Omar Khalid
There has been much debate about the presence of plastic in Crest toothpaste. The controversy revolves around the ingredient polyethylene, a type of plastic found in many Crest toothpaste products. Polyethylene is added to toothpaste for colouring and decorative purposes, and it is not a dental aid for cleaning or dispersing anti-plaque/anti-cavity ingredients. The plastic microbeads in Crest toothpaste have sparked concerns among dental professionals and consumers, who worry about their potential impact on oral health and the environment. While some sources claim that the microbeads can contribute to gingivitis and periodontal disease, others, including the ADA and Crest, initially stated that clinical studies show the microbeads do not pose a health risk. However, due to growing consumer concerns, Crest pledged to remove polyethylene from its toothpaste products by 2016.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Plastic in Crest Toothpaste | Polyethylene, a type of plastic, was found in Crest toothpaste |
| Form of Plastic | Microbeads, small plastic beads |
| Purpose | Decorative purposes, added for color |
| Safety | The FDA approved polyethylene as safe for use, but there is some controversy. The American Dental Association (ADA) approved Crest ProHealth toothpaste and said it had no plans to remove its seal of approval. However, dental professionals have reported that the microbeads can trap bacteria in the gums and lead to gingivitis. |
| Action by Crest | Crest pledged to remove polyethylene from some products by March 2015 and all products by 2016. |
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What You'll Learn
Polyethylene plastic in Crest toothpaste
Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is commonly found in containers and packaging, such as bottles and plastic grocery bags. It is also used in some personal care products, such as bath washes and toothpaste.
Crest toothpaste, manufactured by Procter & Gamble, has been found to contain polyethylene microbeads. These microbeads are tiny plastic beads that are added to the toothpaste for decorative purposes, providing colour to the paste. However, concerns have been raised about the potential health and environmental impacts of these plastic microbeads.
Dental professionals have reported finding the blue plastic microbeads in their patients' gums, leading to concerns about the potential health risks. Some dentists believe that the microbeads can become lodged in the sulcus, the area between the teeth and gum tissue, and can contribute to gingivitis and other gum inflammation. However, Procter & Gamble and the American Dental Association (ADA) have stated that clinical studies show that the microbeads do not pose a health risk.
In addition to health concerns, environmentalists have expressed worry about the presence of polyethylene in toothpaste. Polyethylene is not biodegradable and can slip through water filtration systems, ending up in the water supply and contributing to plastic pollution in oceans. As a result of these concerns, Procter & Gamble pledged to remove polyethylene microbeads from its Crest toothpaste line, with most products planned to be microbead-free by March 2015 and all products by 2016.
While the safety of polyethylene microbeads in toothpaste has been a subject of debate, the ingredient has been removed or phased out of Crest toothpaste products due to consumer demands and environmental considerations. It is important for consumers to be aware of the ingredients in their personal care products and to make informed choices based on their own research and preferences.
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Plastic microbeads in water supply
Plastic microbeads have been detected in the water supply, which has raised concerns among environmentalists and the public. These microbeads, often made of polyethylene, are tiny plastic particles that can slip through water filtration systems and end up in the water supply. This issue has prompted states like Illinois, New York, and California to introduce legislation banning products containing microbeads.
Crest, a popular toothpaste brand, has come under scrutiny for including plastic microbeads in some of their products. Dental professionals noticed these microbeads lodged in people's gums, prompting concerns about potential health risks. While Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest, defended the safety of their products, they acknowledged the growing consumer preference for microbead-free toothpaste and committed to removing polyethylene microbeads from their toothpastes.
The presence of plastic microbeads in the water supply has significant implications. Firstly, it contributes to plastic pollution, adding to the floating plastic islands in our oceans. Additionally, fish consume these microplastics, leading to plastic entering the food chain and ultimately being consumed by humans. This raises concerns about the potential health impacts of ingesting microplastics, which are not biodegradable and can persist in the environment indefinitely.
While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated that polyethylene is safe for use and is approved as a food additive, there is ongoing debate about its safety in toothpaste. Some dental professionals argue that microbeads can trap bacteria in the gums, leading to gingivitis and potentially more severe dental issues. However, other organizations, like the American Dental Association (ADA), have stated that clinical studies show the microbeads do not pose a health risk.
To address consumer concerns and environmental impacts, companies like Procter & Gamble are phasing out the use of microbeads in their products. The Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015 also played a crucial role in banning tiny plastic beads from personal care products. While progress is being made, the issue of plastic microbeads in the water supply underscores the importance of ongoing research, legislative action, and consumer awareness to protect our environment and ensure the safety of our water sources.
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Plastic in toothpaste: FDA approval
In 2014, it was discovered that Crest toothpaste contained plastic microbeads in the form of polyethylene, a common plastic used for containers and packaging. These microbeads were added for decorative purposes, providing colour to the toothpaste. However, concerns were raised when dental hygienists began noticing these plastic particles lodged in people's gums, leading to discussions about the safety and approval of plastic in toothpaste.
Polyethylene is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved food additive, according to Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest toothpaste. They stated that it is safe for consumption and is used for colouring purposes. However, the FDA clarified that while polyethylene is allowed to come into contact with food, there has been no ruling stating that it is safe to consume. The FDA does not approve of plastic as a food additive.
The controversy surrounding the use of polyethylene in toothpaste sparked debates among dental professionals and consumers. Some dentists and hygienists reported finding the blue plastic microbeads in their patients' gums, which could potentially trap bacteria and lead to gingivitis and other dental issues. On the other hand, some dental associations, such as the American Dental Association (ADA), initially defended the safety of Crest toothpaste, stating that clinical studies showed that the microbeads did not pose a health risk.
As a result of the growing concerns and consumer demands, Procter & Gamble announced plans to remove polyethylene microbeads from its Crest toothpaste line. By 2015, most of their products were microbead-free, and they pledged to eliminate the ingredient from all products by 2016. This decision was also influenced by legislation in several states, including New York, California, and Illinois, which banned the use of microbeads in beauty and personal care products due to environmental concerns.
While the FDA considered polyethylene a safe ingredient, the approval for its use in toothpaste was called into question. The absence of explicit approval for polyethylene as a consumable additive and the potential health and environmental risks associated with plastic microbeads led to the decision to discontinue its use in oral care products. This highlights the importance of ongoing evaluation and regulation of ingredients in consumer goods, particularly when it comes to the potential impact on human health and the environment.
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Dentists find plastic in gums
Dentists and dental hygienists have been finding plastic in their patients' gums. These blue plastic bits are polyethylene microbeads, which are used in Crest toothpaste for decorative purposes. While Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest toothpaste, stated that the microbeads are safe FDA-approved food additives, the plastic specks in people's gums have sparked concern among dental professionals and consumers.
Dental hygienists, such as Trish Walraven, started noticing the blue plastic bits in their patients' mouths almost every day. In a DentalBuzz blog post, Walraven wrote, "When you have hundreds of pieces of plastic being scrubbed into your gums each day that are even smaller than a millimeter, many of them are getting trapped." Other hygienists also shared their observations and concerns on Facebook and other online platforms, sparking a conversation about the presence of plastic in toothpaste.
The microbeads in Crest toothpaste are tiny beads made from polyethylene, a common type of plastic used in products like grocery bags and plastic bottles. These microbeads are small enough to slip through water filtration systems, contributing to plastic pollution in oceans and water supplies. Additionally, they can get trapped between teeth and gum tissue, potentially leading to gingivitis and other gum issues.
In response to the concerns raised by dental professionals and consumers, Procter & Gamble announced that it would remove polyethylene microbeads from its Crest toothpaste line. The company stated that while the ingredient is safe, it understands the growing preference for its removal. Most of their products were expected to be microbead-free by March 2015, with all products being microbead-free by 2016.
The American Dental Association (ADA) also addressed the issue, stating that clinical studies showed that the microbeads did not pose a health risk. However, they would continue to monitor and evaluate new scientific information on the topic. The ADA had given its Seal of Approval to the Crest Pro-Health toothpaste line and said it had no plans to remove it.
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Crest's pledge to remove plastic
In 2014, Crest came under fire for including plastic microbeads in its toothpaste. Polyethylene, a common plastic used in packaging and grocery bags, was added to Crest toothpaste for decorative purposes. While the American Dental Association (ADA) and the FDA stated that the ingredient was safe, environmentalists and dental professionals raised concerns.
Dental hygienists reported finding blue plastic bits in patients' gums, sparking worries about the potential health risks. Some believed that the microbeads could trap bacteria, leading to gingivitis and periodontal disease. In response, Procter & Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest toothpaste, pledged to remove polyethylene microbeads from its products.
The company acknowledged that while the ingredient was safe, there was a growing preference for its removal. Crest committed to phasing out microbeads from its toothpaste line, with most products expected to be microbead-free by March 2015. The brand also stated that polyethylene would be removed from all products by 2016 due to consumer demands.
The controversy surrounding Crest's use of plastic in its toothpaste prompted discussions about the presence of plastic microbeads in other personal care and beauty products. States like New York, California, and Illinois introduced legislation to ban products containing microbeads, citing concerns about their environmental impact and persistence in water systems.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Crest toothpaste contains polyethylene plastic. Polyethylene is added to the toothpaste for colour and is not meant to aid in cleaning your teeth or to disperse important anti-plaque or anti-cavity ingredients.
The American Dental Association (ADA) stated that clinical studies show that the microbeads do not pose a health risk. However, some dental professionals have reported that the microbeads can trap bacteria in the gums and lead to gingivitis.
The following Crest toothpaste products contain plastic microbeads:
- Crest Pro-Health
- Crest 3D White
- Crest 3D White Radiant Mint
- Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh
- Crest 3D White Enamel Renewal
- Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White
- Crest Sensitivity Treatment and Protection
- Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Whitening Plus Deep Clean
- Crest 3D White Luxe Lustrous Shine
- Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast
- Crest SensiRelief Maximum Strength Whitening Plus Scope
- Crest Pro-Health Sensitive + Enamel Shield
- Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection
- Crest Pro-Health For Life for Ages 50+
- Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra White+ Crystal Clean Anti-Bacterial
- Crest Be Adventurous Mint Chocolate Trek
- Crest Be Dynamic Lime Spearmint Zest
- Crest Be Inspired Vanilla Mint Spark
- Crest Pro-Health Healthy Fresh
- Crest Pro-Health Smooth Mint
