Triclosan linked to Cancer

If you have been keeping your ear to the ground lately you likely have read about Colgate toothpaste and the ingredient Triclosan.  Triclosan is used in Colgate toothpaste to combat gum disease.  The Daily Mail came out with an article August 11, 2014 informing people of a Freedom of Information Request that was filed, and finally approved, to find out the truth behind Triclosan and cancer.  

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2722289/Chemical-used-Colgate-Total-toothpaste-linked-cancer.html

Fox News posted this article on August 21, 2014 to try and downplay the divulged information: 

http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/08/21/setting-record-straight-about-colgate-total-toothpaste/

which defends Colgate's position but trying to calm the "storm" with repeatedly emphasizing safety of Triclosan.

In the end, the FDA and ADA are still on board with Triclosan (as of today's post).  It's important to read the articles for yourself and know the potential any chemical may impose on your body.  Each institution that writes an article on Triclosan or other topic will try and skew you to believe one way or another.  Again, read these linked articles and do more research to find truth for yourself and your family.  At some point I will likely write an article on another topic of growing interest -- Fluoride in our water systems.

-Dr. Cooper

859-266-2570

Cooper Family Dentistry

Cooper Family Dentistry is a dental office located in the Lansdowne Shopping Center on Tates Creek Rd. in Lexington, KY dedicated to helping you and your family achieve the best oral care.

Oral Cancer

I see a lot of patients during a work week.  One item i see articles about is making sure clinicians perform a soft tissue check on patients during an oral exam.  This part of the oral exam is a way to stay on top of oral cancer.  It's doesn't prevent oral cancer, but helps identify it hopefully before it becomes a larger issue.  According to the National Institute of Health the incidence of cancer is 10.5 people per 100,000.  While that sounds low, if you are one of the few that develop oral cancer I'm sure you would want to know about it in its infancy.  The best way to find it early is to have regular checkups at your dentist and make sure your dentist is checking out your gums, cheeks, floor of mouth, back of throat, and roof of mouth.  If you look in the mirror one morning and notice something that wasn't there before it's not a bad idea to get it checked out.  It's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to oral cancer.  If you have any questions about your oral health or about our office please visit our website at the link below or call our office to come in for a visit.

-Dr. Cooper

859-309-6052

Cooper Family Dentistry

Cooper Family Dentistry is a dental office located in the Lansdowne Shopping Center on Tates Creek Rd. in Lexington, KY dedicated to helping you and your family achieve the best oral care.