So for a long time there has been many ruminations on the benefits of fluoride. As with anything relatively new I do severely question whether there is and what they are – especially since fluoride is known for its toxic properties. For an in depth discussion listen to this podcast that goes way deeper into the topic than I can go.

Not to single out fluoride because there is a lot that is in toothpaste… The list can get pretty long (with lots and lots of chemicals) but generally:

- half of a typical toothpaste is made from abrasives, in the form of aluminium hydroxide (yikes!), calcium carbonate (pretty stable), silica (sand), zeolites and hydroxyapatite
– fluoride
– surfactants (to make it foam) eg sodium laurel sulfate (well known to cause health problems in some people)
– antibacterials (indiscriminate killers of bacteria – we’re supposed to have good bacteria in our mouth for our protection, and to protect our teeth)
– flavours
– stabilisers (to keep the desired consistency of the paste) eg glycerol, sorbitol, xylitol or as 1,2-propylene glycol and polyethyleneglycol

A recent CBS news article reports that the Food and Drug Administration are looking into the possibility that some ingredients found in toothpastes (the colorants) may cause ADHD in children! 

When I used to be a cardiac nurse we would give a medicine called GTN (Glyceryl trinitrate) to a person who was having heart pain to open up their blood vessels. Because it needed to be absorbed fast we would administer it under the tongue. Why? Because there are large blood vessels very close to the skin’s surface that absorb quickly.

So when the toothpaste is sitting in your mouth you better believe that the contents of it are right there being absorbed into your body! Considering most people brush twice a day, everyday isn’t it something that we could think about?

But what could be an alternative other than an ordinary supermarket brand?

Some easy, fun and cheap options are:
1. At http://www.keeperofthehome.org/ Stefanie has a nice recipe to make your own toothpaste:

2. Some I know to use just baking soda, or mixed with coconut oil

3. OraWellness do a nice blend
4. DIYNatural has a simple recipe:

4. Can use Enjo’s Marble Paste (strange but true!) NB. Use with a gentle brush and brushing technique to protect the integrity of the teeth 

So the takeaway today is to have a think next time before you reach out to buy your toothpaste, and most importantly – show us your beautiful smile

Referenced websites:

http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2012/04/rethinking-oral-health-care-a-homemade-toothpaste-recipe-for-tooth-remineralization.html/

http://www.orawellness.com/In-the-Mouth-Support/Brushing-Blend/flypage.pbv.v1.tpl.html

http://www.diynatural.com/homemade-toothpaste-recipe-easy-and-frugal/

http://www.enjo.net/html.php/int/products/enjo-products/cleaners/marble-paste-500g