Are plastic microbeads from toothpaste causing problems for the environment and patients? [VIDEO]

Publication
Article
Modern Hygienistmodernhygienist.com-2014-05-01
Issue 5

News reports coming out of the Denver area are telling Colorado residents that plastic microbeads from toothpaste and cleansers are making their way down their drains and into their rivers. While that is a concern, dental hygienists are also noticing these same microbeads are making an appearance under the gums of their patients.

News reports coming out of the Denver area are telling Colorado residents that plastic microbeads from toothpaste and cleansers are making their way down their drains and into their rivers. While that is a concern, dental hygienists are also noticing these same microbeads are making an appearance under the gums of their patients.

"Some of us may have seen little blue particles in our patients' gums and around their gum lines," said Anastasia Turchetta, RDH. "That's a concern because they aren't biodegradable. It's really important that we know the ingredients in our toothpaste and we're able to educate our readers about those ingredients."

In an e-mail to the ABC-TV affiliate in Denver (linked above), Procter and Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest, stated, "We are discontinuing our limited use of micro plastic beads in personal care products as soon as alternatives are qualified." According to www.beatthemicrobead.org, P&G has said that will be by 2017.

Free e-book: 3 simple steps to improved dental practice efficiency

Turchetta had many other thoughts on the subject of microbeads, their effects on the environment and patient health, and whether patients and dental professionals should continue to use the products. Click below to watch the video.

Recent Videos
CDS 2024: Breaking Down Barriers to Care with Eric Kukucka, DD
Greater New York Dental Meeting 2023 — Interview with Shannon Carroll, RDH
AHDA23 Annual Conference in 4 Minutes
Katrina Sanders, RDH
Related Content
© 2024 MJH Life Sciences

All rights reserved.