What! Toxins in my Toothpaste?

What Toxins in my ToothpasteDid you know that the average American uses about 20 gallons of toothpaste over the course of their lifetime? You may not intentionally swallow it, but the chemicals in the toothpaste can make their way into your bloodstream as your mouth has an absorption efficiency rate of more than 90%. Maybe we’d better consider what we’re brushing our teeth with on a daily basis, as well as our children’s. There are highly questionable ingredients in many of the popular brands of toothpaste. The Cornucopia Institute, an organic industry watchdog, recently reported problems in the regulation of cosmetic ingredients. Because of what the industry is allowed to regulate itself, there are many hazardous ingredients being introduced.

The Cornucopia report indicates there are toxic ingredients in your toothpaste with a potential risk, associated with a number of common toothpaste ingredients. They have chemicals known to have endocrine disrupting, inflammatory and/or carcinogenic activity in them. Even those products and brands marketed as “natural”. A mere 11 synthetic ingredients are prohibited for use in cosmetics in the US, but 1,300 have been banned by the European Union, and they also restrict another 250 compounds from being used. These include sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, sodium Laureth sulfate and artificial flavors and colors.

Jerome Rigot, Ph.D., a policy analyst at The Cornucopia Institute and lead author of the report notes, “The FDA does not require impunities, including several potential contaminants such as 1, 4-dioxane or ethylene oxide, both carcinogens, to be listed as ingredients on the labels of personal care products, because these toxic chemicals are produced during manufacturing.”

Fluoride carries a poison warning and is a major risk factor for disfiguring dental fluorosis.

Toothpastes containing the naturally occurring cacao extract theobromine, more effectively repairs and re-mineralizes dentin.

The toxic nature of fluoride, especially for those young children who swallow toothpaste, are receiving more than is recommended as an entire day’s ingestion from all sources. This toxic chemical accumulates in your tissues over time and wreaks havoc with enzymes that produce a number of very serious adverse health effects. Again, children are particularly at risk for adverse effects and should be using a non-fluoride toothpaste. There are 10 other ingredients to be aware of. The antibacterial chemical Triclosan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Artificial Colors, flavors and sweeteners, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, parabens, carrageenan, propylene glycol, diethanolamine, microbeads and ingredients made from GMOs.

There are safer options of toothpaste you can use. The Cornucopia Institute suggests using Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste, Green People Toothpaste, Happy Teeth Organic Toothpaste and Miessence Toothpaste. Important nutrients for oral health include vitamins C, D and K2, magnesium, phosphorous, potassium, and calcium. Support your mercury-free dentistry as mercury is an incredibly potent neurotoxin that is an absolute poison, and should not be used in dentistry.

Take control of what you and your children are putting in your mouths. Protect your them by using a non-fluoride toothpaste!  Happy safe brushing!

-Dr Fredda Branyon