Is Your Toothpaste Safe?

You're brushing your teeth to take care of your health, so don't use counterproductive ingredients.

#1. Sodium Laurel Sulfate (SLS)

SLS seems to fuel canker sores. Researchers have linked SLS to higher numbers of canker sore outbreaks. As if that's not enough, SLS also seems to cause more frequent outbreaks that last longer, too. She also points out that there is a definite correlation with cold sensitivity. No one likes canker sores or sensitive teeth, so manufacturers must have a really good reason to justify its inclusion, right?

Nope.

All it does is foam. There is no other viable purpose other than the experience. This doesn't translate into better health or lower microbial load, but people associate foaming with clean. In fact, you get more cleaning power from the scraping action of brushing or flossing (or even just eating a carrot) than you do from SLS.

#2. Triclosan

About 15 years ago, triclosan came to oral care because it fights the bacteria in plaque for up to 12 hours. Unfortunately, research is now showing that, much like BPA, triclosan is a hormone disruptor.

And now that it's been out for a long time and it's been going down the drain, we're starting to see the environmental impacts. Not only is it a hormone disruptor for people, but it's also a food-chain disruptor because it affects algae. Colgate Total toothpaste is one brand with triclosan, avoid it. Its also in many hand soaps. Soap and water does a great job of cleaning up your hands, you don't need anything antibacterial (triclosan).

#3. Blue #1 and #2

The "benefit" of these dyes is pretty obvious: They color the toothpaste. That's it. Unfortunately, the fun color is offset by some pretty serious health concerns. "When swallowed, it's a respiratory irritant, digestive tract irritant, and there have been correlational studies between blue #1 and behavioral problems in children.

#4. Flavoring

Sure, we love the minty-fresh taste, but what do the toothpaste companies add to make their pastes palatable. No matter what it says on the front, you have to read the back. It’s important to watch out for flavoring agents like aspartame. If you're making the jump to natural herbal rinses and need help getting used to the new taste, she recommends looking for natural sweeteners like xylitol or stevia.

#5. Hydrated Silica

This chemical is used for stain removal, but it doesn't break down over time. This means that it can damage your enamel. Use baking soda instead. You'll get sparkling teeth—without destroying them.

#6. Alcohol

Alcohol is a false friend when it comes to mouth rinses: Alcohol is an antimicrobial, but it's also a drying agent. So while it freshens your breath initially, it flips back twofold later because the bacteria thrive in a dry mouth.

Instead, make a tea of herbs (and letting it cool) as a rinse. To freshen your breath, try brewing a 2:1:1:0.5 ratio of cardamom, cumin, fennel, and orange peel in water. After it's cooled, rinse as you would with your regular mouthwash.

Just a reminder to always read ingredients whether its a box of food or a box of toothpaste.