Is it safe to use triclosan toothpaste long-term?
No. Triclosan absorbs through the mouth, accumulates in the body, and disrupts hormones and gut bacteria.
What's actually in it
Triclosan in toothpaste (marketed for gum health) was phased out by most major brands after 2019. If your tube is old or an off-brand, check the label. Even brief daily use in the mouth absorbs triclosan rapidly through the mucosa.
What the research says
A 2025 study in Environ Health Perspect linked triclosan exposure to allergies and asthma in kids. Triclosan also disrupts gut bacteria and thyroid hormone in animal studies.
Pick a triclosan-free toothpaste. For kids, avoid fluoride-free "natural" toothpaste if you live in a non-fluoridated area: talk to the dentist about the right fluoride level.
The research at a glance
| Study | Journal | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Gestational and childhood triclosan concentrations and atopic symptoms. | Environ Health Perspect | 2025 |
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