Whats in your toothpaste??

So we all know its important to brush your teeth and keep good oral hygiene, but is your toothpaste benefiting or hurting your overall health?

Have you ever looked at the label of your toothpaste?? I recently did and saw all the preservatives, artificial coloring and sweeteners and was not happy.
                          
                                          

You would think that a toothpaste that is white shouldn't have any artificial coloring-but mine had yellow#10!! That's when I decided to make a change, especially after just reading about artificial dyes and the effect they have on kids including behavior problems and aggression.
                                             

Your gums have capillaries and are the quickest way of  absorbing things into your blood stream (even quicker then injecting), so why brush them with a product that contain harmful ingredients like:

sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens, fcd blue #1, and cd yellow #10. And these aren't even all of them!

I found some info on each of these products on a website called Alive-a complete source for natural health and wellness. These are the main ingredients that should be avoided.

Sodium monofluorophosphate, also known as fluoride, has a long list of possible health concerns. The chronic ingestion of fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis, a crippling bone disease in which the bones are severely weakened. Some researchers are even examining fluoride accumulation in osteoporosis sufferers to see if there is a possible link.
The potential risks associated with sodium monoflorophosphate are apparently so great that the US Food and Drug Administration requires the following warning be placed on products containing fluoride: “If more then the amount used for brushing is accidentally swallowed get medical help or contact poison control right away. Keep away from children under six years old.”

Sodium lauryl sulfate can accumulate in eye tissue and some believe it is linked to cataracts. It has also been found to accumulate in the brain and liver as well as other tissue.

Parabens are chemical preservatives that can exert estrogenic activity on breast cells and are believed to be linked to breast cancer.

Synthetic colours, like fcd blue #1 and cd yellow #10, may produce hyperactivity or worsen behavioural problems in children. Long-term use of some dyes is also believed to cause or aggravate allergies, asthma, hives, and thyroid tumours

There are products that provide ingredients that are safe:

• calcium carbonate—a natural mineral used to gently clean teeth
• baking soda—a gentle abrasive that leaves your teeth feeling smooth after you brush
• silica—a mild abrasive that helps remove plaque
• stevia—a natural herbal sweetener without the harmful effects of artificial alternatives
• xylitol—an important ingredient because it is believed to reduce decay causing bacteria and enhances remineralization
• tea tree and neen—both contain antibacterial properties which help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

Try to avoid sodium laurel sulfate (SLS) and look for toothpaste with Xylitol instead of Sodium Fluoride.

Here are some recommended brands: Branch Basics with peppermint oil to taste, Tom’s Clear and Gentle, Jason’s Sea Fresh, Kiss My Face Berry Smart Kids, Tooth Soap.

I use Toms Simply white , that I can easily pick up at my local Walmart, CVS or RiteAid. Or Jason's Power Smile from my local health food store and Jasons Kids only toothpaste from babies r' us. For some other safe, non-toxic options you can order online at Mighty Nest . Some people are making their own so they know exactly whats going in it, but I haven't made it that far yet. I like to research things to the bone first :) So for now I'm sticking with the Tom's brand for my family and myself.

                             



****extra 'lil treat-video on how to brush your teeth by Heather's son Matty:

 Happy brushing!!
<3 Brandi

Posted in: absorbing,artificial coloring,brushing teeth,dyes,flouride,Jasons,natural,parabens,stevia,synthetic,tea tree,teeeth,Toms,toothpaste,xylitol