Non-Toxic Living: Oral Health (Toothpaste, Mouthwash, Floss, & More)
"A healthy mouth means a healthy body."
—Dr. Maya Angelou
Most of the time, our choices in personal care products are driven by factors like brand familiarity, scent preferences, reviews, and long-standing habits. Unfortunately, few of us consider the potential chemical hazards lurking in these everyday items and their implications for both short-term and long-term health, particularly concerning oral hygiene.
Oral health extends beyond achieving white teeth and fresh breath. Scientists are increasingly uncovering the intricate relationship between the oral microbiome and various systemic health conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular issues, and diabetes.
Given the significant role that oral care products play in maintaining oral health, it's imperative to recognize that the presence of toxins in these products can pose risks to overall well-being. This article aims to illuminate the specific concerns surrounding oral care products, highlighting the potential dangers of toxins, and providing simple swaps to embrace a non-toxic approach to oral hygiene.
Harmful Toxins To Avoid In Oral Care Products
Toothpaste
For years I was very confused about the whole fluoride issue. Should you use it or shouldn’t you? There are advocates on either side of the topic but the science doesn’t help to bring them closer to an agreement. After diving into the limited research available and swallowing the book Fatal Conveniences, it all made sense.
The long and short of it is that fluoride has been researched on developing brains and it’s been found that it is associated with lower IQ scores, bone fractures, and even tooth damage (dental fluorosis). This is likely to be linked to the swallowing of fluoride so it’s important to go with a fluoride-free toothpaste for children who are more likely to swallow it.
Given the risks associated with kids from multiple angles and the limited research in the area, I avoid fluoride as well since the potential slight improvement of my teeth doesn’t outweigh any holistic concerns related to neurological deficits or fractures.
Other things to avoid in toothpaste, aside from fluoride, sulfates (SLS-free), artificial flavors, artificial colors, and artificial preservatives.
Top Picks:
Kids training toothpaste: BOTAO Organic Training Toothpaste
Kids training toothpaste: Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Toddler Training Toothpaste
Beware that not all of Tom’s of Maine products are fluoride-free.
Kids
Mouthwash
I used to be an avid user of my morning mouthwash until I learned about its role in my health. Recent research highlights the potential harms of using mouthwash, including links to diabetes, cancer, and even interference with exercise benefits. This is thought to be due to ingredients like chlorhexidine and alcohol that kill 99.9% of those germs (unfortunately even good bacteria). Additionally, mouthwash may disrupt the oral microbiome, contributing to systemic diseases like IBS, arthritis, and Alzheimer's.
Given these, and other mounting concerns, it's prudent to opt for mouthwashes free from fluoride, alcohol, artificial dyes, sweeteners, flavors, and SLS sulfates, to mitigate potential risks associated with conventional formulations.
Read more here: Mouthwash Health Concerns: Should You Stop Using Mouthwash?
Top Picks:
Floss, Floss Sticks, & Water Picks
Using floss comes with its own set of concerns, notably the presence of PFAS, or "forever chemicals," designed to facilitate easier movement between teeth. PFAS have been associated with various health risks, including cancer, liver damage, cognitive developmental issues, and a host of other serious medical conditions. Unfortunately, determining whether your brand of floss contains PFAS is challenging due to the classification of floss as a medical device, exempting it from labeling requirements. This lack of transparency underscores the need for further scrutiny and regulation within the oral care industry to ensure consumer safety and health.
Top Picks:
Toothbrush
When selecting a non-toxic toothbrush, prioritize options that are free from harmful chemicals such as BPA (bisphenol-A), a compound commonly found in plastics that has been linked to various health concerns. While very hard plastics tend to have minimal cause for concern, opting for brushes that are plastic-free can provide added assurance of safety, as they eliminate the risk of exposure to potential toxins leaching from plastic materials. Look for toothbrushes made from sustainable and biodegradable materials like bamboo or natural fibers, which not only reduce environmental impact but also minimize the risk of ingesting harmful substances during use.
Top Picks:
Electric: quip Electric Toothbrush (Kids and Adults)
I bought this for no other reason than it got great reviews and I was due for an electric toothbrush. It didn’t disappoint. The bristles are durable, it’s smooth, and it has a small mountable spot to easily charge after use. Just avoid their toothbrushes that link to your phone due to the EMF radiation.
Tongue Scraper
Tongue scraping helps remove bacteria and debris from the tongue's surface, promoting fresher breath and overall oral hygiene; when choosing a non-toxic tongue scraper, opt for stainless steel or copper materials free from BPA or other harmful chemicals.
Top Picks:
DIY Toothpaste
Recipe #1: Soothing Coconut Mint
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons organic coconut oil, softened
2-3 drops peppermint essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk together the baking soda and coconut oil until smooth.
If desired, add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil and mix well.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To use, wet your toothbrush and dip it into the paste. Brush for two minutes following proper brushing technique. Rinse thoroughly.
Recipe #2: Brightening Berry Boost
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon baking soda
1 tablespoon ripe strawberries, mashed
½ teaspoon sea salt (fine grain)
A few drops of water (optional)
Instructions:
In a small bowl, mash the strawberries until they release their juices.
Combine the mashed strawberries, baking soda, and sea salt.
If the mixture is too dry, add a few drops of water to achieve a paste-like consistency.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
To use, wet your toothbrush and dip it into the paste. Brush for two minutes following proper brushing technique. Rinse thoroughly.
Traditional Oral Care Alternative: Oil Pulling
Oil pulling involves swishing oil to potentially improve oral health. Here's a quick guide:
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon coconut oil (liquefied if solid)
Instructions:
Swish: In the morning, on an empty stomach, swish the oil for 15-20 minutes (start with 5-10 minutes if new).
Spit: Spit the oil into a trash can (don't swallow!).
Rinse: Rinse your mouth thoroughly with warm water.
Brush & Floss: Brush your teeth and floss as usual.
You can also make DIY oil pulling sheets by mixing coconut oil with optional essential oils, pouring them into silicone molds, and storing them in a mason jar for easy, mess-free oil pulling sessions.
Learn More
To learn more about toxins, check out The Non-Toxic Living Guidebook: Hacks, Strategies, & Natural Products for Better Health. I wrote this comprehensive guide as a way to break down the complexity of toxins into a simple, easy-to-read format with practical tips and clickable links to the least toxic products I could find. Get your copy today and use the code MBD20 at checkout for a 20% discount. You can also get a paperback or hardcopy on Amazon.
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