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We feel it is necessary to inform our patients about some dental products that are potentially harmful. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently announced that several toothpastes contain an ingredient that could poison anyone who used them.
The FDA is particularly concerned about children in general, as well as children who swallow the toothpaste instead of spitting it out, and anyone with kidney or liver disease.
Specifically, the toothpastes were made in China and imported into the United States. They contain a poisonous chemical called diethylene glycol (DEG). Other names for this chemical are "diglycol" or "diglycol stearate." This chemical is commonly used in antifreeze. DEG is sometimes used as a sweetener and substituted for glycerine, a chemical that is safe for human consumption. Besides the three names for DEG mentioned, there are a total of 32 different names for this chemical. Either check the FDA Web site http://www.fda.gov/default.htm to obtain the list of names or call the toll-free number 888-INFO-FDA.
If you have toothpaste made in China, the FDA recommends that you immediately throw away the toothpaste. Unfortunately, the label may not list DEG as an ingredient. The FDA tested the toothpastes and found one that contained DEG, but it was not listed in the ingredients.
The toothpastes were manufactured under the following names:
Cooldent Fluoride |
Oralmax Extreme |
Colgate-Palmolive just announced that counterfeit Colgate toothpaste that contains DEG has been discovered. So far, the toothpaste has been found in only small, independent dollar-type discount stores in a four-state area. Unfortunately, the press release did not list the state names. The toothpaste was made in South Africa. Colgate does not import toothpaste from this country.
The toothpaste tubes are different than those produced by Colgate-Palmolive and there are misspelled words on the label.
Check your Colgate toothpaste tubes for these issues:
Appearance: 5 ounce or 100 ml tube—Colgate does not sell toothpaste in this size tube “Manufactured in South Africa” |
Misspelled words: isclinically |
The press release can be viewed on line at www.Colgate.com.
If you have a concern about your Colgate toothpaste, Colgate has set up a special information line. Call toll-free at 1-800-468-6502. Colgate has also arranged for consumers to provide them with suspicious toothpaste. Use their hotline to obtain details.
Don't take chances with your health; if you have any of these products, throw them away! We strive to keep our patients informed and healthy.