The federal government has banned more than a dozen chemicals long used in antibacterial soaps and washes, saying manufacturers have failed to show that they are safe and prevent the spread of germs.
The two main targets, triclosan and triclocarban, are behind some research that suggests an interference with hormone levels and spur drug-resistant bacteria.
However, Colgate Total will keep triclosan in their popular brand toothpaste.
“Research still shows that there is effectiveness for triclosan to be in this one particular toothpaste because it has shown a reduction in gingivitis,” dentist Sara Mouzi said.
Colgate said in a statement to KPRC:
While the FDA may be unconvinced by the support submitted by the soap companies, that’s not the case with Colgate Total. Unlike antibacterial soaps, which were reviewed through a different process, our toothpaste was approved through the FDA’s New Drug Application (NDA) process, the same rigorous review the agency conducts for prescription medications. After an exhaustive review, the agency determined that Colgate Total provides a meaningful therapeutic benefit and is safe for consumers. Colgate Total’s NDA approval has not changed in any way. The efficacy and safety of our toothpaste is supported by more than 90 clinical studies, involving over 20,000 people, and a broad set of safety evaluations. Our research has been shared with regulatory agencies around the world who have accepted triclosan’s safe and effective use in toothpaste.
Meanwhile, Dr. Mouzi recommended a dental gel called Livionex to her patients because she said it also shows promising results in patients with gingivitis and does not contain the ingredient.
However, she said that all patients should consult with their dentist for which ingredients or toothpaste brands most benefit their dental needs.
“At this point, just to not have the added worries that some of our patients may have and are concerned with is something I would recommend Livionex but it really just depends on each patient and each decision,” Mouzi said.
Colgate Total is the only toothpaste that will still contain the antibacterial agent. The FDA did not claim triclosan is unsafe. They said they are banning it from soaps because they cannot prove it’s more beneficial than regular soap. – Haley Hernandez