Arm & Hammer · Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer Plus TheraBreath Toothpaste
Lower concern; no PFAS indicators in toothpaste formulation, but brand discloses nothing.
Arm & Hammer toothpaste contains no known PFAS-prone ingredients like Teflon-family coating or water-repellent coatings. Toothpastes are not typical PFAS carriers unless they explicitly list stain-resistant, waterproof, or nonstick additives, this product shows none.
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gel toothpaste with silica abrasive
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
cosmetics is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Arm & Hammer Plus TheraBreath is a gel toothpaste combining sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) with silica as the primary abrasive, plus breath-freshening ingredients (typically zinc compounds and essential oils). Silica abrasives in toothpaste are regulated as safe by the FDA when particle size is controlled to prevent gum damage. The gel base uses glycerin and humectants rather than solid paste formulations, which reduces dust inhalation risk during use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Arm & Hammer (Church & Dwight Co.) does not publicly disclose detailed ingredient sourcing or heavy metal testing for toothpaste lines. The brand has no major recalls or safety controversies on record for this product category. Formulations comply with FDA monograph standards for over-the-counter toothpaste but the company provides minimal transparency beyond ingredient lists required by regulation.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mid-tier safety range for toothpaste. Sodium bicarbonate-based pastes have a long safety record and are often recommended for sensitivity. The addition of TheraBreath's proprietary breath-freshening system (typically zinc-based) is standard in this market segment. Most major toothpaste brands use similar silica abrasives and humectant bases, making this comparable to generic or store-brand alternatives in terms of hazard profile.
If you buy it
Use as directed; no special storage precautions beyond keeping the cap closed to prevent drying. The silica abrasive level is standard FDA-approved and safe for daily brushing. Swallowing small amounts during normal brushing is not a concern for adults, though children under 6 should use pea-sized amounts and be supervised to minimize ingestion. Replace every 3 months or when the tube is empty; no degradation hazard over time in sealed packaging.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Silica abrasive particle size and gum abrasion
Arm & Hammer formulations are engineered to FDA particle-size standards. No recalls or reported incidents of gum damage specific to this product line; risk is equivalent to other mainstream silica-based toothpastes.
Heavy metals in colorants or mineral additives
Toothpaste is regulated by the FDA as a drug product; manufacturers must ensure colorants and mineral components meet safety limits. No testing data or recalls indicate contamination in Arm & Hammer toothpastes, though the company does not publish third-party metal assays.
Formaldehyde releasers in preservatives
Modern toothpaste formulations, including Arm & Hammer, typically use sodium benzoate or potassium sorbate for preservation. Older formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (imidazolidinyl urea, dmdm hydantoin) are rare in current products; no evidence of their use in this line.
Accidental pediatric ingestion of abrasive or fluoride (if fluoridated version)
This product contains silica and may contain fluoride depending on formulation variant. Ingestion of large amounts is not toxic, but zinc-based breath compounds in high volume are not intended for swallowing; use supervised brushing and small amounts for young children.
Fragrance allergens from essential oils or proprietary blend
TheraBreath formulation includes flavoring and breath-freshening agents not always fully itemized on packaging. Individuals with sensitivity to mint, eucalyptus, or unlisted fragrance components may experience mouth irritation; patch testing not standard, so allergic reactions are individual.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Toothpaste
Davids
Toothpaste
natural mineral-based formula (calcium carbonate, hydroxyapatite)
Lower PFAS concern; natural formula toothpaste with clean ingredient transparency.
⚠Risky category by default
Davids
Natural Toothpaste Peppermint Charcoal
Charcoal, glycerin, hydrated silica, natural flavor, mineral base
Lower-concern toothpaste; charcoal formulation has no inherent PFAS risk and carries third-party safety certification.
✓Verified PFAS-free by a third party
Native
Fluoride Free Toothpaste
toothpaste base: glycerin, xylitol, silica; fluoride-free formula
Lower PFAS concern; fluoride-free formulation and standard toothpaste ingredients present negligible PFAS risk.
⚠Risky category by default
More toothpaste grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.