You shouldn't. According to the FDA, in a product alert recently issued which states that consumers should avoid using toothpaste tubes labelled made in China.

The FDA already sent an import alert that prevents such product - containing the poisonous chemical diethylene glycol (DEG) - from entering the United States.

The following brands of toothpaste from China have been identified:

• Cooldent Fluoride


• Cooldent Spearmint


• Cooldent ICE


• Dr. Cool, Everfresh Toothpaste


• Superdent Toothpaste


• Clean rite Toothpaste


• Oralmax Extreme


• Oral Bright Fresh Spearmint Flavor


• Bright Max Peppermint Flavor


• ShiR Fresh Mint Fluoride Paste


• DentaPro


• DentaKleen


• DentaKleen Junior

Manufacturers of these products are the following:

• Goldcredit International Enterprises Limited


• Goldcredit International Trading Company Limited


• Suzhou City Jinmao Daily Chemicals Company Limited

These products can normally be bought at low-cost, "bargain" retail outlets.

DEG is used in antifreeze and as a solvent, so I am wondering what the heck is such a chemical doing in a toothpaste tube?!

I don't know about you...but I won't buy a toothpaste tube on a bargain stall, especially if it is made in China.

[No offense to China and the Chinese!]

Read the full FDA alert.