When choosing toothpaste brands in modern times, most people are primarily concerned with whitening. However, what they are not aware of is that they are often putting poison in their mouth. Avoiding toxins like Triclosan, should be the primary concern. Every wonder why there is a warning label on most conventional toothpaste tubes that says, “Do not swallow…in case of accidental ingestion, contact the poison control center”?
However, even if you don’t swallow it, you need to be aware of the fact that your mouth is an absorbent place. While you brush your teeth, the toxins you are supposed to avoid swallowing are being absorbed into your bloodstream. Here are some of the ingredients you should avoid when choosing your families toothpaste brand:
Triclosan
Triclosan is a chemical germ killer. Originally it was registered as a pesticide. Today, you can find it in Colgate toothpaste, which has been an active ingredient in this toothpaste for the past two decades. Triclosan has been linked to cancer, thyroid disorders and cardiovascular problems.
Polyethylene glycols
Polyethylene (PEG) is actually the most common plastic in the world… mostly used for making containers and various forms of packing materials. Here is a quote from the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health;
“Ethylene glycol is chemically broken down in the body into toxic compounds. It and its toxic byproducts first affect the central nervous system (CNS), then the heart, and finally the kidneys. Ingestion of sufficient amounts can be fatal.”
Fluoride
Your gums have self-cleaning and self-repairing enzymes and abilities that are reduced to do fluoridated toothpaste. A published article in the medical journal Neurologia indicated that prolonged ingestion (daily use) of fluoride may cause significant damage to health and the nervous system. Also, fluoride may cause damage to the brain (leading to a decrease IQ especially in children), pineal gland, thyroid, bones, gastrointestinal tract and may even lead to cancer.
Surfactants
Surfactants are easily absorbed by the body and are considered carcinogenic. A common surfactant found in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate. Surfactants such as this can cause skin and eye irritations, canker sores and mouth ulcers, hormone imbalances and the destruction of structural proteins.
Sorbitol
Also known as “glucitol”. Sorbitol is actually a sugar alcohol. Sugar alcohol’s commonly cause digestive stress.
Artificial Sugars
Be especially aware of aspartame and this ingredient has been linked to dozens of diseases including brain tumors.
Propylene Glycol
This agent acts as a solvent and/or surfactant. It is also a active ingredient in antifreeze (for your car). The EPA says you should wear protective gear from head to toe when handling Propylene Glycol and it requires special disposal.
Glycerin
Dr. Geral F. Judd, says toothpastes containing glycerin should be avoided. This substance coats your teeth like plastic wrap. However, it also prevents nutrients from being absorbed and re-mineralizing your teeth. Glycerin required about 20 rinses to get it off.
Diethanolamine
Diethanolamine (DEA) is a foaming agent. It also is linked to liver and kidney cancer by disrupting hormones and forming cancer-causing nitrates.
FD & C Dyes 1&2
These artificial coloring agents are linked to multiple health disorders including cancer. Common problems associated with these coloring agents are headaches and asthmatic reactions.
Toothpaste Brands to Avoid
These brands contain one or more of the toxic ingredients mentioned. As you will notice, many of these are household names that most of us have been using for decades:
· Crest
· Arm and Hammer
· Colgate
· Plus White Whitening
