Minor and trace inorganic components of toothpastes

Elements present in minor or trace quantities in various toothpastes available in Scandinavia have been quantitatively assayed by means of emission spectrography and neutron activation analysis. The elements antimony, arsenic, mercury or selenium were observed at levels less than 2 parts/10(6). Boron, gallium, iron, magnesium, manganese and titanium occurred at levels between 0.001 and 1%. Cadmium, copper, lead, nickel and tin could not be identified. The detection limit for these elements amounted to 10 parts/10(6). The amounts of any of these elements which could be transferred to the body after swallowing toothpaste during brushing, have been compared with daily intake of similar elements through food and drinks, and found to be small compared to the diet intake except in the case of titanium. The intake of titanium from toothpaste could exceed the diet intake five times.