The Deleterious Systemic Effects of Common Oral Care Products: A Narrative Review

Author(s): Ishani Chadha, Deepak Sharma, Arun Singh Thakur, Jyotsna Chauhan, Shreya Sharma, Kritika Thakur, Mansi Sharma

Introduction: Oral care products are essential for maintaining hygiene, but growing evidence suggests that certain ingredients in them may have systemic health effects.

Methodology: We conducted a narrative review of studies published in PubMed and Google Scholar from 2000 to 2024 on the systemic effects of common ingredients in toothpaste and mouthwash, their mechanisms of action, and their potential risks to human health, emphasising the need for greater consumer awareness and regulation.

Results: Key ingredients, including triclosan, fluoride, alcohol, SLS, parabens, artificial sweeteners, and titanium dioxide, have been linked with endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, and other adverse outcomes.

Conclusion: Widespread use of these products raises concern. There is an urgent need for regulatory oversight and increased public awareness regarding ingredient safety in oral care products.