The American Dental Association (ADA) has issued a statement in response to consumer concern regarding polyethylene microbeads which are present in some toothpastes, including some brands bearing the ADA Seal of Approval. Crest Pro Health toothpastes, for example, contain the beads in some varieties of their product, prompting consumer concern about safety and cancer risk.

Polyethylene microbeads are commonly used in exfoliating products, but also sometimes in chewing gum and toothpaste. The ADA Council on Scientific Affairs states that “clinically relevant dental health studies do not indicate that the Seal should be removed from toothpastes containing polyethylene microbeads.”

The council will continue to monitor and evaluate new scientific information on this issue as it becomes available. If the council determines sufficient scientific evidence exists that an ADA Seal-accepted product poses a health risk, then the council has the authority to withdraw the Seal from that product. In the mean time, the ADA maintains that the products can still bear the Seal and are considered safe by the ADA.

You can read the full ADA press statement on polyethylene microbeads here. If you have questions regarding toothpastes and oral health, schedule an appointment with your Jacksonville dentist today for more information.