Plastic beads found in many toothpastes, face washes, and body scrubs have been cleared by authorities, but dentists are concerned about their impact on gum health. Many Crest products contain these beads, including Crest 3D White and Crest Pro Health. They help color the product and provide abrasiveness to scrub away surface debris. However, they can also cause problems if you swallow them. If you're thinking about using a plastic-beaded product, then here are some things you should know: Even though they're not toxic, swallowed plastic beads can lead to intestinal blockages. If you do happen to eat one, then take out your tongue and look for any signs of irritation or pain. If you do find something wrong, then see a dentist right away so that any possible treatments can be done. Using plastic-beaded products every day can build up stress on your stomach muscles. These stresses can lead to irritability, insomnia, headache, and other issues. So if you plan on using such products regularly, then it's important to take care of your body by getting enough sleep and relaxing often. Some people complain about toothpaste causing their teeth to turn yellow. This is not true, but colored toothpastes do contain ingredients that can affect how colors from your teeth show through the white part of your smile.