What’s In Your Toothpaste?
March 13, 2017It's not meant for ingestion, but our mouths are one of the most absorbent areas of the body. That’s why it’s good to know what’s in your toothpaste.
Did you know conventional toothpaste brands are loaded with a number of toxic chemicals? Even though toothpaste isn’t something we’re meant to ingest, our mouths are one of the most absorbent areas of the body. Because your mouth is so absorbent, the chemicals found in conventional toothpaste are readily and easily absorbed directly into the bloodstream.
In fact, conventional toothpaste brands contain so many toxins the labels will read “Do not swallow” and direct you to contact the poison control center in the case of any accidental ingestion. So, if we shouldn’t be ingesting these ingredients, what’s happening when these very same ingredients are being absorbed into our bloodstream? Small dose poisoning.
Here we’ll look at some of the most problematic conventional toothpaste ingredients that should be avoided. Aim to get the cleanest natural toothpaste brand available.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES)
These ingredients are known as surfactants, which are chemicals that help with the foaminess of toothpaste. These harmful chemicals can damage and interfere with the functioning of the taste buds by breaking up the phospholipids on your tongue. Additionally, SLS has been linked to skin irritation, eye irritation, hormonal imbalance and canker sores. However, the worst problem linked with SLS is the carcinogenic effect created during the manufacturing process.
Artificial Sweeteners
Most conventional toothpastes contain artificial sweeteners such as aspartame or other sugar alcohols such as sorbitol. They are added to enhance the sweet flavor of the toothpaste. Artificial sweeteners contain unbound methyl compounds converted in the body to formaldehyde, which causes a great deal of damage to our tissues. Artificial sweeteners are linked to headaches, dizziness, nausea, GI tract issues, vertigo, vision problems, memory problems, learning problems, and more.
Triclosan
This ingredient is added as a chemical that kills germs. Triclosan was originally used as a pesticide and is linked to cancer, thyroid issues, antibiotic resistance, endocrine disruption and poor heart function.
Polyethylene Glycols
Polyethylene is actually a plastic! It’s commonly used in containers and packaging materials. The body breaks down this ingredient into compounds toxic to the body, and the result is damage to the nervous system, the heart, and the kidneys. Too much of this ingredient can actually prove to be fatal!
Propylene Glycol
This ingredient is also found in antifreeze, paint, and airplane deicers. It’s used in toothpaste for its solvent and surfactant properties. But, the EPA considers this ingredient so harmful one must wear goggles, protective clothing, and gloves to handle it. Imagine then the damage and distress caused to the body from ingesting it.
Fluoride
Fluoride can actually cause damage to the gums because it damages key enzymes and slows down the natural self-repair mechanisms of the gums. Frequent fluoride ingestion can cause significant health problems, particularly to the nervous system and the brain. It also negatively affects the thyroid, the pineal gland, the bones, GI tract, and can lead to inflammation and many cancers.
Glycerin
Glycerin coats your teeth, blocking the teeth from being able to absorb nutrients to help with mineralization.
Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is an ingredient added to toothpaste for its foaming properties. It is known to cause hormone disruption and is carcinogenic and is linked to liver and kidney cancer.
Coloring Chemicals
FD&C dyes 1 & 2 are used in conventional toothpastes. These artificial coloring agents are linked to a number of health problems such as headaches, asthma, allergies, mental issues such as ADD and ADHD and memory problems, and even cancer.
The challenge is now to go check your toothpaste tube and see what’s in it. Knowing is half the battle! Natural toothpastes are available and recipes to make your own toothpastes are also available. The point is to stay informed and make good choices!