5 Ingredients that Should Never Be in Your Toothpaste

If you’re like most consumers who buy toothpaste, chances are you base your purchase off of the price and of course, the promised perks of that specific brand. Want whiter teeth? You likely purchase toothpaste with tooth whitening action. Preventing future cavities? There’s anti-cavity toothpaste for that.

While it’s important to buy toothpaste that cleans and protects your teeth, what most people don’t take into consideration are the ingredients. Just as you look at the ingredients in the food you eat and maybe even those used in skincare products, it’s just as important to know what’s in your toothpaste.

Why Ingredients Matter

You may not think that a small dollop of toothpaste a few times a day can be harmful, but common ingredients can be quite dangerous. The fact is that the mouth and gums are two of the most absorbent parts of the body. So when you’re brushing, you may be unknowingly introducing harmful chemicals into your mouth that eventually make their way throughout your body.

This is why it’s crucial to know what ingredients are used in your toothpaste. The problem is that many of today’s most well-known brands in the dental care industry use ingredients that have proven to be harmful. In fact, some of these ingredients are banned in other countries!

To best protect your teeth, mouth, and your overall health, you of course need to use nothing but the best natural toothpaste. Here are 5 ingredients to avoid.

1. Triclosan

We all know that toothpaste should be able to protect against plaque and gingivitis. One of the most commonly used ingredients to ward off bacteria in the mouth is triclosan. While the ingredient has proven to be highly effective in fighting against plaque and gingivitis, it may pose all sorts of health risks. According to the Mayo Clinic, consumers should avoid products that contain triclosan as the ingredient has been linked to:

● Development of antibiotic-resistant germs

● Endocrine (hormone) disruption

● Potential damage to immune system

The good news is that there are plenty of healthy and all-natural ways to reduce the amount of plaque that builds up on your teeth. Craving a sweet crunch? Eat an apple after a meal to minimize plaque build-up. Other options include brushing with coconut oil or aloe vera and eating strawberries.

2. Fluoride

For years now, fluoride has been touted as the go-to answer for treating and preventing tooth decay. A study conducted in 2010 found that the protective layer formed by fluoride is only six nanometers thick. We’re no math geniuses but we can tell you this is really, really thin!

This means that the heralded protective nature of fluoride is much less than once thought.

Another risk to be aware of is fluoride ingestion. This can cause health issues in children, as youngsters tend to swallow a lot of the toothpaste that they put in their mouth. When ingested, fluoride can cause problems with enzymes as well as endocrine dysfunction.

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and other surfactants are common ingredients in most toothpaste. Surfactants make toothpaste foamy but are also responsible for making everything you eat taste extremely bitter after brushing your teeth. This is because SLS breaks up phospholipids on the tongue which increases bitter tastes.

Aside from ruining your next meal, SLS has also been linked to canker sores and skin irritation. SLS is a registered insecticide which means it’s toxic to fish, marine life, and insects. Knowing this, does this sound like an ingredient you’d want to put into your body a few times a day? Probably not!

4. Diethanolamine (DEA)

Diethanolamine (DEA) is another product that gives toothpaste its foaming action. Similar to SLS, DEA has also been linked to hormone disruption. EPA-conducted studies have also found that repeated oral exposure to DEA in animals effects the kidneys, liver, blood, and the central nervous system.

5. Propylene Glycol

You wouldn’t knowingly brush your teeth with an ingredient that is used in enamels, paints, or antifreeze, would you? But, you’re doing just that if your toothpaste contains propylene glycol. This ingredient acts as a surfactant and humectant.

While we all brush to get the cleanest teeth possible, using toothpaste with glycerin poses all sorts of risks. For one, the ingredient is known to irritate the skin, eyes, and lungs. Glycerin has also been linked to potential organ toxicity.

Conclusion

Take the time to spend an extra minute or two in the dental care aisle to see what’s really in your toothpaste. Be sure to avoid the ingredients above to protect not only your teeth, but your health as well.

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