What’s In Your Toothpaste?

Toothpastes have a tough task to undertake, between cleaning and freshening, but all the ingredients aren’t everyone’s cup of tea. If you’re looking to have healthy gums and teeth without all the chemicals, it is possible to do so. Here’s an in-depth heads up, on what your teeth have to contend with and if the natural alternatives stand up to keeping your teeth in good health.

Having healthy teeth and gums is essential, and an unhealthy mouth, gums and teeth can be a sign of heart disease, but it is also important to remember how much can be absorbed through our mucous membranes, so is it really a good idea to use harsh chemicals in this delicate area?

Fluoride:
Scientific evidence shows that the presence of low levels of fluoride in water helps prevent dental cavities and keep our bones strong. When we talk about low levels this means only a few milligrams per day.

In the United States the recommended optimum range of fluoride concentration in drinking water is 0.7-1.2 mg/litre or parts per million (PPM), with the lower concentration recommended for warmer climates where water consumption is higher, and the higher concentration for colder climates.

However Fluoride taken in large quantities over time slowly poisons the human body; prolonged intake of treated water that contains more than 2 parts fluoride per million (PPM), can lead to discoloured, mottled or brownish enamel on the teeth. Extremely high concentrations, over 8 PPM can contribute to bone disorders, kidney, liver and adrenal failure as well as the heart, reproductive system and central nervous system. Other effects recorded include cancer. This is especially dangerous in young children and the elderly.

The issue therefore arises amongst young children who don’t always wash their mouth out properly after brushing teeth and whether or not they and other vulnerable people are being over exposed to fluoride levels from water combined with imperfectly used toothpaste and also possible food sources.

It may be worth checking the fluoride level in the water in your area and deciding whether toothpaste containing fluoride is a necessary addition. Natural Fluoride in Bottled water is not as strictly regulated as tap water, so this doesn’t make it better for you.

Sodium Lauryl Sulphates:
Detergents such as Sodium Lauryl Sulphates, Ammonium Lauryl Sulpahtes and are used in toothpaste to clean your teeth, for some, the Lauryl Sulphates can cause irritation and allergy, and so sometimes a different version such as Lauryl Sarcocinate is used in more ‘gentle’ toothpastes. Alantoin is sometimes also used to lessen the effects of the detergents.

Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate (TSPP):
is a slightly toxic, some studies have shown neaurotxicity effects on the brain and nervous system, it is also classed as mildly irritating crystalline chemical compound used in toothpaste to remove calcium and magnesium from Saliva, thus removing the agents causing Tarter on teeth, like a water softener stops scaling

Polymers and Acrylics:
PVM/MA copolymer prevent the pyrophosphate breaking down, polyethylene glycol (PEG) in various weights (i.e. PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-40, etc.), and polypropylene glycol (PPG). PEG for instance is toxic in large doses and is not recommended for use on damaged skin. PEG compounds are used in most toiletries, creams, and pharmaceuticals and are restricted to low dose usage only. Some research studies have shown laboratory cancer mutation of cells, endocrine and reproductive health effects and irritation. Research has also shown that contamination can occur making the PEG compounds impure causing additional cancer health concerns from compounds such 1-4 Dioxane

Sodium Carbonate Peroxide:
Is present in toothpastes in order to bleach the teeth white. Although it has lesser health concerns, it has still been found to have some neurotoxicity and respiratory effects in laboratory tests

Triclosan:
This is not a good ingredient for putting anywhere near your body let alone in it! Triclosan is limited for use in cosmetics, it is toxic and bioaccumulative. Research has shown the effects of low dosages to include endocrine disruption, mutation of cells such as cancer, and at high doses it also effects reproduction. Triclosan is so widely used in our cleaning products that our exposure to it is persistent and higher than should be acceptable. Triclosan is added to toothpaste to kill plaque forming microbes

Hydrated Silica:
Biaccumulative in humans and wildlife

Sodium Methylparaben:
Has been found unsafe for use in cosmetics by government bodies, research shows that it is strongly allergenic, and is a known as toxic to the human body, causes endocrine disruption, neurotoxicity and can interfere with the body at biocellular level,

Zinc Citrate:
Is Bioaccumulative, and may be toxic to the reproductive system.

Other Stuff:
Your toothpaste may also contain artificial additives such as Blue #1, Yellow #5 or other FD&C colorants, saccharine and artificial flavours. These are linked to allergies, and are anti-nutrients which are not good for health.

Alcohol:
Used in Mouthwashes, alcohol use has been linked to an increase in oral cancer

You don’t really need all these chemicals in your mouth, as natural alternatives will give you gum and dental health without the toxins

Switching to Natural Toothpaste and Dental Products

Making the switch can be equally worrying if you are concerned about your dental and mouth health. Most people don’t really understand what the differences are between the chemical and non chemical natural toothpaste brands. But rest assured, natural dental products are not the soft option, these products are still effective in cleaning and keeping your mouth healthy and teeth strong.

Natural and organic toothpaste will give you the same clean feeling and taste through ingredients such as baking powder, essential oils for natural flavour such as fennel, lemon, anise and mint.

Teeth can be cleaned with Non-SLS based cleaning agents such as coconut based low foaming cleansers present in natural toothpastes.

Natural antimicrobials, like Echinacea, goldenseal and grapefruit seed extract keep germs at bay. Many natural herbs and extracts eradicate germs and bacteria effectively such as Neem and Tea tree for instance whilst healing the mouth in place of harsh bioaccumulative Triclosan. Although it may not say Triclosan on the label, it may still be in the product due to poor labelling laws.

If you are concerned about fluoride, then there are alternatives whichever way you wish to go, there are natural toothpastes available with Fluoride and without. Although it’s important to remember that it’s already in your drinking water.

Non alcohol natural mouthwashes ensure that natural herbs and botanicals clean, get rid of germs and bacteria effectively, and leave your teeth healthy and strong.

The main points in keeping your teeth perfect are the commitment to everyday dental care, in conjunction with natural products will keep your mouth and teeth healthy and strong.

• Floss and brush your teeth twice a day, every day.

• Visit the dentist regularly every 6 months or more if you have problems that need seeing too address them and don’t leave them to fester.

• Make sure you get your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every 6 months and find out as much as you can about ways to keep your mouth healthy.

• Eat fruit and vegetables and high fibre foods, they naturally whiten teeth and exfoliate stains

• If you want whiter teeth avoid Tea, Coffee and red wine, which colour your teeth and leave them yellow.

• Minimize stress and get a dental guard made from you dentist that will help you prevent grinding your teeth at night. Grinding can cause gums to recede prematurely.

• Avoid harsh home remedies that could damage your teeth. A gentler whitening remedy we came across recently getting your gnashers sparkling – mix baking soda with strawberries and rub on teeth, then rinse.