Do you swallow toothpaste?

**scamhammer** · 24-06-2004, 15:31

I noticed on a tube of toothpaste bought in Florida that you were advised to take medical advice immediately if you swallowed any. Is US toothpaste made of something different or are they just neurotic about possible legal action?

**sarahjk** · 24-06-2004, 15:46

Hiya

I have never seen this on any of the toothpastes we buy and we always buy over there are you sure that it was toothpaste and not denture cleaner or something as I know from the ones my mum uses that they do always carry a warning not meaning to imply that you are stoopid or anything I just know that sometimes you pick something up in another country because it is the same brand or look that you are used to and find that is not the same thing after all

I might be tempted to change the title pf the topic if I were you[msnwink]

[msnoo][msneek][msnembarrased]

Maybe someone can offer something else on this one though

Kind Regards

Sarah

**blott** · 24-06-2004, 16:33

I think you'll find that the labelling requirements are different in every country and that the US is particularly picky about such things. US toothpaste is exactly the same as UK toothpaste!

**steph_goodrum** · 24-06-2004, 16:53

I've always heard the recommended advice is that you should rinse and not swallow when brushing your teeth, even in this country.
I think I first heard it when I was at ante natal classes about 18 years ago and a dentist came to speak and said that the practise of giving young children a toothbrush with toothpaste and letting them chew on it to get them used to the taste was not a good idea, as they often just eat the toothpaste.
I supose it makes sense in one way, in that, to the best of my knowledge, none of us has teeth on the inside of our body so once swallowed it becomes just another chemical which is going to be of no benefit to your body.

**chrizzy100** · 24-06-2004, 17:19

You also can't eat red smarties over here.....so I'd not worry about it to much.....
They make childrens toothpaste so it does not matter if they swallow some of it .....Americans put warnings on everything.....so they don't get sued........
I think you'll find the same advice is on a lot of toothpastes in England too......they just don't tell you to phone a doctor.....mouth wash is another one......

**hamish** · 24-06-2004, 17:38

If your really concerned about what you swallow, ask your local water company to send you a purity report.
God! with everything from arsenic to zinc, I would,nt be worried about a bit of toothpaste.!!

**ctgirlscout** · 24-06-2004, 18:09

A few years ago the toothpaste companies started putting these warnings on the tubes. The idea is that large amounts of toothpaste is not good for you, and that you should only be putting a very small amount on your brush (they recommend an amount the size of a pea). If you ingest too much, it can cause you to become ill.

**BarryR** · 24-06-2004, 18:10

Yep its just they are neurotic about possible legal action as you say.

Microwaves sold in the US come with a warning not to dry your pets in them ! Better to be safe than sued.

**chrizzy100** · 24-06-2004, 18:14

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by BarryR

Yep its just they are neurotic about possible legal action as you say.

Microwaves sold in the US come with a warning not to dry your pets in them ! Better to be safe than sued.
[/quote]

Sometimes the lists are really long of things you can't do with something....it can be very over the top.....