A recent investigation has raised serious concerns about the safety of everyday toothpaste. Despite being marketed as “safe” or “natural,” many well-known brands have been found to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
Commissioned by the consumer advocacy group Lead Safe Mama and reported by The Guardian, the study involved independent lab testing on 51 toothpaste and tooth powder products. Shockingly, about 90% showed traces of lead, while 65% contained arsenic—both known for their long-term toxic effects on the body.
Tamara Rubin, founder of Lead Safe Mama, expressed outrage at the findings, saying it’s “unconscionable—especially in 2025” and pointed out that these risks had largely gone unnoticed until now.
Children’s Toothpaste Not Spared
Even more worrying, the study found nearly half of the children’s toothpaste samples had mercury, and over one-third contained cadmium—a metal known to harm kidneys and bones. Children are especially susceptible to heavy metal poisoning, with even minimal exposure posing serious developmental risks.
The Mayo Clinic warns that even low levels of lead can be dangerous, particularly for children under six, potentially causing irreversible brain and physical damage.
Brands Flagged in Testing
Among the products tested were big names such as:
- Crest
- Sensodyne
- Colgate
- Tom’s of Maine
- Dr. Bronner’s
- Dr. Brite
- Davids
- Dr. Jen
These findings emerged from a community-funded, third-party lab analysis coordinated by Lead Safe Mama, LLC.
Regulations Under Scrutiny
Interestingly, while the contamination levels exceed legal limits in some states like Washington, they still comply with outdated federal regulations. Health experts say national safety guidelines need urgent updating to reflect current science on heavy metal toxicity.
How to Stay Safe
Concerned consumers are advised to:
- Read ingredient labels carefully—don’t assume “natural” means non-toxic
- Look for brands that publish third-party safety tests
- Ask your dentist for recommendations on safer options
- Be extra cautious with products used by children
With heavy metal exposure linked to severe long-term health effects, it might be time to rethink what’s on your toothbrush.