs evaluates the safety of all ADA Seal-Accepted products. If the council’s evaluation determines that a product poses a health risk, the council has the authority to withdraw the Seal from that product. In 2014, the ADA stated that clinically relevant dental health studies did not indicate that the Seal should be removed from toothpastes containing polyethylene microbeads. The ADA's position was that there was insufficient evidence to suggest that polyethylene microbeads posed a health risk.
Polyethylene microbeads are tiny plastic beads that have been used in personal care products, including toothpastes, face washes, and body scrubs. They are not biodegradable and do not disintegrate, leading to concerns about their environmental impact. Some dentists have also raised concerns that the beads could contribute to dental hygiene issues, such as gingivitis and periodontal disease, by becoming lodged in the crevices between teeth and gums.
While the ADA initially approved the use of polyethylene microbeads in toothpaste, the ingredient has faced growing criticism from consumers and environmentalists. In response to these concerns, Crest announced plans to discontinue the use of polyethylene microbeads in its products. By 2016, Crest had removed polyethylene from all of its toothpaste products.
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The plastic beads are not biodegradable
The plastic beads in Crest toothpaste are made of polyethylene, a type of plastic that is not biodegradable. These microbeads are so small that they can pass through water filtration systems and end up in large bodies of water, contributing to plastic pollution and harming marine life. While the American Dental Association and the FDA have stated that there is no clinical evidence questioning the safety of polyethylene microbeads in toothpaste, there are concerns about their environmental impact. Additionally, some dentists believe that these plastic beads can become lodged between the teeth and gums, potentially leading to gum inflammation and other dental issues.
Crest has faced criticism and scrutiny for the inclusion of plastic beads in their toothpaste, with some consumers threatening legal action and calling for the removal of these beads from their products. In response, Crest acknowledged that polyethylene is used in some of their toothpastes for cosmetic purposes and pledged to remove it from their products by 2016. As of 2014, Crest provided a list of their toothpastes that do not contain plastic, including various types of Crest Cavity Protection, Crest Baking Soda and Peroxide Whitening, Crest Tartar Protection, and several others.
While the presence of plastic beads in Crest toothpaste sparked controversy, it's important to note that the company took steps to address the issue and phase out the use of polyethylene. The debate surrounding this topic highlights the importance of considering the environmental impact of personal care products and their potential effects on consumer health. It also underscores the need for ongoing dialogue and research to ensure the safety and sustainability of the products we use in our daily lives.
As consumers, it is essential to stay informed about the ingredients in the products we use and to make choices that align with our values and priorities. While the presence of plastic beads in toothpaste may not pose immediate health risks, the environmental implications and potential long-term effects on dental health are areas of concern that warrant further attention and discussion. Being proactive in seeking out alternative products that are free from plastic beads or microplastics can help drive change and encourage companies to adopt more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices.
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The plastic beads are used for cosmetic reasons
The plastic beads in Crest toothpaste are made of polyethylene, a type of plastic commonly found in grocery bags and bath washes. These plastic beads are added to the toothpaste for cosmetic reasons, providing colour to the toothpaste. They are also used in other personal care products such as face washes, body scrubs, and chewing gum. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that polyethylene is safe for use, there is some controversy surrounding its use in toothpaste. Some dentists believe that the plastic beads can become lodged between the teeth and gum tissue, potentially contributing to gingivitis and other dental issues.
Crest has faced criticism and scrutiny for the use of plastic beads in their toothpaste, with some consumers threatening legal action and calling for the removal of the ingredient. In response, Crest pledged to remove polyethylene from some products by March 2015 and from all products by 2016. Additionally, Illinois became the first state to ban products containing microbeads, including face washes and toothpastes, giving companies until 2017 to phase out their use.
The American Dental Association (ADA) has endorsed Crest products containing polyethylene beads, stating that there is a lack of clinical evidence questioning their safety. The ADA's Council on Scientific Affairs monitors and evaluates the safety of all ADA Seal-Accepted products and recommended that individuals follow the FDA's recommendations on dental health care products. However, due to consumer demands and environmental concerns, Crest has committed to discontinuing the use of plastic microbeads in their products as soon as alternative options are available.
While the safety and environmental impact of polyethylene beads in toothpaste are subjects of debate, Crest has acknowledged the concerns and is taking steps to remove the ingredient from their products. It is important for consumers to be informed about the ingredients in their personal care products and to make choices that align with their values and priorities.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Crest Regular Paste does not contain plastic beads.
Crest 3D White and Crest Pro-Health contain plastic beads.
The plastic beads are made of polyethylene.
The FDA has stated that the plastic beads are safe for use. However, there is some controversy, and some dentists believe that the beads can contribute to gingivitis.
The plastic beads are not biodegradable and are too small to be filtered out of the water supply, so they can end up in large bodies of water and harm marine life.
