Recent media reports about an ingredient we use in our Colgate Total brand toothpaste are not based on facts or science. As we are talking about one of the best-selling toothpastes in the U.S., we want to set the record straight.
Colgate Total has been available to treat plaque and gingivitis for 17 years, and these problems are more pervasive than most people think. Seventy five percent of Americans face gum disease. We all have about 700 microorganisms in our mouths, and Colgate Total was created to attack those that result in gingivitis, which, if not stopped, can lead to periodontal disease and tooth loss.
Recently a thorough independent review was conducted by the Cochrane Oral Health Group on the oral health benefits of triclosan/copolymer, the active antibacterial system in Colgate Total. They found that after six or more months of use, as compared with traditional fluoride toothpaste, the triclosan formula delivered a 22% reduction in plaque and gingivitis, a 41% reduction in plaque severity, and a 48% reduction in gum bleeding.
Also, with the growing body of science linking oral health to overall health, Colgate Total is the only toothpaste that provides both antibacterial protection and direct anti-inflammatory action, which is an important benefit.
Exhaustive testing has shown not only that Colgate Total provides important health benefits, but also that it is safe. More than 90 clinical studies involving 20,000 people as well as a broad set of safety evaluations make Colgate Total the most tested and reviewed toothpaste in the world. Colgate continues to submit annual reports to the FDA addressing new science and further safety findings.
Recent claims that triclosan in Colgate Total can lead to cancer are absolutely untrue. Global regulators have reviewed the issue of carcinogenicity and have concluded that triclosan in consumer products does not pose a human cancer risk.
As for claims of endocrine disruption, the World Health Organization defines an endocrine disruptor as something harmful to one’s health, and that is simply not the case here. An examination of the full body of evidence shows that triclosan as used in personal care products does not present a risk of endocrine related health effects. This evidence includes two human clinical studies done to analyze the potential endocrine impact of triclosan in toothpaste. Neither showed any negative effect.
No organization spends more time analyzing the health and safety of our products than we do. For more than 200 years, we have provided consumers the safest and most effective products you’ll find anywhere. We believe Colgate Total is the best, safest and most effective toothpaste available to prevent and reverse gingivitis. I know the science and I know how it works. It is the only toothpaste I use.
We all know that a rumor travels half-way around the world before the truth even has a chance to be heard. But we want the truth to have a chance to catch up. We encourage consumers to look at the facts.
OUR DENTAL OFFICE'S THOUGHTS
by Brian S. Nylaan, D.D.S.
After some preliminary research and consultations, I would agree that Triclosan is an issue that needs attention but the impact that dental applications have are minimal. Compared to the widespread usage of "antibacterials" and "antimicrobials" in thousands of consumer products, the amount of public exposure to Colgate Total toothpaste is a proverbial drop in the bucket. Today, there is a widespread phobia about getting sick and industry has responded using Triclosan based products to satisfy that desire.
From hand sanitizers to antimicrobial shoes, we are crippling the immune systems in our bodies while adversely affecting our environment through the runoff of these products. Common sense does show the possible impact of that on the production of antibiotic resistant bacteria which kill thousands each year. Now, from a dental perspective, Colgate Total is tremendously useful in specific cases that are determined by your treatment team.
Remember that the dosages fed to these animals greatly exceeded what you are exposed to through tooth brushing. We find the value of the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect of Triclosan on the body can prevent issues that go beyond just periodontal disease, such as heart attack, stroke, diabetes among others.
Truthfully, you probably would have to eat a tube of Total a day for quite awhile to build up what the rodents got in an injection. These studies look a little weak regarding the cancer link but my biggest concern lies in the environmental impact of this drug. My thought is Triclosan is valuable to the public is far fewer and more judicious applications.
