We have all seen the lovely advertisements on television where the whole family are happily and smilingly brushing their teeth and gaining sparkling clean, bright and shiny teeth with a ring of confidence as a result. But we all know that these people are actors and are being paid for their ring of confidence. In reality, toothpaste is a concoction of chemicals that are not necessarily there for our greater good.
They usually include the following:
Triclosan – is put in toothpaste to act as an antibacterial and antifungal agent. Its use may result in resistant bacteria and it may be carcinogenic. It could react with the chlorine in tap water to give chloroform, a toxic chemical liquid.
Glycerin – is put in toothpaste to stop it from drying out. It is also used as a lubricant and in the manufacture of cosmetics, dynamite, inks and resin and is a component of antifreeze.
Sodium lauryl sulphate – is put in toothpaste to act as a detergent. It can penetrate the skin and enter the blood stream and be carried to every organ of the body.
Silica – is put in toothpaste to act as an abrasive.
Artificial sweeteners – are put in toothpaste to satisfy our need for a sweet taste.
Titanium dioxide – is put in toothpaste to make our teeth white. It Most Recommended Dentist Near Me is also put in paper, paint, plastics and food for the same reason.
Sodium fluoride – is put in toothpaste to prevent tooth decay. However, many studies show the same level of tooth decay in children who use sodium fluoride and children who do not. Too much sodium fluoride causes dental fluorosis and has been linked to Alzheimer’s disease, kidney damage, neurological damage, cancer, gastrointestinal problems, bone and tooth decay, arthritis and osteoporosis.
It is reasonable to think that all these chemicals are there for a purpose. For example, it might seem to be a good idea to have an antibacterial agent in our toothpaste. However, resistant bacteria, cancer and chloroform are a very heavy price to pay, especially when there are natural alternatives available that we could be using. A bit of silica to help with scrubbing might also seem like a good idea but I really wish that I had known about it years ago so that I could have looked for a way of naturally looking after my teeth and gums instead of destroying them.
I think that it is clear that the unease over the chemicals in toothpaste is a real, valid and compelling worry that should be concerning Fun Dental Articles us all. And fortunately, it is now possible to buy well made, effective and reasonably priced, natural toothpaste products.
