Why does it say not too swallow toothpaste on the back of the tube?

Question

I was wondering why you cannot swallow tooth paste on the back of the tube, because I am thinking it will give you Cancer, or what would be the other reason?

Answer 1

that is basically the reason. it contains chemicals not meant to be ingested because they are not good for your health- among them- flouride. look here:
http://www.fluoridealert.org/

Toothpaste cancer alert
By Mark Prigg Science Correspondent And Rebecca Lawrence, Evening Standard 15.04.05
Add your view


Marks & Spencer is one the stores to be hit by the problem
Dozens of toothpastes sold at supermarkets are at the centre of a cancer alert today.

Anti-bacterial cleaning products, including dishwashing liquid and handwash, are also affected.

Researchers have discovered that triclosan, a chemical in the products, can react with water to produce chloroform gas. If inhaled in large enough quantities, chloroform can cause depression, liver problems and, in some cases, cancer.

An Evening Standard investigation found dozens of products on supermarket shelves containing the chemical, from brand names including Colgate, Aquafresh, Dentyl and Sensodyne.

Marks& Spencer confirmed today it was removing products containing triclosan from all its stores and has been working with Greenpeace to develop alternative products.

Asda said it was investigating the problem and would be urgently talking to its suppliers.

Giles Watson, a toxicology expert at wildlife charity WWF, warned that the long-term effects of exposure to chloroform were still unknown and advised consumers to check the bottles before buying products.

"These products produce low levels of chloroform, but that adds up over time. The amount of gas formed is very low but I think the key thing is that we just don't know what the effects are. However, manufacturers do have to list triclosan on their ingredients, so if consumers are worried the best advice is to avoid products with the chemical."

A Tesco spokesman said: "We do not use triclosan in any of our own-brand products, apart from one anti-bacterial handwash, which is being reformulated, and our toothpaste. We

believe that triclosan is a very effective ingredient in toothpaste as it helps fight gum disease and improve overall oral care."

The Department of Trade and Industry said use of triclosan was tightly controlled under EU laws brought in last year, but that they were under constant review.

Researchers in the US found that the chlorine added to water in Britain reacted with

triclosan to

produce chloroform-gas. They found that it was possible for the chloroform produced when soap containing the chemical mixes

with chlorinated water to be absorbed through the skin or inhaled.

Professor Peter Vikesland, of Virginia Tech University, who carried out the research, said: "This is the first work that we know of that suggests that consumer products, such as antimicrobial soap, can produce significant quantities of chloroform." He has called for governments around the world to regulate the chemical more closely.

Products affected

Triclosan is in:

Dentyl mouthwash
Colgate Total fresh stripe
Colgate Total
Sensodyne Total Care
Tesco own brand toothpaste
Mentadent P; Aquafresh

Answer 2

I would say due to the fluoride added to the toothpaste. Even when given a fluoride treatment at the dental office, we advise patients not to drink for 30 minutes. Excessive fluoride is poisonous, and the small amount found in toothpaste can cause nausea if ingested. So it makes sense not to ingest something poisonous, doesn't it? Not to mention that it's just NASTY!

Answer 3

Well i doubt that she did but if someone did swallow a tube of toothpaste then they would have to go to the emergency room. Same with listerine so i dont think she did.

Answer 4

Fluoride is not especially good for us to ingest. Many toothpastes have fluoride these days.

Answer 5

Because toothpaste, despite its' minty or other nice taste, is not food. It contains chemical cleansing agents that are meant to clean your teeth, not your innards.

Answer 6

If you swallow even a tiny amount your hair will fall out all over your body.

Answer 7

it's because of the fluoride in it...it is toxic if you swallow too much of it.....