A Guide to Happy and Healthy Teeth

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Toothbrushing

What comes to mind when you think of taking care of your teeth? Pain, specifically in the ass?? Same here…especially when it comes to narrowing down a decent natural choice that is not filled with lies…all lies :)

I’ve learned that these pesky and cheap ingredients find their way not only into commercial toothpaste but also the natural stuff. Imagine my disappointment!

  • Sodium Fluoride:  Crystalline salt used in fluoridation of water.  Used in toothpaste to prevent tooth decay by hardening the enamel and also in insecticides and disinfectants…oh and rat poison.  Over exposure could cause loss of enamel and could possibly maybe kill babies.  Hence the frown on the fluoridation of water.
  • Triclosan:  Used for it’s antibacterial properties.  EPA claims it’s use as a very harmful pesticide.  Known chlorophenol  which are suspected of causing cancer in humans.
  • FD&C Blue Dye #1, 2:  Synthesized from petrolium, a known crude oil.   Used as artificial coloring in toothpaste and other health and beauty products.
  • Titanium Dioxide:  Used for whitening, known carcinogenic when inhaled.  Found in many products including sunscreen, toothpaste, paint and fabrics.
  • Hydrated Silica:  Made from crystallized compounds found in quartz, sand and flint.  Scratches tooth enamel and prevents re-mineralization.  The FDA considers hydrated silica as safe.

Overall what I feel is just as important to finding a decent toothpaste is making sure you: 

Eat your sea/green vegetables:  Rich in calcium.  Choc full of vitamins and minerals that assist in calcium absorption.

Floss properly

Limit eating too much sugar and refined foods.

Eat yogurt (anything that promotes the growth of good bacteria).

Make sure your getting enough Vitamin A, C, D & Calcium

Drink enough water

Tongue Scrape

Brush like ya mama told ya!

Here are some toothpastes you may want to check out:

  • Herbal Choice Mari Looks good, I like that they list their ingredients and their cruelty free practice from animal to earth.  Not approved by the FDA.
  • Peelu This product I’ve tried and while not crazy about it due to the Titanium Dioxide and weird flavor they still pride themselves on never using inorganic abrasives.

A bit pitiful that I could only find three that I felt were good enough to list and I’ve been searching for a bit.  It’s tricky. I mean is toothpaste really necessary at all?  Proper diet, warm water and a soft toothbrush to scrub away the nasty.  Maybe some baking soda and household hydrogen peroxide every once in a while to brighten the smile.

February 1, 2009 · Filed under Oral Care

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