Your health is more precious than anything else. The last decade has witnessed a significant shift in shopping preferences, with people opting for organic foods and products. The focus now is on using items that are natural and free from toxins.
But did you ever stop to wonder whether your toothpaste is as safe as you think it is?
There’s no denying that oral hygiene is crucial for overall health. But regular brushing and flossing aren’t the only things you need to worry about.
The toothpaste you use can be detrimental to your health. Yes, it’s true. As hard as it is to believe, several studies have revealed that ordinary toothpaste can do more harm than good.
The following harmful substances commonly found in ordinary toothpaste have been linked to numerous side effects.
Sulfates
This chemical is responsible for creating suds we associate with cleaning. You’ll be surprised to learn that sulfates are commonly found in shampoos, soaps, and body washes. You’re right to question whether they ought to be in your mouth. After all, you wouldn’t dream of eating soap, now would you?
Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is another ingredient that creates the foam we believe cleans our teeth. However, it’s doing anything but. DEA has led to hormonal disruptions, cancer, and organ toxicity. So, just like sulfates, it’s not exactly the safest thing to put in your mouth.
Triclosan
As an antibacterial substance, triclosan was used in many personal care products. Recent research has linked it to endocrine disruption, impaired cardiac function, and cancer. The US FDA banned it from soap and body wash in 2016. However, it continues to be used in toothpaste.
Fluoride
Yeah, you read that right. While we’ve always been told that fluoride is crucial for protecting our teeth from cavities, this may not be 100% true. Research has revealed that the fluoride shield isn’t thick enough to protect your enamel. Moreover, it can be removed by chewing.
However, the biggest concern arises from the ingestion of fluoride and its accumulation in our bodies. Fluoride toxicity is a growing concern for parents, as it’s the root cause of health problems such as bone deformities and brain development problems in children.
Artificial sweeteners and colors
These ingredients don’t contribute to the improvement of your oral health. Most artificial sweeteners have been linked to anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and behavioral and learning problems.
Particles from synthetic colors like white (titanium dioxide) and FD;C Blue 1 can enter the bloodstream by penetrating the gums and gradually accumulating in the body. The damage these chemicals can cause to your overall health is still under discussion.
These are reasons enough for people to turn to natural alternatives. People question whether ordinary toothpaste is the right choice, considering how detrimental certain chemicals can be to their health. It has left many convinced that natural toothpaste is a better option, especially since they offer the same anti-plaque and stain-resistant properties as conventional toothpaste minus the controversial ingredients.
Natural toothpaste companies guarantee using only those substances that are safe. Common healthy ingredients that the best natural toothpaste utilize include:
- Peppermint: a natural antibacterial ingredient that eliminates bacteria from your mouth, freshens your breath and improves oral hygiene.
- Xylitol: reduces cavity-causing bacteria and plaque.
- Baking soda: a general cleansing product that fights plaque, removes surface stains and neutralizes acids from our meals.
- Coconut oil: eliminates oral bacteria, stops plaque buildup, and helps reduce gum inflammation.
Final Thoughts
Your teeth are precious and irreplaceable. Simple aspects such as choosing the right toothpaste can significantly impact your teeth- and your overall health- in the long run. It’s time to choose wisely.