Toothpaste's Hidden Dangers

Did you know that your floride toothpaste can have secondary effects? 

Did you know that children should stay away from your toothpaste? 

Did you ever think that some of the most marketed mouthwash should be avoided?               


It is not only conventional cosmetics and household cleaning products but also toiletries such as toothpaste or mouthwash that we should watch out for. Non-natural toothpastes contain abrasives, colorants, sweeteners, thickeners, detergents, moisturizers, antibacterial agents and preservatives. 

Despite the fact that most of the toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market contain so promoted sodium floride, the latest research shows that floride toothpastes and dental care should be avoided by all of us and more so by children. Although floride can be benefitial if used locally in the right amount, excess of floride can be hazardous or even fatal. In some countries floride is even added to public water supplies. Various scientists like Dr. Arvid Carlsson, a co-winner of Nobel Prize for medicine, identified such practice as dangerous. 


Colgate and many other commercial toothpastes contain sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) used widely in the cosmetics industry due to its foaming properties. It is said to be an irritant causing mouth ulcers. Triclosan is used as antimicrobial agent can can cause irritation and has been linked to alergies. It is clorophenol, belonging to a group of chemicals that can lead to cold sweats, circulatory collapse, convulsions, coma, and death. Moreover, it can cause cancer. Triclosan can accumulate in fat cells and has been found in breast milk. Although it is not the aim of this article to give a lesson of chemistry, let me name finalize the list pointing out at hydrated silica, tetrasodium pyrophosphate and even glycerin that makes a sticky film over the teeth and is completely removed only after as many as 27 rinses.

If you are one of those people who buy every ‘promissing-wonders’ product advertised on the TV, than you should read on. Many commercial mouthwashes such as Listerine, one of the best known brands that also made it to my bathroom at one point, contains not so friendly ingredients: Alcohol, Sorbitol, Aroma, Poloxamer 407, Benzoic acid, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium saccharin, Sodium fluoride, CI 42053, CI 47005.


Ecologist, an UK website breaks down the issue further and states what is Behind the label. For instance alcohol that is added to Listerine as well as majority of other mouthwashes is drying thus providing a perfect environment for bacteria growth. Alcohol is also being linked to oral cancer. 

Now that we have narrowed down the DON'Ts, what are the DOs or what are the options left? There are many ayuverda or certified bio toothpastes on the market that avoid the above listed ingredients. Don't be fooled by the typical statement ‘natural’ or ‘herbal’ and check the ingredients before purchasing. And if you are sceptical about those too are feeling more crafty, you can make your own low cost but efficient toothpaste. There are no limists to doing the same for your mouthwash. You will find some inspiration in the next post.