Pregnant women should be careful in choosing a toothpaste, because research shows that chemicals contained in toothpaste can damage the fetus brain.

Scientists have found that pregnant women exposed to high levels of chemicals, namely triclosan, can make their fetuses at risk of disability.

New research shows that triclosan in toothpaste can interfere with blood flow to the uterus, causing famine fetal brain. Whereas oxygen is necessary for fetal brain development.

“We know these chemicals can lead to trouble, especially for pregnant women. But we do not know how many chemicals that can cause problems,” said Professor Margaret James of the University of Florida,  Saturday (12/11/2010).

Triclosan is a strong anti-bacterial which was developed nearly 50 years ago.

Now commonly used in toothpaste, deodorant and hand washing soap, bath soap anti-bacterial and even some kinds of toys.

However, this material was brought concern and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the America to review the security level ticlosan usage.

In a recent study showed that triclosan may disrupt the enzyme that allows the hormone estrogen circulating in the womb.

Estrogen helps to open the main artery that carries oxygen-rich blood to the fetus. If too little, these arteries constrict and the oxygen supply will be exhausted.

Previous research has shown that antibacterial soaps containing triclosan and triclocarban suspected to damage the reproductive organs, lower sperm quality, and production of thyroid and sex hormones.

Other studies also found that the compound triclosan in toothpaste which should prevent the growth of bacteria, even to cause the germs more resistant to antibiotics.

In addition, both compounds are also water-repellent or hydrophobic, tend to stick to the particles, resulting in decreased availability of process and damage the long-term transport facilitation in the water and air.

In fact, one study found that the accumulation of triclosan in water pollution at beaches which ultimately threatens marine life.