TheraBreath · Toothpaste
Arm & Hammer Plus TheraBreath Toothpaste
Lower PFAS concern for a standard toothpaste formulation; no known risk drivers identified.
Arm & Hammer Plus TheraBreath is a conventional fluoride toothpaste without published PFAS concerns or claims. The brand does not disclose PFAS status, but the product lacks ingredients and coatings typically associated with PFAS contamination (no waterproof agents, nonstick coatings, or stain resistance claims).
Shop TheraBreath on Amazon →Material
Aqueous toothpaste gel with fluoride, sorbitol, calcium carbonate, sodium lauryl sulfate
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
This is a water-based gel toothpaste combining sodium lauryl sulfate (a common detergent for cleaning action), calcium carbonate (mild abrasive), sorbitol (sweetener), and fluoride for cavity prevention. TheraBreath's formulation is typical for modern toothpastes and contains no known problematic thickeners, preservatives, or colorants that commonly trigger safety concerns. The fluoride concentration (standard 1000-1500 ppm in most markets) is within established safety ranges for daily use when used as directed.
The brand's record and disclosure
TheraBreath (owned by Colgate-Palmolive) does not publicly disclose detailed PFAS testing or sourcing practices, which is typical silence rather than a red flag in the toothpaste category. The brand has no documented recalls or safety controversies specific to this formulation. No independent certification (e.g., EWG, Natural Standard) appears on packaging, but this reflects marketing positioning rather than safety gaps.
How it compares in its category
This product sits in the mainstream fluoride toothpaste segment. Versus premium alternatives (Tom's, Sensodyne), it uses conventional surfactants and abrasives; versus budget options, formulation quality is comparable. The addition of sorbitol as the primary sweetener (rather than xylitol in some competing brands) is neutral from a safety standpoint but may matter for cavity-prevention claims if you prioritize xylitol's specific antimicrobial properties.
If you buy it
Use a pea-sized amount for children under 6 to minimize swallowing risk. Store in a cool, dry place (normal bathroom conditions are fine); do not expose to extreme heat. Replace every 3 months or when the tube is empty. There is no special maintenance required; rinse your toothbrush before and after use as standard practice.
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.”
Fluoride toxicity from ingestion
Toothpaste fluoride (typically 1000-1500 ppm) carries minimal risk when spit out but poses a hazard if swallowed in large amounts, particularly for young children. Guideline: use pea-sized amounts for under-6s and supervise brushing to reduce ingestion risk.
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) irritation
SLS is a mild irritant to oral soft tissues and gums in some individuals, particularly those with aphthous ulcers or gum sensitivity. This product does not advertise SLS-free formulation, so users with known SLS sensitivity should verify ingredients or switch to alternatives like Sensodyne or Tom's SLS-free lines.
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives
No evidence of formaldehyde releasers (e.g., imidazolidinyl urea) in standard TheraBreath Plus formulations; common in older toothpastes but largely phased out. Public ingredient lists do not reveal these compounds.
Heavy metals in pigments or calcium source
Calcium carbonate used as abrasive is a standard, well-regulated food-grade mineral. No independent testing on file showing lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in this specific product, and brand parent (Colgate-Palmolive) is subject to FDA oversight.
Fragrance or flavor allergens
TheraBreath formulations typically include mint or breath-freshening flavor compounds. Individuals with known sensitivities to mint, menthol, or proprietary flavor blends should test on a small area first or consult the full ingredient list for specific allergen triggers.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 78% 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.