Antibacterial toothpaste under fire

The triclosan present in toothpastes, soaps and cosmetics due to drug resistance and is suspected of causing hormonal.

The Committee for the scientific certainty of the European Union argues that the bactericidal activity of this substance may promote the spread of the phenomenon of antibiotic resistance, a very dangerous phenomenon that undermines the effectiveness of drugs.

Triclosan, in fact, may cause genetic mutations that cause an increase in the defense against bacterial products, in particular the problem is with antibiotics. Moreover, these mutations can be transmitted to other organisms, thus spreading the acquired drug resistance. Some studies have already identified some mutations of salmonella, the bacterium responsible for nosocomial infections (MRSA) and E. coli that cause some degree of resistance to triclosan.

The manufacturers of cosmetics and toothpaste are divided on the question: GlaxoSmithKline, to reassure consumers, decided to remove triclosan from Aquafresh, Sensodyne and Corsodyl. Colgate Palmolive, however, believes that the benefits are more important than risks.

It ‘worth noting that triclosan, as measured by the analysis conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is detected in the urine of 75% of the U.S. population and probably in Europe the situation is similar.

Finally, a warning comes from the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) that the triclosan can cause hormonal changes and why they are conducting further studies.