A Short Review of the Toxicity of Dentifrices—Zebrafish Model as a Useful Tool in Ecotoxicological Studies

Abstract

This review aims to summarize the literature data regarding the effects of different toothpaste compounds in the zebrafish model. Danio rerio provides an insight into the mechanisms of the ecotoxicity of chemicals as well as an assessment of their fate in the environment to determine long-term environmental impact. The regular use of adequate toothpaste with safe active ingredients possessing anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and regenerative properties is one of the most effective strategies for oral healthcare. In addition to water, a typical toothpaste consists of a variety of components, among which three are of predominant importance, i.e., abrasive substances, fluoride, and detergents. These ingredients provide healthy teeth, but their environmental impact on living organisms are often not well-known. Each of them can influence a higher level of organization: subcellular, cellular, tissue, organ, individual, and population. Therefore, it is very important that the properties of a chemical are detected before it is released into the environment to minimize damage. An important part of a chemical risk assessment is the estimation of the ecotoxicity of a compound. The zebrafish model has unique advantages in environmental ecotoxicity research and has been used to study vertebrate developmental biology. Among others, the advantages of this model include its external, visually accessible development, which allows for providing many experimental manipulations. The zebrafish has a significant genetic similarity with other vertebrates. Nevertheless, translating findings from zebrafish studies to human risk assessment requires careful consideration of these differences.

In Vitro Effects of Silver Nanoparticles on Pathogenic Bacteria and on Metabolic Activity and Viability of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells

“…Ag-NPs are widely known for their strong, broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Their antibacterial properties are used to control the presence of bacteria in a variety of applications, including dentistry, surgery, and in the treatment of wounds and burns (Chałas et al 2015;Stachurski et al 2023). However, too frequent exposure to products containing nanosilver in sublethal amounts raises widespread concerns that it will lead to the development of silver-resistant microorganisms (Durán et al 2010;Shih et al 2023).…”

Molecular Toxicity of Popular Toothpaste Formulations on Post-Juveniles of Clarias gariepinus

“…had no effect on GH, contrary to that of Stachurski et al (2023). The researchers found that toothpaste formulations inhibited growth factors in zebrafish models.…”

Plastic Pollution in Inland Waters – A Threat to Life

“…Beyond these documented effects, plastic disrupts natural behaviors like algal grazing and can alter endocrine systems and respiration [80,81]. The full picture of chronic plastic exposure remains under investigation, but the combined physical and chemical threats are incontrovertible.…”