Titanium dioxide (TiO2) in toothpaste is primarily used as a white pigment to give toothpaste its characteristic bright, white color and improve texture. However, its safety has become controversial, especially after its ban in food products in the European Union since 2022 due to potential health risks.
Key points about titanium dioxide in toothpaste:
– Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Concerns: The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has evaluated titanium dioxide and concluded it “can probably damage the genome and therefore be carcinogenic,” leading to its removal from food and dietary supplements in the EU. This concern is linked to its potential mutagenic effects, especially in nanoparticle form, which might penetrate the body and accumulate in organs like the liver or spleen.
– Use in Toothpaste Still Allowed: Despite these concerns, titanium dioxide remains permitted as an ingredient in cosmetics and toothpastes. Official assessments, such as from the German Federal Institute for Risk Assessment, currently state no conclusive evidence shows harm from titanium dioxide in toothpaste. The amounts used are relatively low (typically around 1-2%), and exposure is mainly topical and brief.
– Ingestion and Long-Term Risk: While toothpaste is spat out, small amounts of titanium dioxide can be swallowed, particularly by children who may not rinse well. The long-term effects of this low-level ingestion are not fully studied, and some experts worry about potential accumulation or subtle genotoxic effects.
– Nanoparticles: Titanium dioxide nanoparticles are considered particularly worrisome because they could penetrate biological barriers more easily, but the specific formulations in toothpaste may limit this risk.
– Growing Consumer and Industry Response: Due to increasing scientific concerns and consumer pressure, many manufacturers are voluntarily removing titanium dioxide from toothpaste, especially products aimed at children. Natural alternatives like hydroxyapatite-based tooth powders are gaining attention as safer options.
– Current Regulatory Outlook: The EU and scientific bodies continue to review titanium dioxide’s safety. The European Medicines Agency is expected to reassess titanium dioxide in cosmetics soon, which may influence future regulations on toothpaste.
In summary, while titanium dioxide in toothpaste is not conclusively proven to cause harm when used topically, significant scientific concerns about its genotoxic and carcinogenic potential—especially after oral ingestion and exposure to nanoparticles—have led to bans in food and growing consumer caution. Those wanting to minimize potential risks can choose toothpastes labeled free of titanium dioxide (look for “CI 77891” or “Titanium Dioxide” on the ingredient list).
If you are concerned, especially for children or frequent users, it may be wise to select titanium dioxide–free toothpaste alternatives. Monitoring ongoing regulatory updates on this ingredient is also recommended.
Read More
[1] https://www.dentafari.com/en/blogs/news/is-titanium-dioxide-in-toothpaste-dangerous-what-you-should-know-test
[2] https://www.foodtimes.eu/food-system/new-study-on-the-risks-of-titanium-dioxide-found-in-toothpastes-and-drugs/
[3] https://wild-pharma.com/en/toothpaste-without-titanium-dioxide-what-is-titanium-dioxide-and-is-it-safe/
[4] https://www.tentamus.com/news/should-manufacturers-stop-using-titanium-dioxide-in-toothpaste/
[5] https://www.bfr.bund.de/cm/349/titanium-dioxide-are-there-health-risks.pdf
[6] https://truthpaste.co.uk/blogs/behind-the-truth/titanium-dioxide
[7] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3423755/
[8] https://cris.msu.edu/news/whats-the-risk/whats-the-risk-titanium-dioxide/
[9] https://www.tdma.info/safety/titanium-dioxide-in-toothpaste/
[10] https://health.ec.europa.eu/publications/scientific-advice-titanium-dioxide-tio2-casec-numbers-13463-67-7236-675-5-1317-70-0215-280-1-1317-80_en