What You're Really Ingesting
When You Brush Your Teeth

Carcinogens, hormone disruptors, and industrial byproducts have crept into major toothpaste brands. Read on to get educated and learn how to avoid these chemicals.

Triclosan
An antibacterial and antifungal agent used in toothpaste to fight gingivitis. It is also an ingredient in anything from pesticides to underpants(!), soaps, mouthwashes, deodorants, mattresses, blankets, rugs and toys.

Studies have shown that triclosan "weakens cardiac and skeletal muscle contractility in a manner that may negatively impact muscle health."₁

It has also been found to "alter endocrine functions" and "significantly impact thyroid hormone concentrations."₂

Fluoride
A fluorine compound that can be naturally sourced, but typically isn’t. In mass production (most toothpaste brands and our water supply), it is actually a byproduct of iron and steel manufacturing.

Fluoride is said to fight cavities, but have you ever noticed the FDA-required warning on all fluoridated toothpaste? “Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.”

The facts: Fluoride has linked to numerous health issues. It has been identified as a substance that's "neurotoxic in man," further being associated with "skeletal abnormalities" and "IQ deficits."₃ Exposure to fluoride in drinking water during childhood has also been linked to "the incidence of osteosarcoma [bone cancer] among males."₄ 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
An industrial agent and emulsifier that aids in mass manufacturing. Widespread and unregulated, it is found in shampoo, conditioner, makeup, perfume, laundry detergent, and of course, toothpaste.

SLS is what creates the familiar foam in your mouth that you experience while brushing. There have not been many studies on this substance that millions of Americans consume on a daily basis. However, one clinical trial studied the effect of SLS on colon cancer and found that "by virtue of the strong penetrating property of the emulsifier, colonial carcinogenesis [initiation of cancer formation] seems to be enhanced."₅

What You Can Do
Read the labels and choose natural products!

For example, essential oils such as gum joy oil are free of toxic chemicals, preservatives, solvents, fillers or additives. This product contains pure organic hemp oil, wintergreen and rosemary oils, and perhaps most importantly, organic tea tree oil which has "antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties."₆ 

Combine gum joy oil with our food grade hydrogen peroxide for the ultimate in cleaning and nourishing your teeth and gums. You can also try the Ayurvedic remedy of oil pulling (swishing) with coconut oil for up to 20 minutes. Research has shown that oil pulling caused a "reduction in the S. mutans [bacterial] count in plaque and saliva," concluding that this method "can be used as an effective preventive adjunct in maintaining and improving oral health."₇

 What People Are Saying About Natural Oral Hygiene

Best Oral Care I Have Found - Hans, Sunfood Customer
"I use a few drops of gum joy oil on my Sonicare electric tooth brush, brush for the 2 minute timer and I have no oral problems."

Best Peroxide - Pattij, Sunfood Customer
"I read about using this as a pre-toothbrush rinse. I started using it about three weeks ago and all the gum redness and puffiness are gone. This peroxide does not have the harsh taste that other peroxides may have. Try it, I think your dental hygienist visits will be fewer."

 Take Action
Most personal care products on the market are ridden with toxins and are barely regulated. Take a stand to stop supporting toothpaste companies that put profit over health. Choose natural alternatives for clean and safe oral hygiene — without the risk.

Sunfood's "Natural Solutions" does not promote or suggest natural cures, natural healing or natural remedies for any disease, disorder or ailment thereof. This information should be treated as educational material gathered and discovered from various studies, clinical trials and customer reviews. It is designed to encourage healthy lifestyles, and independent conclusions in regards to natural products and alternative health choices. It is best to consult with your healthcare practitioner before attempting any form of natural cure, natural healing or natural remedy to any health issues.

Sources:
1 - “Triclosan impairs excitation-contraction coupling and Ca2+ dynamics in striated muscle.” Cherednichenko, G. Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, Aug. 28, 2012.
2 - “The Effects of Triclosan on Puberty and Thyroid Hormones in Male Wistar Rats.” Zorrilla, LM. Toxicological Sciences: Oxford Journals, Jan 2009.
3 - “Developmental neurotoxicity of industrial chemicals.” Grandjean, P. The Lancet,  Nov. 8, 2006.
4 - “Age-specific fluoride exposure in drinking water and osteosarcoma.” Bassin, EB. Cancer Causes and Control, May, 2006.
5 - “Emulsifiers which reduce the latency of the development of colonic cancer--sodium lauryl sulfate and methylazoxymethanol.” Koya G.  Gan to kagaru ryoho, Japanese Journal of Cancer & Chemotherapy, 1982.
6 - “Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties.” Carson, CF. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, Jan 2006. 
7 -"Effect of oil pulling on Streptococcus mutans count in plaque and saliva using Dentocult SM Strip mutans test: a randomized, controlled, triple-blind study.” Asokan, A. Journal of Indian Society of Pedodontics and Preventative Dentistry, Mar. 26, 2008.