A New Report Suggests We All May Be Brushing Our Teeth With Lead and Other Toxic Metals

If you were shocked by the hundreds of thousands of microplastics we swallow when we chew gum, you’re in for another spook. New research is revealing that dozens of common toothpaste brands are contaminated with toxic metals. Lead Safe Mama (LSM), an organization dedicated to preventing childhood lead poisoning through independent testing of consumer goods, has revealed that popular toothpaste and tooth powder products contain levels of lead, mercury, arsenic, and/or cadmium—all of which are toxic. Though not all lab reports have been published yet, 90% of the 51 analyzed toothpastes tested positive for lead, including well-known brands like Sensodyne Extra Whitening Toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine Kid’s Natural Toothpaste, and Crest Regular Toothpaste. 65% of the brands contain arsenic, 47% contain mercury, and 35% contain cadmium. “It’s unconscionable – especially in 2025,” Tamara Rubin, Lead Safe Mama’s founder, told the Guardian. “What’s really interesting to me is that no one thought ... Read full article.