Choices. Choices. Choices.
The market has become saturated with different formulas of toothpaste that all boast their competitive advantage. Used to promote oral hygiene, toothpaste is available in paste, gel, or powder form. The varieties of toothpaste are endless and range from tarter control to teeth whitening, sensitive gums to cavity protection, anti-plaque buildup to tooth decay prevention. Some of these ingredients are quite controversial with endless studies supporting their pros and cons but ideally in the process of forming your own opinion you want to do two important things:
Read the label on what you are ingesting because what we put into
our mouths can have direct access to our bloodstream. Once you have read
the label, research the ingredients that you find because most certainly you
will find that some ingredients may not be as beneficial for you and your
family as you thought they were
With that in mind, let's examine a few components that toothpastes
are derived from, namely: fluoride, detergents, antibacterial, coloring, and
abrasives:
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| Mandated FDA "Warning Label" contained on all conventional brands of toothpaste. |
Fluoride
Fluoride - is considered a trace element that naturally occurs in the Earth's crust, water, and food as a negatively charged ion, fluoride (F-). Fluoride is also referred to as sodium monofluorophosphate, stannous fluoride, calcium fluoride, and sodium fluoride. Known commonly as active ingredients in toothpaste, fluoride's primary function is to protect teeth from decay and cavities. Acid is produced when sugar combines with bacteria in the mouth. When this happens the enamel on the tooth erodes and then damages the teeth. Some expert's assert that fluoride strengthens the teeth's enamel by strengthening the mineral composition of the teeth themselves.
Did you know that in addition to possibly preventing cavities and
tooth decay, fluoride used to be one of the main ingredients in rat poison?
However, it is no longer used in rat poisons sold in the United States.
Currently, fluoride has not been approved by the Food & Drug
Administration (FDA). The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers
fluoride a toxin. In addition, there have been recent studies where scientists
are now linking fluoride to dental deformity, arthritis, allergic reactions and
about 10,000 unnecessary deaths each year from cancer. (From "Fluoride an
equivocal carcinogen." National Cancer Institute). In fact, fluoride has
been linked to certain risks such as risks to the brain, bones, thyroid gland,
cancer and kidney patients.
Detergents
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) - is a surfactant (detergent) used for clinical testing as a primary skin irritant. SLS is also what makes toothpaste, "foam" and in its purest form, was found to be quite corrosive and harmful to skin tissue says a report by the American College of Toxicity. SLS is used in other products such as garage floor cleaners, engine degreasers and car wash soaps. Contrary to popular belief, there is no evidence or study to indicate that SLS causes cancer.
Aphthous ulcers, or canker sores, are painful wounds on the tongue,
lips and soft tissues within the mouth. While it is still uncertain exactly
what in particular causes canker sores, it is believed that with the use of
toothpastes containing more sodium lauryl sulfate, the incidence of canker
sores was increases.
Triclosan - an antibacterial and antifungal agent found in many household products, such as soaps, dish detergents, deodorants, mouthwashes, and toothpastes. Interestingly enough, a study in 2010, suggested that children with higher exposure to triclosan are more frequently diagnosed with allergies. The benefits of triclosan are still under review however, according to the American Food and Drug Administration (FDA) there's no evidence to support the fact that triclosan provides an extra health benefit. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), triclosan was first registered as a pesticide in 1969.
Abrasives
Hydrated Silica - is a form of silicon dioxide made from a crystallized compound found in quartz, sand, and flint. When hydrated silica is manufactured for toothpaste in its pure form, it is an odorless, tasteless, white, gelatinous substance, and chemically dormant. Research really does not point to any benefits of hydrated silica other than it is commonly used as a tooth whitener. If an individual has gum disease, tooth sensitivity, receding gums, or tooth decay, they should avoid hydrated silica all together especially since it is believed to damage tooth enamel because of the abrasiveness and scratching of the tooth surface.
Coloring
Artificial Food Dyes - The toxicity potential of synthetic food colors is complex and controversial, and some artificial colorings are derived from petroleum products and coal tar. Yes, you read that correctly petroleum products and coal tar! In toothpaste, the food dye is what makes it look all sparkly. As a matter of fact, according to the Physician's Desk Reference, the mucosal lining inside of the mouth has about 90% absorption efficiency which enables these dyes to be absorbed within seconds. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) claims that some of these synthetic dyes have carcinogenic and mutagenic activity and that has come under much scrutiny.
These chemicals if used in the long term pose serious health risks
such as tooth loss, breakage, and disconnecting teeth from the gum tissue. You
don't have to be a scientist to remove these risks out of your life.
Start
today!
We Recommend...
Tooth Fairy's AllNatural Peppermint Polish™ made with proprietary patent-pending "Peroxymint," which offers an affordable and effective all natural formula for oral protection that you and your family can feel safe using. Peppermint Polish contains food grade hydrogen peroxide which is a known all natural whitening agent. In addition Tooth Fairy's AllNatural Peppermint Polish™ an effective, superior, and quality solution in treating various oral conditions so you can enjoy proper daily oral care. Safely whiten your teeth with nature's goodness!
