Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review
Abstract
Oral and dental health directly affects general health and quality of life. Toothpastes, commonly used to achieve healthy, white, and aesthetic teeth, are often considered cosmetic products and are easily accessible. However, there is ongoing debate regarding whether toothpastes should be classified as cosmetic or pharmaceutical products. This review aims to provide a new perspective on the existing literature by examining the definition, composition, intended use, types, dosages, and potential risks of toothpastes. For this purpose, a total of 33 peer-reviewed articles published in English and Turkish between 2000 and 2024, along with one official institutional report, were analyzed from databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and ScienceDirect. The findings were thematically categorized and interpreted using content analysis. The results indicate that regulations and public awareness related to toothpaste use should be improved. Furthermore, it is concluded that toothpaste products should be recommended based on individual needs under the guidance of dental professionals.
Keywords
References
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Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Clinical Sciences (Other)
Journal Section
Review
Publication Date
December 31, 2025
Submission Date
July 17, 2025
Acceptance Date
September 16, 2025
Published in Issue
Year 2025 Volume: 5 Number: 3
APA
Çiğ, E., & Çiçek, Y. (2025). Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research, 5(3), 214-220. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1744897
AMA
1.Çiğ E, Çiçek Y. Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2025;5(3):214-220. doi:10.61139/ijdor.1744897
Chicago
Çiğ, Esmanur, and Yasin Çiçek. 2025. “Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 5 (3): 214-20. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1744897.
EndNote
Çiğ E, Çiçek Y (December 1, 2025) Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 5 3 214–220.
IEEE
[1]E. Çiğ and Y. Çiçek, “Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review”, HRU Int J Dent Oral Res, vol. 5, no. 3, pp. 214–220, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.61139/ijdor.1744897.
ISNAD
Çiğ, Esmanur - Çiçek, Yasin. “Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research 5/3 (December 1, 2025): 214-220. https://doi.org/10.61139/ijdor.1744897.
JAMA
1.Çiğ E, Çiçek Y. Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2025;5:214–220.
MLA
Çiğ, Esmanur, and Yasin Çiçek. “Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review”. HRU International Journal of Dentistry and Oral Research, vol. 5, no. 3, Dec. 2025, pp. 214-20, doi:10.61139/ijdor.1744897.
Vancouver
1.Esmanur Çiğ, Yasin Çiçek. Is Toothpaste a Cosmetic or a Medical Product? A Review. HRU Int J Dent Oral Res. 2025 Dec. 1;5(3):214-20. doi:10.61139/ijdor.1744897