Are plastic microbeads from toothpaste causing problems for the environment and patients? [VIDEO]

News reports coming out of the Denver area are telling Colorado residents that plastic microbeads from toothpaste and cleansers are making their way down their drains and into their rivers. While that is a concern, dental hygienists are also noticing these same microbeads are making an appearance under the gums of their patients.

"Some of us may have seen little blue particles in our patients' gums and around their gum lines," said Anastasia Turchetta, RDH. "That's a concern because they aren't biodegradable. It's really important that we know the ingredients in our toothpaste and we're able to educate our readers about those ingredients."

In an e-mail to the ABC-TV affiliate in Denver (linked above), Procter and Gamble, the manufacturer of Crest, stated, "We are discontinuing our limited use of micro plastic beads in personal care products as soon as alternatives are qualified." According to www.beatthemicrobead.org, P&G has said that will be by 2017.

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Turchetta had many other thoughts on the subject of microbeads, their effects on the environment and patient health, and whether patients and dental professionals should continue to use the products. Click below to watch the video.