Bright White Teeth
Ohh Gosh! No toothpaste at Tellïos’ apartment and he’s pressed for time. He stops at the local supermarket. He struggles to find his go-to paste - Sensodyne. Something caught his attention while comparing the ingredients listed in two different products. One product is formulated with oils and natural components and the second product is compose of several ingredients Tellïo can barely pronounce.
The most-known whitening agents in toothpaste products is peroxides such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. Tellïo avoids peroxide products, among other things because they can irritate the gum lining, cause tooth sensitivity, and erode enamel. The word peroxide gives him goosebumps. His go-to Sensodyne contains titanium dioxide (TiO2), which has him considering that it is probably time to pivot. The consideration is in part due to the European Union banning TiO2 as a food additive in 2022 for concerns regarding possible genotoxicity and carcinogenicity. As a result, companies in Europe and several other countries are phasing out TiO2 from their existing and future products.
Alternative options include calcium carbonate, zinc oxide, and rice starch. The drawback with the alternatives is that they do not possess the same bleaching potential as TiO2. What is the health risk of TiO2? At present, TiO2 is known to disrupt DNA and induce inflammation. But it is dose dependent. For now, Tellïo has opted out to utilize Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Mint Toothpaste.
This product contains calcium carbonate (CaCO3), which can be derived from a number of raw resources like limestone, eggshells and chalk to name a few. CaCO3 has multiple functions across sectors. The calcium content is used in dietary supplements, for instance. CaCO3 is the most commonly used ingredient in pharmaceuticals as an antacid. It is employed in paper and plastic synthesis. Its white pigment attributes are evidently crucial for aesthetic reasons. When CaCO3 levels are consumed in high amounts, they can cause bloating, constipation, and flatulence.
Tellïo feels confident that CaCO3 can compete with TiO2 in oral care after his experience. In comparison to Sensodyne, Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Mint Toothpaste has an oily-wavy texture that coats the tongue and teeth while brushing. In addition, it builds more foam but the mint flavor is not as robust as Sensodyne. It lacks the cooling and tingling sensation typical of Sensodyne. Even so, Tellïo teeth shine white and feel smooth when using Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Mint Toothpaste. Its effects last throughout the day. He smiles more nowadays. At the end of the day, it's more of a preference thing.
To sum it all up, Tellïo wants to encourage people to read the ingredient lists on products before making a purchase. Be alert to what enters your home and what is being consumed. We the people have options. Use that superpower to make educated and informed decisions. As always, stay strong & stay vivid!
Reference:
Fritz K, Taylor K, Parmar M. Calcium Carbonate. [Updated 2023 Aug 5]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562303/.
Myers, Iris. “What Is Titanium Dioxide? | Environmental Working Group.” Environmental Working Group, Environmental Working Group, 30 Aug. 2023, www.ewg.org/news-insights/news/2023/08/what-titanium-dioxide.
Varsha Pokharkar, Sejal Chandak, Rutika Pawar, Akshay Khandke. The implications of the EU ban on titanium dioxide: A comprehensive review of safety concerns and alternatives. Annales Pharmaceutiques Françaises. Volume 83. Issue 3. 2025. Pages 438-444. ISSN 0003-4509. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pharma.2024.11.002. (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0003450924001676).
Malcangi, G.; Patano, A.; Inchingolo, A.D.; Ciocia, A.M.; Piras, F.; Latini, G.; Di Pede, C.; Palmieri, G.; Laudadio, C.; Settanni, V.; et al. Efficacy of Carbamide and Hydrogen Peroxide Tooth Bleaching Techniques in Orthodontic and Restorative Dentistry Patients: A Scoping Review. Appl. Sci. 2023, 13, 7089. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13127089.
