Colgate Total is making headlines not because of its promise of a dazzling smile, but rather because of news the toothpaste contains an ingredient that could cause infertility, cancer and developmental issues.

Colgate Total contains Triclosan, an anti-bacterial substance claimed to be effective in fighting gum disease.

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Clinical studies, however, have found Triclosan causes cancer and developmental malfunctions in primates and other animals.

One study proved that Triclosan actually caused bone deformation in mice.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Colgate Total 17 years ago, after Colgate-Palmolive applied for approval from the department a fourth time.

Despite studies showing that Triclosan poses a danger to animals, the FDA deemed Triclosan in toothpaste safe. Oddly enough, the FDA started investigating the possible health risks of adding Triclosan to soap.

Investigators uncovered the FDA approved the addition of triclosan in toothpaste based on studies and research instigated by Colgate-Palmolive.

Papers from a recent Freedom of Information act lawsuit revealed the FDA wasn't fully convinced that Triclosan was a safe additive, but that Colgate-Palmolive found a way of convincing the regulatory group.

The use of triclosan was banned in Minnesota last May.

Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in consumer products such as toothpaste soaps, detergents and toys. Its efficacy as an antimicrobial agent and the risk of bacterial resistance remains controversial.

The Colgate-Palmolive Company said it has no plans of removing Triclosan from Colgate Total or changing the toothpaste's formulation.

Colgate-Palmolive recently released a statement, disputing the claims Colgate Total causes cancer.

It claims that although Triclosan is harmful to humans, there is no proof it is unsafe for human consumption.

It said "Colgate Total is the only toothpaste that is both approved by the FDA and accepted by the American Dental Association as safe and effective. Its safety and effectiveness is supported by more than 80 scientific studies, involving 19,000 people."

Avon is also removing Triclosan from their products. Proctor & Gamble is looking at the end of 2014 for all their products to be triclosan-free.

Johnson & Johnson is aiming to remove Triclosan by 2015.