Switch to natural toothpaste
Why This is Green
When it comes to toothpaste, the ingredient most of us are aware of is fluoride. It helps reduce tooth decay, but is toxic in large amounts. The American Dental Association says “optimally fluoridated” water is nontoxic. That said, they don’t suggest using fluoridated water when mixing baby formula. People who think they get enough fluoride in their water, and via fruits and vegetables irrigated with fluoridated water, can opt for fluoride-free toothpaste.
Toothpaste is often swallowed, particularly by children, so it’s shocking to discover that fluoride is just the tip of the iceberg. Toothpaste can contain many synthetic chemicals that have been linked to a whole host of health issues and diseases including cancer and hormone disruption. These include dyes, whitening, foaming, and antibacterial agents, questionable preservatives, and artificial sweeteners.
Read labels to try to avoid propylene glycol (a solvent that is the active component in some antifreezes) and triclosan (an antibacterial agent that the American Medical Association says may encourage bacterial resistance to antibiotics, and produces toxic chlorinated substances when combined with tap water).
Natural toothpastes are a safer option, but not all are free of suspect ingredients; many contain SLS, a foaming agent that’s a strong irritant.
Learn More
- PracticallyGreen.com: No Yucky Stuff! 14 Innovative Steps You Can Take To Get Rid Of The Toxins, Hormones, And Other Unhealthy Junk In Your Daily Life
- EWG.org: Water Pollution Caused By Cosmetic Chemicals, Cleaning Supplies And Plastics
- American Dental Association: Flouride And Infant Formula FAQ
- The Environmental Working Group Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
- TheDailyGreen.com: The Best Natural Toothpaste
- GoodGuide.com: Toothpaste
- Must Watch: The Story Of Cosmetics
How To
If your current toothpaste doesn’t have natural or organic certification, look it up on the on the Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep Cosmetics Database or the GoodGuide. If it scores poorly, replace it with one that scores better and contains natural or organic ingredients.
Not available in your local store? Check online.
Recommended Products
Weleda Salt Toothpaste
This unique formulation, uses natural sodium bicarbonate to help neutralize harmful acids and prevent the build-up of plaque. A mixture of essential oils, including peppermint, provide long-lasting freshness.
Follow Weleda on Facebook and Twitter.
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