Dangerous chemicals in dental cleaners and sterilizing tablets: Should I avoid Vitamin C with Sodium Benzoate? (2025) - Dr. Jack Pinnar-Smith

Finding the best oral appliance cleaner may not be high on most people’s priority list but considering we may use them regularly, it’s important to use a dental cleaner or sterilizing tablet that doesn’t contain harmful ingredients.

Many patients are concerned about products that combine vitamin C (ascorbic acid) with sodium benzoate as they may cause a chemical reaction to occur that could create benzene, a known carcinogen.

Benzene is a highly toxic substance that has been linked to various types of cancer, including leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. It is found in many industrial processes and can also be formed in small amounts when certain chemicals are mixed together.

While there is no conclusive evidence that the combination of vitamin C and sodium benzoate can produce harmful levels of benzene, some studies have suggested that this reaction can occur under certain conditions.

Therefore, it may be wise to avoid products combining vitamin C with sodium benzoate, especially in large quantities or in products that are stored for extended periods of time.

During the development of their sterilizing tablets, Zima Dental actively avoided using these ingredients despite their widespread use in similar products. You can be confident when using Zima products that you are achieving a natural, effective and safe clean.