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Toothpaste is a huge, money-making industry today. Part of the growth the industry has seen in recent years is due to natural alternatives being introduced. This is because consumers show concern about imported goods’ quality, especially those humans ingest, and how safe various chemical ingredients are. Many of the natural alternatives carry the ADA’s (American Dental Association) seal of approval. So, why are consumers so eager to make the change? What makes the alternatives so good? It’s the ingredients.
Made mainly from mint oils, which are great at killing bacteria (the most important thing this product does), the all natural brands still taste great. These typically contain some type of gum (e.g. acacia) as well, which helps destroy any bacteria that built up on your teeth. Some also contain a mild natural abrasive, but none of them contain any harmful ingredients. What exactly does this mean, though?
What’s Wrong With Toothpaste?
Conventional brands are still used at least twice a day, 365 days a year, by most people today. However, there are some serious toxins in it, which are quite harmful. All you have to do is look at the back of a conventional package’s fine print where there’s actually a warning from the ADA stating that if anyone accidentally ingests the product, they need to contact the Poison Control Center or seek medical help immediately. This isn’t something you want to see on a product you put in your mouth as often as you do this product.
So, what’s so toxic about it? There are some really harsh abrasives and chemicals in it including:
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Propylene Glycol is a solvent that’s found as an active chemical in anti-freeze, but it’s also found in products from makeup to oral hygiene items.
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Sodium Lauryl Sulphate is what causes things like soap and shampoo to foam. It’s also found in industrial engine degreaser, car wash soaps, and floor cleaners. When put on your skin it can irritate it, plus it can also cause recurring canker sores.
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Triclosan is an agent that’s commonly found in antibacterial soaps and different types of sanitizer. The FDA says it’s an effective way to prevent gingivitis and tooth decay, but they’ve also launched a safety review. This is because some studies have shown it affects hormone regulation and increases your body’s bacterial resistance towards antibiotics, which is why it’s already banned by the European Union.
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Saccharin is a sweetener, but it’s also known to cause lab rats to develop kidney cancer. This is why it’s so rarely used in foods today.
What About Fluoride?
The ADA states fluoride strengthens teeth, thus reducing the likelihood of developing cavities. This is why many places in the U.S. have added it to their water. As such, most Americans expose themselves to many of them daily. However, what most people don’t know is it can discolor your teeth, suppress your immune system, contribute to certain types of cancer, and cause you to have gastrointestinal issues (e.g. diarrhea, vomiting ). Furthermore, it causes birth defects, which just demonstrates fluoride is a poison.
While there isn’t much fluoride in toothpaste today, when you consider how we put it in our mouth twice a day, 365 days a year and drinking 8 cups of water with it in each day, there is a lot. Even if you filter your water, you can’t remove the fluoride because the process is too difficult. So, if you really want to avoid it, you need to either use spring water or buy a special water filter, not a Brita. Since tooth decay is on the decline due to better hygiene and food, there’s really no need for it today anyway.
Conclusion
Natural alternatives use herbal ingredients like mint, peppermint, and spearmint which also act as a natural breath freshener. As such, they’re a much healthier alternative than products filled with chemicals. However, it’s important to note these don’t work the same as the traditional brands do, but this doesn’t matter because the brushing is the most important part anyway. So, as long as you brush your teeth with something that naturally eliminates your mouth’s bacteria, you’re fine.
It really is important to decrease the number of chemicals you endanger yourself with today. Of course, you also want show wisdom in choosing products that strengthen your oral health, which is precisely what these products do and why you should try them. All natural toothpaste choices are better for your overall general health as well since these organic products and essential oils will actually fortify your health. With these alternative products, found in natural stores and through Honest.com, you won’t develop canker sores, gum disease or gingivitis nor will you ever need to worry about having bad breath.
