Dental experts have raised concerns over triclosan, an antibacterial agent previously added to some toothpastes, warning that emerging evidence linking it to health risks has led to its discontinuation in several products.
They noted that although triclosan was initially introduced to improve oral hygiene by fighting bacteria, recent studies suggesting possible cancer risks and systemic effects have prompted manufacturers to phase it out.
The experts stressed that the chemical could potentially affect anyone exposed to it and urged consumers to prioritise safer alternatives and proper oral hygiene practices.
They further advised Nigerians to use fluoride-containing toothpaste and maintain regular brushing habits to ensure good oral health.
Fluoride helps prevent tooth decay and strengthens tooth enamel. However, excessive fluoride exposure can cause dental fluorosis in children, which appears as white streaks or specks on the teeth, and may also affect the bones, joints, thyroid, and neurological health.
Findings from online health sites and studies show that triclosan has been detected in the blood, urine, and breast milk of users and may be linked to colon cancer.
According to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, triclosan is a potential endocrine disruptor in humans because it can increase thyroid hormone levels and also negatively affect environmental health.
The organisation noted that low levels of the chemical may increase the growth of oestrogen-sensitive breast cancer cells.
Speaking with Punch Healthwise, a former President of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dr Kolawole Obagbemiro, said triclosan had been widely used in toothpaste for its antibacterial properties.
According to him, some studies have shown that it is carcinogenic, which is why many informed people have discontinued its use.
Obagbemiro noted that concerns over systemic exposure and possible health effects led to the removal of triclosan from some popular toothpaste brands.
“Some toothpastes contained it before now, but because of the health concerns, it has been discontinued,” he added.
The dentist said there is no specific group more vulnerable to the effects of triclosan, noting that anyone who uses such products could be exposed.
Beyond concerns about its potential cancer risk, Obagbemiro said some studies have also linked triclosan to possible effects on the reproductive system.
On safer oral care practices, he recommended the use of fluoride toothpaste, noting that fluoride remains essential for preventing tooth decay.
The dentist also advised proper oral hygiene, including brushing twice daily and using only a small amount of toothpaste.
“It should just be a pea-sized quantity. It is not the quantity that matters. Brushing morning and evening is enough,” he advised.
The dental expert urged consumers to pay attention to ingredients in oral care products and adopt safe, evidence-based practices for maintaining dental health.
In a previous interview with PUNCH Healthwise, Obagbemiro said children should not use adult toothpaste because of its high fluoride content, which could be harmful to their teeth and overall well-being.
He advised parents to measure their children’s toothpaste according to age, saying, “Zero to two would be measured as the size of a grain of rice. For older children, they should take the pea size.”
Obagbemiro added that some children could develop low intelligence quotient and stomach upset from using adult toothpaste.
The dentist advised parents to begin dental visits as soon as their children begin to develop teeth, noting that a child should start using adult toothpaste only after turning seven and developing a significant number of permanent teeth.
Also, the immediate past President of the Nigerian Dental Association, Dr Tope Adeyemi, advised that children should not use adult toothpaste because of its high fluoride concentration.
He noted that children tend to swallow toothpaste, warning that excessive fluoride ingestion could cause toxicity.
“One main reason children should not use adult toothpaste is the fluoride content. Adult toothpastes have higher fluoride concentrations compared to those used by children.
“Most children tend to swallow the toothpaste. If they swallow too much fluoride, it can cause toxicity. That is one reason their toothpastes have lower fluoride content so that when they swallow, it will not get to the level of toxicity,” Adeyemi said.