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Gumcare+
Decode Label Safety Score
How we got 5.0 ShowHide
Methodology v3.1 (updated 8 Oct 2026) — what changed
This toothpaste provides effective oral hygiene with fluoride for cavity protection. However, the presence of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) may cause irritation for individuals with sensitive gums or a tendency towards canker sores. The inclusion of Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) is a point of caution for those avoiding it in oral products due to its EU food additive ban, though its topical use in toothpaste is considered safe. Individuals with fragrance allergies should also be aware of Limonene.
At a glance
From the declared label — not a lab testFindings to weigh
What’s favorable
- Hydrated Silica
- Zinc Citrate
Contains fluoride for protection, but with potential irritants and a banned food additive
This toothpaste contains fluoride, which is effective for preventing cavities. However, it includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a surfactant known to cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive oral mucosa. It also contains Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), which has been banned as a food additive in the EU due to genotoxicity concerns, though this concern primarily relates to ingestion and not topical use in toothpaste. Limonene, a declared fragrance allergen, is also present.
Consider this product carefully if you are
- Avoiding certain additives or colours — CI 77891 and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate are declared.
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Just checking whether the product is safe? The analysis above is yours, no account needed. To know if it is safe for you, your father or your child, add a profile and we check this label against them.
- Allergies. Peanut, milk, gluten, egg and more, checked against the ingredient list.
- Diet. Vegetarian, vegan, Jain, no egg, no dairy.
- Health and goals. Sugar, salt, protein, steady blood sugar, heart-friendly, weight.
- Everyone you buy for. Save a profile for Papa or the kids and switch in one tap.
Concern breakdown
Score out of 10 · higher = fewer concernsHow this product performs on each concern we check for oral care. This is a breakdown of the same evidence behind the score above — not a separate verdict.
Other audiences
LimitContains fluoride — use only a pea-sized amount and supervise brushing to limit swallowing, as excessive ingestion can lead to fluorosis.
Why the score is capped
Primary surfactant with recognised irritation potential (EU SCCS)
Rule PC-CAP-05
Undisclosed generic ingredient (specific compound not named)
Rule PC-CAP-08
What's good
Contains Sodium Fluoride for effective cavity protection
Includes Zinc Citrate for antiplaque benefits
Uses Hydrated Silica as a mild abrasive for cleaning
Watch out for
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause oral irritation or canker sores in sensitive individuals
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) is a banned food additive in the EU due to genotoxicity concerns (ingestion route)
Undisclosed 'Flavours' reduce transparency
Limonene is a declared fragrance allergen
Sodium Saccharin — intense artificial sweetener - widely used in toothpaste; not a classified carcinogen.
Sorbitol — sugar alcohol - excessive intake can cause bloating and a laxative effect.
Ingredient Concerns safety database
Sources cited below may be Indian (FSSAI) or international (EU, US, WHO, IARC) — an international classification or law is evidence, not an Indian regulatory finding.
Titanium Dioxide (E171)
EFSA concluded in 2021 that titanium dioxide can no longer be considered safe as a food additive, citing genotoxicity concerns, and the EU banned its use in food from August 2022. It is still used in some cosmetics where skin absorption is the concern. Indian regulations are under review.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EFSA 2021; EU Regulation 2022/63
Titanium Dioxide: regulation, sources and other products →Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
SLS is an aggressive surfactant that strips skin of its natural oils, disrupts the skin barrier, and can cause contact dermatitis, canker sores, and eye irritation. People with eczema, psoriasis, or sensitive skin should avoid SLS-containing products. It is particularly harsh in oral care products where it contacts mucous membranes.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: SCCS; American Academy of Dermatology; Herlofson & Barkvoll 1996
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: regulation, sources and other products →Saccharin (E954)
Saccharin is an approved intense sweetener and is used in small amounts to flavour toothpaste. An earlier rodent-bladder finding was judged not relevant to humans and IARC moved it to Group 3 (not classifiable) in 1999. The WHO (2023) nevertheless advises against relying on non-sugar sweeteners for weight control. In toothpaste the amount swallowed is very small.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: IARC Monographs Vol. 73 (1999); WHO guideline on non-sugar sweeteners (2023); EFSA/JECFA acceptable daily intake
Saccharin: regulation, sources and other products →Fragrance Allergens (EU-listed)
These are individual fragrance components that are known contact allergens. EU rules require them to be named on the label when present above 0.001% (leave-on) or 0.01% (rinse-off), because "parfum" alone would hide them. Limonene and linalool are especially common and become more allergenic as they oxidise on exposure to air. This is a risk for people who are sensitised, not a general-population hazard.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 2023/1545 (extended fragrance-allergen labelling); SCCS opinions on fragrance allergens
Fragrance Allergens (EU-listed): regulation, sources and other products →Sugar Alcohols (Polyols)
Polyols are bulk sweeteners and humectants (also used in toothpaste). They are only partly absorbed, so large amounts can cause gas, bloating and a laxative effect, and EU rules require foods containing them to say "excessive consumption may produce laxative effects". Xylitol is toxic to dogs.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1169/2011 Annex III (polyol labelling statement); EU Regulation 1333/2008
Sugar Alcohols (Polyols): regulation, sources and other products →Fluoride
Fluoride in toothpaste prevents tooth decay; the EU caps it at 0.15% fluorine. Swallowing a lot of toothpaste while the permanent teeth are forming (under about 6 years) can cause dental fluorosis, so children should use a smear or pea-sized amount, be supervised, and spit. For adults it is a benefit, which is why this is information, not a deduction.
Regulatory & scientific authority Source: EU Regulation 1223/2009 Annex III (max 0.15% fluorine); SCCS opinions on fluoride
Fluoride: regulation, sources and other products →Decode Label Analysis
Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a strong skin and mucous membrane irritant, which may cause oral irritation or canker sores in sensitive individuals.
Contains CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide), which has been banned as a food additive in the EU due to potential genotoxicity concerns (oral exposure). While its use in toothpaste is topical, some consumers may wish to avoid it.
Contains 'Flavours' without specific disclosure, which may be a concern for individuals with sensitivities to undisclosed flavouring compounds.
Contains Limonene, a declared fragrance allergen, which can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
Claim check
Front-of-pack marketing claims checked against this product's actual ingredients and nutrition. "Can't verify" means the label does not provide enough information to check the claim — it is not the same as the claim being false.
The claim of 'EXPERT PROTECTION' is a general marketing statement that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The claim 'REDUCES GUM PROBLEMS IN 7 DAYS' is a performance claim that cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The claim '100% RECYCLE READY PACK' refers to the packaging material and its recyclability, which cannot be verified from the provided ingredient list or nutrition information.
The product name itself is Gumcare+, indicating its focus on gum care.
Read straight from the back-of-pack photo — quantities, sections and any disguised terms, so the small print can’t hide behind the marketing.
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1.
Water
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2.
Sorbitol
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3.
Hydrated Silica
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4.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate
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5.
Zinc Citrate
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6.
Flavor undisclosed fragrance
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7.
Cellulose Gum
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8.
Sodium Fluoride
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9.
Sodium Saccharin
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10.
CI 77891 synthetic colour
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11.
Limonene
In label order — normally largest quantity first. Select a row for the full write-up and sources.
Fragrance allergens are substances EU cosmetics rules require to be named on the label (such as Limonene and Linalool). Fragrant botanicals such as essential oils are grouped with them because they can naturally contain such substances, but they are not on that list. They matter mainly for people with fragrance allergies or already-sensitive skin — not a general-population safety issue. Each named allergen takes a small deduction from the ingredient score, and a high count can cap it; fragrant botanicals take none. Naming them on the label is a transparency positive.
✓ Decode Label Assessment: Favorable ⚠ Decode Label Assessment: Concern Decode Label Assessment: Neutral
Who should take caution
About this ingredient
Declared on this label as
No detailed safety data in our database yet for this ingredient.
Learn More
Compare with other toothpaste products
Assessed using the same Decode Label methodology, sorted by score. Each score reflects the information available for that product at the time of assessment.
Also on this shelf
More Toothpaste products we've analysed, in name order.
What are the ingredients in Gumcare+?
The label of Gumcare+ lists 11 ingredients, in label order: Water, Sorbitol, Hydrated Silica, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Zinc Citrate, Flavours, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Fluoride, Sodium Saccharin, CI 77891, Limonene. Flagged by the analysis: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, CI 77891, Sodium Saccharin, Sorbitol, Sodium Fluoride.
Is Gumcare+ safe to use?
Gumcare+ scores 5.0/10 on Decode Label (Moderate). This toothpaste contains fluoride, which is effective for preventing cavities. However, it includes Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a surfactant known to cause irritation in some individuals, particularly those with sensitive oral mucosa. It also contains Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), which has been banned as a food additive in the EU due to genotoxicity concerns, though this concern primarily relates to ingestion and not topical use in toothpaste. Limonene, a declared fragrance allergen, is also present.
Why does Gumcare+ score 5.0/10?
Flagged in the score: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) can cause oral irritation or canker sores in sensitive individuals. Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891) is a banned food additive in the EU due to genotoxicity concerns (ingestion route). Also noted: Undisclosed 'Flavours' reduce transparency.
Who should avoid Gumcare+?
The points the analysis notes are most relevant to: Sensitive gums or oral irritation; Avoiding Sodium Lauryl Sulfate; Avoiding Titanium Dioxide in oral products; Fragrance allergies.
Does Gumcare+ contain allergens?
Yes — the label lists 1 fragrance allergen: Limonene. These matter mainly if you have sensitive skin or a known fragrance allergy.
Are the claims on the Gumcare+ pack accurate?
Decode Label checked 4 claims against the ingredient list and nutrition panel. "EXPERT PROTECTION" — can't be verified from the label. "REDUCES GUM PROBLEMS IN 7 DAYS" — can't be verified from the label. "100% RECYCLE READY PACK" — can't be verified from the label.
Answers are generated from this product's own Decode Label analysis — the score, the ingredient list and the label claims shown above. Always check the pack itself for allergen and dietary information.
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About this analysis: Based on declared label information and available evidence. Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test products, and a score is not a regulatory determination or medical advice.
Disclaimer: Safety scores are Decode Label-generated assessments based on publicly available regulatory data (FSSAI, WHO, EFSA, IARC) and peer-reviewed research. They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, and they are not a regulatory determination, a laboratory safety certification or a medical diagnosis. Ingredient safety can vary by individual health conditions, concentration, and usage context. Decode Label is an independent information service and scores every brand by the same rules. No brand pays for or influences its score. Our founder also founded the personal-care brand Botani Bestie (see our story); its products are scored exactly like everyone else's. Data limitations: This assessment is based on the information declared on the product label and the evidence sources above — Decode Label does not independently laboratory-test this product. Ingredient concentrations, sourcing and manufacturing can vary between batches and are not always disclosed. A finding that is not shown here means it was not identified from the available label information, not that it has been ruled out.
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