The top 3 reasons to ditch your toothpaste

Brush and floss your teeth at least twice a day. See your dentist for a checkup every six months…

And, oh yes make sure your toothpaste has enough fluoride to prevent cavities.

We’ve all heard it. We’ve probably all believed it.

Yet, that toothpaste your dentist recommends could be doing you much more harm than good.

In fact, most toothpastes on the shelf today contain at least three dangerous ingredients that could damage your health and are reasons you should consider ditching the paste and switching to a natural tooth powder.

Dangerous Ingredient #1 – Fluoride

Fluoride has been widely used in toothpastes and even in drinking water with the stated goal of preventing tooth decay in the U.S. since 1945 despite the fact that multiple studies have linked it to everything from staining or “mottling” of the teeth to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder (ADHD),and  reduced I.Q.

This so called “cavity protection” mineral has even been associated with chronic joint pain, osteoarthritis, and thyroid disorders. Yet, thanks to what scientists at Harvard call “flawed” safety studies, we are encouraged to use fluoride every single day… put it into our bodies, and have it absorbed into the sensitive tissues of our mouths.

Dangerous Ingredient #2 – Triclosan

If you think the idea of using a fluoride-containing toothpaste is bad after reading its side-effects, you won’t believe this one.

Triclosan is a chemical so dangerous that the FDA has banned it after years of use in the antibiotic soaps you used on your body, yet it is still found in many of the toothpastes you can pick up at your local drugstore.

It’s not only an endocrine disruptor, which means it can throw your hormones dangerously out of balance, and has been linked to antibiotic resistance, immune system damage and even cancer.

The government says that it’s not safe to rub into your skin but they don’t care that you’re brushing your teeth with it, swishing it around in your mouth and possibly even swallowing it.

Dangerous Ingredient #3 – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

SLS is what gives you the “lather effect” from both toothpastes and soaps. But, while seeing those bubbles may make you feel like you are doing something good for your body and getting your teeth squeaky clean, it’s actually just a sign of using a dangerous chemical.

SLS is not only a tissue and gum irritant that can cause mouth sores, but it can also be contaminated with traces of a carcinogen, called dioxane.

A safe alternative to getting clean, healthy teeth

With all of the dangerous side effects of the chemicals found in most of the toothpaste sold at stores today, is there an option out there that allows you to safely clean your teeth and still prevent cavities?

The answer is yes…

There are a number of natural, organic toothpastes offered today both in stores and online that allow you to completely avoid all of those toxic substances found in traditional toothpaste.

And, to make things even better, there is another choice to consider if your goal is to have the healthiest teeth possible for life… a natural tooth powder made with bentonite clay.

The reason clay makes a great ingredient for your oral health regime is that it is not only soft enough to prevent damage to your tooth enamel, it also contains trace minerals that can help re-mineralize the surface of your teeth, keeping them strong. And, bentonite binds to bacteria and other unhealthy substances in your mouth, inhibiting the formation of cavities.

If you’re ready to ditch your dangerous toothpaste and switch to a natural toothpowder with the power of bentonite clay, you can find them for sale online or even make your own using this simple recipe:

• 2 tbsp. Baking Soda
• 2 tbsp. Bentonite Clay
• 1/2 tbsp. Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt
• 10 drops therapeutic grade essential oil (you can use peppermint, spearmint, clove, or any other oil of your choice, including coconut oil)

Mix all ingredients together in a glass bowl, or place in a small glass jar and shake until combined. To use, just dip your dry toothbrush into the powder and start brushing.

This tooth powder is not only easy to make, it lasts much longer than your traditional toothpaste, giving you cost savings on top of the improved oral health you’ll experience. So, stop using toxic ingredients to clean your teeth and choose the natural power of bentonite clay instead.

Editor’s note: Still flossing? Turns out that advice is outdated too. Find out why you should ditch the floss and swish with this instead…

Sources:

1. History of Water Fluoridation — British Dental Journal

2. Impact of fluoride on neurological development in children — Harvard School of Public Health

3. Fluoride & Health — Fluoride Action network

4. Impact of fluoride on neurological development in children — Harvard School of Public Health

5. Why Is Triclosan in Toothpaste? — Consumer Reports

6. Why a Chemical Banned From Soap Is Still in Your Toothpaste — The New York Times

7. Are there hidden horrors in your toothpaste? Dental expert Toby Talbot tells us about the ingredients that concern him most — The Daily Mail

8. Human and Environmental Toxicity of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): Evidence for Safe Use in Household Cleaning Products — Environmental Health Insights

9. How to Make Natural Tooth Powder at Home — One Green Planet