Triclosan in Toothpaste, Is There Any Real Risk for the Health?

Triclosan is an antimicrobial drug that is widely used in products for human hygiene, beauty and home cleanliness. It is a common compound in toothpaste that have showed efficacy on the control and treatment of gingivitis. However, during the last decade, the triclosan has been extensively investigated because of its cytotoxicity, its ability to disturb cellular mechanisms on endocrine-system cells, and because of its cancerogenic in vitro and in vivo properties. Moreover, public opinion has paid attention to the toxic action of the triclosan. Thus, the dentist should know the state of the art about the detrimental effects of triclosan on patients’ health. This review explores the triclosan on its cytotoxicity, in vitro and in vivo cancerogenic effects, absorption in humans, and the toxic effects caused by triclosan toothpaste