Toothpaste, a daily essential for oral hygiene, is often taken for granted. Most of us reach for our favourite brand without a second thought, trusting it to keep our teeth clean and healthy. However, a shocking investigation by Lead Safe Mama (LSM) and supporting research reveal a disturbing truth: many popular toothpastes are contaminated with toxic heavy metals like lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium. These hidden poisons pose serious health risks, yet manufacturers show little willingness to address the problem. This post explores the dangers of heavy metals in toothpaste, the systemic failures allowing this issue to persist, and practical steps to minimise exposure while maintaining oral health.
Independent testing conducted by LSM, led by environmental activist Tamara Rubin, analysed 51 popular toothpaste samples and found that 90% contained lead, 65% had arsenic, 47% had mercury, and 28% had cadmium. Only six brands tested clean, free of these toxic metals. These findings align with a systematic review in Frontiers in Dental Medicine, which analysed samples from Asia, Europe, and Africa, confirming widespread contamination with lead, cadmium, and chromium. Lead levels in some samples as high as 2,313 parts per million well above safe thresholds, with cadmium and chromium also appearing frequently enough to raise public health concerns.
The source of this contamination lies in raw materials used in toothpaste manufacturing, such as hydroxyapatite (extracted from cow bone), calcium carbonate, and bentonite clay. These ingredients, often sourced from regions with metal-rich soil, are not adequately tested for contaminants, allowing heavy metals to slip into the final product. Toothpastes containing bentonite clay showed the highest levels of contamination, while hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate tested as individual ingredients also revealed concerning metal content. This points to a reckless manufacturing process that chooses cost over safety.
The presence of heavy metals in toothpaste is not a trivial matter. Even low-level exposure, compounded by twice-daily brushing, can lead to significant health risks over time. The Frontiers in Dental Medicine review and LSM's findings highlight how these metals disrupt critical bodily functions:
Lead: A known carcinogen, lead targets multiple systems, causing kidney failure, anemia, osteoporosis, and neurological damage, particularly in children. The US federal government acknowledges that no level of lead exposure is safe, yet some toothpastes tested exceed Washington state's limits, which are stricter than federal guidelines.
Cadmium: This metal impairs kidney and liver function, increases osteoporosis risk, and causes mitochondrial dysfunction. It was found in 28% of LSM's samples and frequently in global studies, with concentrations high enough to pose long-term health risks.
Arsenic and Mercury: Both are carcinogenic and neurotoxic. Arsenic, present in 65% of tested toothpastes, is linked to cancer and skin lesions, while mercury, found in 47%, damages the nervous system and kidneys. Their prevalence in everyday oral care products is alarming.
Chromium: Detected in many toothpastes, chromium has no legitimate place in oral care products and is associated with lung and skin toxicity. Its presence underscores the lack of oversight in manufacturing.
These metals enter the body through absorption in the mouth's mucous membranes, accumulating over time and increasing the risk of chronic illnesses. Children, who may use flavoured toothpastes like Colgate's Watermelon Burst, are particularly vulnerable, as evidenced by a class-action lawsuit against Colgate-Palmolive for failing to disclose heavy metal content in products marketed to kids.
The persistence of heavy metals in toothpaste reflects a broader failure of regulatory and corporate accountability. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets a lead limit of 20 parts per million (ppm) for toothpaste, far higher than Washington state's stricter standards, which many samples still violate. Globally, regulatory guidelines for heavy metals in toothpaste are inconsistent or absent, as noted in the Frontiers review, which calls for specific limits and stringent quality assurance.
Manufacturers, meanwhile, have shown little interest in reform. LSM's Tamara Rubin reports that none of the companies she contacted committed to removing heavy metals from their products. Instead, several issued cease-and-desist letters, attempting to silence her advocacy. Some defended their practices by claiming that trace levels of lead are unavoidable in the environment, a justification that ignores the cumulative harm of daily exposure. This resistance, coupled with legal intimidation, suggests an industry more concerned with profit than consumer safety.
The case of Colgate-Palmolive is particularly troubling. A 2025 lawsuit filed by Hagens Berman alleges that Colgate's toothpastes, including those for children, contain lead levels as high as 200 parts per billion (ppb), undisclosed to consumers. Brands like Crest, Sensodyne, Tom's of Maine, and Dr. Bronner's also appeared on LSM's contaminated list, shattering the illusion that even "natural" or premium brands are safe.
The dangers extend beyond toothpaste. Dental floss, another oral care staple, has been found to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or "forever chemicals." A study cited in the Mercola article tested 18 floss products and found that six, including Oral-B Glide, contained polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a PFAS linked to hormone disruption, liver damage, and increased cancer risk. These chemicals, which linger in the body for decades, are absorbed through the gums or hands during flossing, adding to the toxic load from personal care products.
The presence of PFAS in floss highlights a broader issue: personal care products, from cosmetics to lotions, often incorporate toxic chemicals to enhance performance, with little regulatory oversight. The Mercola article notes that African-American women showed higher PFAS levels, possibly due to product preferences, underscoring how socioeconomic factors can exacerbate exposure.
The pervasive contamination of oral care products demands both individual action and systemic change. Consumers cannot rely on manufacturers or regulators to prioritise their health, but they can take steps to minimise exposure while advocating for reform. Here are practical recommendations, expanded from the Mercola article, to safeguard your oral health:
1.Switch to Homemade Toothpaste: A simple, cost-effective solution is to make your own toothpaste using coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils (e.g., peppermint or tea tree). Coconut oil's antibacterial properties and baking soda's gentle abrasiveness provide effective cleaning without the risks of heavy metals or fluoride. This approach, endorsed by Mercola and LSM, eliminates exposure to contaminated ingredients.
2.Choose Verified Safe Products: If homemade toothpaste isn't feasible, select brands with third-party testing for heavy metals. LSM's list identifies six toothpastes with nondetectable levels of lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium. Look for labels like "heavy metal-free" and review ingredient lists to avoid hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, or bentonite clay.
3.Opt for Non-Fluorinated Floss: Avoid floss containing PTFE or other PFAS. Choose natural alternatives, such as those made with vegan vegetable waxes, which glide smoothly and are free of forever chemicals. Mercola's recommendations and consumer guides on platforms like X can help identify safer options.
4.Incorporate Oil Pulling: This traditional practice, involving swishing organic coconut oil in your mouth for 10–15 minutes daily, removes toxins and pathogens without the risks of commercial mouthwashes. Oil pulling complements brushing and supports gum health, offering a natural detox for your oral cavity.
5.Detox Through Exercise: For those already exposed to heavy metals, regular high-intensity exercise (up to 75 minutes weekly) promotes sweating, a proven method for eliminating metals from the body. Combine this with a diet rich in detoxifying foods like cilantro and chlorella to support long-term health.
6.Advocate for Regulatory Reform: Consumers must pressure regulators and manufacturers for change. Public awareness, amplified through platforms like X, can force accountability, as seen in posts calling out contaminated brands.
Systemically, the toothpaste industry needs a reckoning. The Frontiers review's call for specific heavy metal limits and quality assurance processes should be heeded globally. Australia, for instance, could adopt Washington state's stricter standards to protect consumers. Class-action lawsuits, like the one against Colgate, signal growing public demand for transparency, but broader regulatory enforcement is essential.
The toothpaste scandal is a microcosm of a larger problem: the personal care industry's reliance on harmful chemicals, from heavy metals to PFAS, with minimal oversight. Mercola's earlier articles highlight similar issues in cosmetics, soaps, and baby products, where only 10% of 13,000 chemicals used have been safety-tested. This lack of regulation, sanctioned by governments for decades, has turned everyday products into sources of chronic exposure, contributing to rising rates of cancer, neurological disorders, and hormonal imbalances.
The Mercola article's reference to PFAS in floss underscores how "forever chemicals" exacerbate this crisis. Their persistence in the body, impairing liver function and hormone balance, mirrors the cumulative harm of heavy metals. Public health advocates like Tamara Rubin face an uphill battle against entrenched corporate interests, but their work, backed by scientific reviews and consumer activism, offers hope for change.
The revelation that 90% of popular toothpastes contain heavy metals is a wake-up call. Lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium have no place in products we use daily, yet they persist due to lax regulation and corporate indifference. Dental floss, tainted with PFAS, compounds this toxic burden, turning oral care into a health hazard. Consumers must act decisively, switching to homemade or verified safe products, adopting detox practices like oil pulling and exercise, and demanding accountability from manufacturers and regulators.
This issue transcends toothpaste. It's about a personal care industry that values profit over people, enabled by regulatory failures. By taking control of our oral health we can protect ourselves and push for a safer future. Your teeth deserve better than toxins, and so does your body.
Story at-a-glance
Independent testing of 51 popular toothpaste brands revealed 90% contained lead, 65% arsenic, 47% mercury, and 35% cadmium. Only six toothpastes tested clean
Heavy metals enter toothpaste through contaminated raw materials like hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, and bentonite clay used in manufacturing
Lead and cadmium disrupt cellular functions, causing kidney damage, osteoporosis, anemia, and various other health complications
Despite evidence, toothpaste companies refuse to remove heavy metals. Some even use legal means to intimidate whistleblowers
Switching to a homemade toothpaste made from coconut oil, baking soda, and essential oils offers safer protection compared to mass-produced alternatives
One product that's an essential part of oral care is toothpaste. Sold in different colors and flavors, almost everyone has a preferred brand they regularly buy. However, most people take toothpaste for granted and don't think twice about what's in it. As it turns out, the minty flavor you've been enjoying reveals a dark side — heavy metals.
Independent Testing Reveals Heavy Metal Contamination in Popular Toothpaste Brands
In an investigative report published by Lead Safe Mama (LSM), an organization advocating for safety in consumer goods and lead poisoning prevention, they recently released an updated list of 51 popular toothpaste brands containing common heavy metals. Spearheaded by Tamara Rubin, a filmmaker and environmental activist, their work has already resulted in six product recalls, showing their commitment to protecting public health.1
•Heavy metals are in your toothpaste — In a summary of LSM's report, 90% of samples had lead, 65% had arsenic, 47% had mercury, and 35% had cadmium.
•The movement started many years ago — According to a report from The Guardian, Rubin's campaign against heavy metals in toothpaste began 12 years ago. While working with children who had been exposed to heavy metals, she noticed that their families had a common toothpaste brand, which contained lead.
•Toothpaste will put your health at risk — The highest limits of the samples have been found to violate the state of Washington's highest set limits, but not federal limits. Still, the federal government acknowledges the dangers of lead, saying that no level of exposure is safe.
•Manufacturers are not willing to change — Despite the shocking exposé by LSM, toothpaste manufacturers are turning a blind eye. In fact, many have attacked her, according to The Guardian:2
"So far, none of the companies Lead Safe Mama checked have said they will work to get lead out of their product, Rubin said. Several sent her cease-and-desist letters, which she said she ignored, but also posted on her blog.
Some companies have defended themselves, often claiming that lead is found in trace levels throughout the environment and is impossible to avoid. Others have said the levels Rubin found are not concerning."
•The root of exposure — According to Rubin's research, many ingredients used in mass-produced toothpaste are the source of heavy metal exposure:3
"Rubin said the contamination seems to lie in some ingredients added to toothpaste, including hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate and bentonite clay. Hydroxyapatite is extracted from cow bone and added because it allegedly helps teeth absorb calcium, though Rubin said she doubts it does. Calcium carbonate is added to help remove stains from teeth. Bentonite clay is a cleaning agent," The Guardian reported.
"Those with the highest levels all had bentonite clay. Meanwhile, Rubin's testing of hydroxyapatite and calcium carbonate as individual ingredients showed concerning levels of lead and other metals, suggesting those are the source."
•Few toothpastes are safe to use — Rubin noted that so far, LSM has only found six toothpaste that have nondetectable levels for lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium.
For the full list of the toothpastes LSM has tested, refer to the image below. If you find your toothpaste in this list, get rid of it right away.
Everywhere
LSM isn't the only one shining a light on the dangers of heavy metals in mass-produced toothpaste. In a systematic review published in Frontiers in Dental Medicine, researchers are also aware of the growing dangers of these products.4
The team analyzed 11 studies from around the world to gauge how widespread heavy metal contamination is in over-the-counter toothpastes. The sample size reviewed toothpastes from regions including Asia, Europe, and Africa.
•Heavy metals in toothpaste are common — Overall, researchers consistently found concerning levels of heavy metals, notably lead, cadmium, and chromium, across the tested products. The review highlighted that these heavy metals appeared frequently enough to pose genuine public health concerns.
•Lead was among the most troubling metals — It showed up in varying quantities, sometimes negligible, but in certain studies, levels soared as high as 6,313 parts per billion. For reference, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sets the limitations of lead at 20 parts per million (ppm), showing how much people are at risk when using these products.
•Cadmium appeared almost as frequently — Most of the toothpastes in the cited studies contained this metal. Research shows that even low levels of exposure from this heavy metal increases your risk for osteoporosis, as well as kidney and liver disease. It does this by causing mitochondrial dysfunction after exposure.5
•Chromium is another dangerous heavy metal — Prevalent in most of the tested toothpastes, chromium has no reason to appear in these products. In fact, one of the cited studies in the review noted that this element was not supposed to be in toothpaste at all.
•Reckless manufacturing allows heavy metals to seep in — The researchers emphasized that the primary route these heavy metals use to get into toothpaste products is through the raw ingredients, often in areas where the soil naturally contains heavy metals. Unsurprisingly, when manufacturers do not thoroughly test these raw materials for contaminants, heavy metals easily slip into your toothpaste unnoticed.
•The effects of heavy metals on your health — From a biological standpoint, the reason these metals are so harmful revolves around how they disrupt key bodily functions at a cellular level. For instance, cadmium interferes directly with your kidneys' filtration systems. In addition, it's been found to affect the lungs and pancreas.6
Lead, meanwhile, targets multiple vital functions throughout your body. Exposure is linked to a wide range of issues, such as appetite loss, weight loss, vomiting, constipation, anemia, kidney failure, black gum deposits and irritability.7
These findings reinforce the urgent need for better testing and monitoring for toothpaste. As noted by the researchers:8
"There is a need for specific guidelines on the limits for heavy metals in toothpastes, with a clear distinction between essential and nonessential metals.
Toothpastes should not exceed the acceptable safety limits prescribed by regulatory agencies. Stringent quality assurance processes need to be developed and put into place by manufacturers and strictly assessed and evaluated by regulators."
While regulatory bodies debate stricter guidelines, you can immediately protect yourself by carefully choosing oral care products that transparently disclose their ingredients and testing standards. Better yet, you can make your own toothpaste at home.
Dental Floss Is Also Filled with Toxic Chemicals
On a similar note, dental floss — another crucial part of optimal oral health — has been found to contain "forever" chemicals that affect your overall well-being. Specifically, one study showed an association between Oral-B Glide dental floss (as well as other household items) and higher exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).9
•PFAS are found in fluorinated floss — Out of 18 dental floss products, six of them (including three Glide products) contain polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), a forever chemical commonly known as Teflon — the same material found in nonstick cookware. Conversely, floss that do not have detectable levels of fluorine are considered non-fluorinated and thus, unlikely to contain forever chemicals.
•Forever chemicals are found in the filament — Further analysis showed that the six floss positive for forever chemicals contained "typical" values between 1,000 and 3,000 counts/µC (microcoulomb), a unit of electricity. However, the exact figures are hard to quantify because of how thin floss can get. Despite this roadblock, the researchers are convinced that flossing is one way many people are exposed to these toxins:10
"This is the first evidence that flossing with PTFE-based dental floss could contribute to an individual's body burden of PFASs, but additional data are required to verify this finding, for example, demonstrating the potential for PFASs in floss to migrate into saliva or onto hands."
•Personal care products are also linked to elevated PFAS levels — Many of these products, including cosmetics, fragrances, and lotions, incorporate PFAS to enhance texture, durability, or water resistance. This makes you unknowingly add to your chemical load each day.
•Consumer habits influence toxic load — The study revealed some differences between African-American and non-Hispanic white women. While both groups experienced elevated PFAS levels from product use, African-American women generally had higher concentrations, possibly due to different product preferences or socioeconomic factors influencing exposure levels.
•The consequences of exposure to your health — PFAS disrupt your health by interfering with hormone systems, which control nearly every bodily function, such as metabolism, immune function, and reproduction. Once these chemicals enter your bloodstream, they mimic natural hormones, binding to receptors and altering normal hormone balance.
Another key mechanism involves PFAS affecting your liver, the primary organ responsible for detoxifying harmful substances. These chemicals overwhelm your liver, impairing its ability to filter toxins from your blood effectively. Over time, this impairment increases your risk of liver disease11 and even certain types of cancers.
•PFAS are highly persistent — This means they don't easily break down. Once inside your body, these chemicals linger, continuing to disrupt your health long after initial exposure, hence the "forever" in their name.
Forever chemicals accumulate steadily, building up harmful concentrations that heighten your risk of chronic illness, particularly affecting organs and systems essential for maintaining good health. According to a report from The Conversation, they have the ability to remain in your body for decades.12
Top Tips to Reduce Exposure to Heavy Metals in Oral Health Products
Now that you're aware of the dangers lurking in many commercial toothpastes and dental floss, it's important to take steps to reduce your exposure. Here are practical recommendations:
1.Choose toothpaste with verified ingredients — If making toothpaste at home isn't practical for you, carefully look for companies that clearly state they test their toothpaste for heavy metals.
Look for products labeled "third-party tested" or "heavy metal-free," and always read ingredient lists thoroughly. Transparency from brands helps you make healthier choices easily. LSM also has recommendations for toothpaste with nondetectable levels of heavy metals and fluoride. Again, I recommend reviewing the list to give you an idea which products you should avoid and buy.
2.Choose safe dental floss alternatives — On a similar note, look for floss that is verified to not contain forever chemicals and other additives, such as fluoride. For example, there are vegan vegetable waxes that are smoother and glide between your teeth easier compared to regular floss.
3.Adopt oil pulling as part of your daily routine — Oil pulling is a traditional oral hygiene practice that involves swishing organic coconut oil around your mouth for 10 to 15 minutes daily.
This practice effectively binds and removes toxins and pathogens from your mouth before they damage your oral health. Thus, oil pulling also is a great adjunct to brushing your teeth compared to commercial mouthwashes. For an in-depth guide, read "Why Is Oil Pulling Suddenly All the Rage?"
4.Work up a sweat regularly — If you've been using popular toothpaste brands, especially the ones mentioned by LSM, it's highly likely you've been exposed to heavy metals. While switching to homemade toothpaste minimizes your exposure, it's just one part of the equation — you should also work toward detoxifying yourself.
I recommend you start exercising regularly, as sweating has been shown to be one of the best ways to remove heavy metals from your body. Specifically, high-intensity exercise up to 75 minutes a week is effective. But don't go any higher than that, because you start to lose the longevity benefits associated with exercise.