The Best Toothpaste Should Come Without Chemicals
2013
Did you know that most toothpastes at grocery and discount stores contain chemicals you shouldn’t put in your mouth? That’s why many big-name toothpastes are hazardous to your health.
When you’re attempting to choose the best toothpaste for your family, choose a brand that has your best interests at heart — or make your own toothpaste. Whatever you do, avoid these substances that are common in many brands of toothpaste:
- Triclosan, a chemical that may be contaminated with the pesticide doxin. It can disturb your hormonal balance.
- BHT or Butylated Hydroxytoluene, a substance that’s toxic to your immune and reproductive systems. You might be allergic to it also.
- Sodium Fluoride or fluoride in any form. It’s in almost all toothpastes, but it has been shown to have developmental and reproductive toxicity.
- PEG-12, a toxin that may be contaminated with ethylene oxide.
- FD&C Blue, which can be toxic as it accumulates in your body.
- DEA or Diethanolamine, a foaming agent that can lead to cancer and can disrupt hormones.
You also want to avoid toothpastes with SLS or Propylene Glycol. There’s no reason to choose a toothpaste with Sodium Saccharin, Carrageean, Manganese Gluconate or Sorbitol either.
To find the best toothpaste for you and your family, avoid the well-known big-name brands and choose a brand that’s labeled as organic or natural or sold in a health food store. But that’s no guarantee you’re getting a safe toothpaste. Read the label carefully, looking for the ingredients mentioned above that aren’t recommended. If a complete ingredients list isn’t available, don’t buy the product.
Many people are making homemade toothpaste these days because finding a fluoride-free toothpaste that also doesn’t contain any of the ingredients listed above is difficult.
Because substances are so easily absorbed through your mouth, it makes sense to take real care about what you put in it.