Today we have a wonderful article by Carolyn H. a former Dental Hygienist. This is a very informative article that I'm sure you will enjoy reading. If you have been a long time follower of my blog, you probably remember that this topic is one of the reasons I began this blog. I noticed all the unnecessary ingredients in my family's dental products. It's great to read an article from someone who has made a career in dental work. Carolyn's bio is at the end of the article. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions.
Benefits of Organic Toothpaste and Mouth Wash
Why you should go organic—even with your toothpaste
Most people know that oral hygiene is important—but evidence is growing that some of the chemical components of your toothpaste and mouthwash may not be as good for your smile as advertised. Your family should be aware of what’s in the products they use every day—and here are some of the reasons it makes sense to switch to organic.
- Removing harsh abrasives from your toothpaste can make your teeth healthier
Most toothpastes use a substance called “hydrated silica”, which is a fancy way to describe little shards of ground-up glass. This is the product that is supposed to grind away plaque and food debris as you brush. As you can imagine, it’s a pretty harsh substance, and evidence is mounting that your enamel can’t take the punishment of a hydrated silica sand-blast every morning and evening. While some organic products are accused of being ineffective, a toothpaste that leaves out the hydrated silica can make your teeth stronger and healthier, not weakened by constant erosion.
- No harmful antibiotic agents
The antibacterial Triclosan has found its way into many cleaning products, including hand soap, toothpaste, and mouthwash. While it’s non-toxic in isolation, some evidence suggests that it can react with the chlorine in your tap water to create harmful chemicals, including chloroform. Antibiotic agents are already overused in our society, encouraging the proliferation of drug-resistant bacteria. Using an antibiotic in your mouth has no clear health indications—your mouth is intended to play host to an ecosystem of
harmless organisms that aid in digestion, and antibiotics kill everything, good and bad. An organic toothpaste and mouthwash are just as effective at clearing away the food particles that harmful bacteria feed on, without disrupting the balance of your mouth’s chemistry.
- No sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is the foaming agent that gives your mouth that attractive “rabid dog” look when you brush with chemical toothpaste. In concentration, it’s a powerful corrosive that is used to de-grease industrial surfaces. In short, it doesn’t belong in your mouth. Because it irritates the skin, it can encourage the growth of
canker sores, and because it dries out the mouth, it can actually cause bacteria to flourish there. One of the main selling points of organic toothpaste is that sodium lauryl sulfate is nowhere to be found.
- Preventing enamel fluorosis
You’ve probably noticed children with discolored teeth, usually with blotches of white and yellow at the bottom of the front teeth. This is a symptom of enamel fluorosis, and, surprisingly, it may not be the result of too little brushing. It’s actually caused by too much exposure to fluoride from a non-organic toothpaste. It’s unsightly, disrupts the development of children’s enamel, and may make their teeth weaker rather than stronger. Most organic toothpastes limit or remove fluoride altogether, which reduces the risk of developing enamel fluorosis. Visit your dentist, and they’ll tell you—this is one of the most common reasons that kids and grown-ups feel dissatisfied with their smile.
Mild Fluorosis
- Non-organic mouthwash may trigger the problem it’s intended to solve
Quacks can make a lot of money if they offer you a “cure” that provides temporary relief, and then makes things worse to keep you coming back. The alcohol content of mouthwash provides a sting that we have come to associate with cleanliness (no pain, no gain, right?), but once the temporary refreshment wears off, the alcohol dries out your mouth, leaving you more vulnerable to canker sores and harmful bacteria. You would think a dry mouth would be cleaner, but your saliva has natural bacteria-fighting properties that are weakened in a dry mouth. The purpose of mouthwash should not be to kill bacteria or sterilize your mouth; it should be to clear away debris and freshen your breath, and an organic mouthwash with essential oils can accomplish that goal without leaving your mouth irritated and dry.
About The Author
Carolyn is a former Dental Hygienist for a
cosmetic dentist turned stay-at-home-mom. Carolyn is committed to raising a family in an organic, pesticide free home, and so when she can’t buy organic, you will often find Carolyn rooting in her large garden for the ingredients to make her own soaps, cleaning supplies and nutritious, organic meals and remedies.
Pictures courtesy of Pinterest.
