WASHINGTON — Dentists are noticing spotty smiles and speckled gums caused by plastic beads in some types of toothpaste.
Some brands of Crest toothpaste contain “microbeads,” which are actually tiny pieces of plastic. The microbeads have the potential to get trapped in people’s gum lines, which can let in more bacteria and lead to bigger problems such as gingivitis and periodontal disease.
Dental hygienists have spotted the specs of blue plastic trapped in tiny spaces between patients’ teeth and gums, according to Phoenix TV station, ABC 15.
“We thought it was a cleaning product or something people were chewing,” Phoenix dental hygienist Trish Walraven said to ABC 15.
The plastic pieces are coming mostly from Crest’s Pro Health and 3D White toothpastes.
The plastic pieces are safe and approved by the FDA, but Crest’s manufacturer, Procter and Gamble, says it will remove the microbeads from its products in the next six months.
Crest released the following statement to ABC 15:
“While the ingredient in question is completely safe, approved for use in foods by the FDA, and part of an enjoyable brushing experience for millions of consumers with no issues, we understand there is a growing preference for us to remove this ingredient. So we will.
We currently have products without microbeads for those who would prefer them. We have begun removing microbeads from the rest of our toothpastes, and the majority of our product volume will be microbead-free within six months. We will complete our removal process by March of 2016.”
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