One ingredient led Crest Toothpaste recall. It is due to the presence of polyethylene. It is the same ingredient used in grocery bags and even in garbage containers.

The truth about polyethelene and what is it all about is being discussed in detailed by a dental hygienist, Trish Walvaren on March 4, 2014. She stated on her blog, "you see, I’m not just a concerned mom. I’m also a dental hygienist. And I’m seeing these same bits of blue plastic stuck in my patients’ mouths almost every day."

Based on Crest's website, "it's safe, inactive ingredient ingredient used to provide color". This means that polyethylene has no bearing at all in giving protection to the teeth or making it clean. It is good as nothing. Yet, it is an added ingredient to the toothpaste.

Here is a run down on some of the brands that do contain polyethelene as enlisted on Walvaren's blog:

• Crest 3D White Radiant Mint
• Crest Pro-Health For Me
• Crest 3D White Arctic Fresh
• Crest 3D White Enamel Renewal
• Crest 3D White Luxe Glamorous White
• Crest Sensitivity Treatment and Protection
• Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Whitening Plus Deep Clean
• Crest 3D White Luxe Lustrous Shine
• Crest Extra White Plus Scope Outlast
• Crest SensiRelief Maximum Strength Whitening Plus Scope
• Crest Pro-Health Sensitive + Enamel Shield
• Crest Pro-Health Clinical Gum Protection
• Crest Pro-Health For Life for ages 50+
• Crest Complete Multi-Benefit Extra White+ Crystal Clean Anti-Bac
• Crest Be Adventurous Mint Chocolate Trek
• Crest Be Dynamic Lime Spearmint Zest
• Crest Be Inspired Vanilla Mint Spark
• Crest Pro-Health Healthy Fresh
• Crest Pro-Health Smooth Mint

Walvaren's blog went viral and reached Procter & Gamble. The company told WCPO that the ingredient in question is safe.

“While the ingredient in question is … part of an enjoyable brushing experience for millions of consumers with no issues, we understand there is a growing preference for us to remove this ingredient. So we will.”

The company also said they are going to get rid of all the microbeads and will not be found anymore on their toothpastes. On March 2015, all Crest toothpaste will be polyethylene free.