ORGANIC TOOTHPASTE FORMULATIONS: AN OVERVIEW

Aim: Aim of this study was to conduct a literature overview to: (i) identify and classify the ingredients of organic toothpastes; (ii) evaluate each ingredient adverse events associated with use. Methods: A list of available organic toothpastes currently marketed in Italy was compiled. Then Google Scholar database was searched to classify each ingredient. The known adverse events associated with use were listed. Results: Twenty organic toothpastes marketed in Italy were included in this study. A total of 70 single ingredients were coded: 62 (88.2%) and 8 (11.8%) ingredients were classified as active and inactive, respectively. Overall, 15 (21%) ingredients were associated with an adverse event. Almost half of the inactive ingredients presented an adverse known event associated with its long-term use. Enamel demineralization, skin and eye irritation were the main reported adverse events. Conclusion: Based on the findings of this overview, organic toothpastes formulations are characterized by favorable biocompatibility. Toothpastes ingredients with potentially known adverse events, like synthetic polymers like PEG and carbomers, detergent agents like sodium lauryl sulfate and Triclosan were not listed in the organic formulations. Organic formulations may be preferred for daily use, however further research to validate the clinical efficacy is required.