Toothpastes

Fluoride is found in almost all commercial toothpastes. It is also added to the water supply in some areas and our Government are currently trying to increase this fluoridation of our water supply.

We are told that fluoride (sodium fluoride) is good for us and our teeth. The truth is fluoride is extremely poisonous and inflicts damage on every cell, organ and system in our body and is especially damaging to the brains of young children. Fluoride can cause fluorosis (discoloured spots on the teeth) but is has serious adverse effects on our neurological (nervous) and endocrine (hormonal) systems.

Other common uses of Fluoride include it's use as an insecticide, wood preserver and cleaning compound. Fluoride is officially classes as an acutely toxic substance.

Interestingly, the active ingredient of Prozac (that anti-depressant, sedentary drug that is so widely prescribed) is fluoxetine hydrochloride; this if just fluoxetine in salt form: C₁₇H₁₈F₃NO. Fluoxetine is a compound of fluorine and is listed as acutely toxic, a health hazard, corrosive and an environmental hazard.

References:

• A 2012 study from Harvard found a strong connection that fluoride may negatively affect cognitive development in children: "children in high-fluoride areas had significantly lower IQ scores than those who lived in low-fluoride areas."
• A 2006 study by the US National Research Council of the National Academies found evidence that fluoride affects normal endocrine function.
• Dr. Dean Burke, who spent 34 years researching at the National Cancer Institute: “In point of fact, fluoride causes more human cancer death, and causes it faster than any other chemical.”

Triclosan is an ingredient that can be found in toothpaste, body wash, antibacterial soaps and cosmetics.

An FDA study found that triclosan caused a decrease in some thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help control and regulate the metabolism. Several other studies are underway to investigate a suspected link between triclosan and antibiotic resistance and skin cancer.

With such uncertainty around triclosan, it might be best to avoid this ingredient.

These two are common ingredients in toothpaste, soaps, shampoos and many cleaning and cosmetic items.

SLS and SLES are surfactants with the purpose of creating a foaming lather. However, SLS and SLES can cause skin irritation and can aggravate aphthous ulcers. A study by the Department of Oral Surgery and Oral Medicine looked at patients using a toothpaste containing SLS. Over a three month period of use they found significantly more ulcers in the mouth. Switching to a non-SLS toothpaste reduced the number of ulcers dramatically.

SLS and SLES may cause canker sores, mouth ulcers, stomach issues, and cancer so best to avoid it.

Propylene Glycol is found in toothpastes and other bath products as well as cosmetics, flavourings and prescription drugs. It's purpose is to improve the shelf life, appearance and texture of the product. Propylene Glycol is a mineral oil that is used in antifreeze, paints, enamels, and de-icers.

Propylene Glycol has been linked to damage of the central nervous system, liver and heart. For anyone with kidney or liver disease, these effects can be more severe as the breakdown process might not be as simple. It has also been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and skin irritation.

Diethanolamine (DEA) is used in toothpaste and other products. Diethanolamine (DEA) is also used to make antifreeze and brake fluid.

A 1998 study linked DEA to cancer and also found it to induce hepatic chlorine deficiency (deficiency of the liver). DEA has no place in any consumer product.

Parabens are found in toothpaste and a range of cosmetics. Their role is as a preserver to prolong the shelf life of the product.

Parabens are an endocrine disruptor by mimicking the hormone oestrogen. Parabens have been shown to lead to breast cancer. It is also thought that Parabens are linked to developmental and reproductive issues.

Artificial Sweeteners such as saccharin and aspartame are used in a great many products from toothpaste to processed foods.

Saccharin has been linked to bladder cancer, brain tumours and lymphoma. Aspartame has been found to affect gut bacteria and increase blood glucose levels leading to insulin resistance.

Best to avoid the artificial sweeteners and still with natural sugar replacements like honey, maple syrup and stevia leaves.

Carrageenan is a natural product derived from seaweed. It is used in toothpastes as a thickening agent, and also in foods such as chocolate milk, yogurts and creams.

Despite it being a natural product it may not be totally safe. It has been shown to potentially cause inflammation in the intestine and possible colon tumours.