Dental Products Under Scrutiny in UK Over Microbiome Concerns

Parliamentary Bill Targets Common Dental Care Ingredients

UK: A new bill brought before Parliament addresses growing concerns about biocides in everyday dental products, including mouthwash and dental floss. The legislation specifically targets chemicals like chlorhexidine, which research suggests may eliminate beneficial oral bacteria while potentially increasing health risks.

Impact on Oral Health

Studies indicate that common mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine can eliminate up to 90 percent of protective bacteria in the mouth. This disruption of the oral microbiome may have unexpected consequences, including a documented increase in blood pressure, which is associated with cardiovascular risks.

Professor Andrew Seaton, president of the British Society for Antimicrobial Chemotherapy, offered a cautionary stance on the widespread use of these chemicals, stating that “Outside of healthcare, the benefits of biocides are at best speculative, but harms are potentially significant and irreversible.”

Proposed Regulations

The bill seeks to implement stricter controls rather than an outright ban. Dr. Paul-Enguerrand Fady from the Centre for Long Term Resilience, who contributed to drafting the bill, described the current regulation of biocides as “like the Wild West.” Under the proposed legislation, manufacturers would need to “demonstrate that the efficacy of the produce is significantly enhanced by the use of the biocide without undue environmental impact.”

Industry Response

The proposal has met with resistance from industry representatives. Dr. Emma Meredith, director general of the Cosmetic Toiletry and Perfumery Association, defended existing safety regulations, suggesting that the proposed changes could paradoxically increase the risk of harmful contamination in cosmetic products.

The bill is currently at its second reading in the House of Lords, with several legislative stages remaining before it could potentially become law, including debate and passage in the House of Commons.