Using Organic Toothpaste and Mouthwash
The majority of us are simply unaware of the toxic ingredients that are in products we use every day. Did you know that most all toothpastes on the market contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an ingredient that is known to dry out your mouth and cause canker sores? Sodium Lauryl Sulfate is such a harsh chemical that it can cause damage to the oral tissues lining the inside of your mouth. When these tissues shed, they feed the bacteria that create taste disorders and Halitosis.¹
Choosing organic toothpaste and mouthwash is a positive step that you can take for living green. Ideally, you should look for products that are chemical free, non-toxic, and USDA certified as organic. Is organic toothpaste and mouthwash hard to find? Not really. While you might have some difficulty finding truly organic products at your local retailer, this really depends upon where you live. Even if you do have some trouble finding organic toothpaste and mouthwash in stores, you should not have any problem finding a wide variety of them online.
DID YOU KNOW?
As much as 89% of personal care products have not been evaluated for their safety.
In order to find true organic toothpaste and mouthwash products, you will need to dedicate yourself to reading labels. Keep in mind that most commercial products contain a list of ingredients that, on the surface, are rather meaningless to most of us. When you see ingredients listed that you are not familiar with, take charge and find out what they are! This is a really good way that you can learn about the various types of chemicals that are routinely present in every day health and beauty items.
Dangers of Non-Organic Toothpaste & Mouthwash
One of the main reasons that organic products in general have become so popular is because people throughout the world are becoming more concerned not only about their own health and well being, but about the health of the environment as well. Do you really want to brush your teeth and gums with harmful chemicals? Of course not! None of us do.
- Chemicals in toothpaste are responsible for drying out tissues in the mouth and could lead to canker sores
- Most mouthwashes can be harmful or fatal if swallowed
- Fluoride overused can cause mottling (a tooth disease), cancer, renal or kidney failure and more
- Chemicals found in bathroom disinfectants are used in some mouthwashes
- Ammonia, formaldehyde, and hydrogen peroxide are common ingredients in mouthwash
Many people mistakenly believe that truly organic products cost a small fortune. And, this makes them reluctant to seek out the products that they know would be better for them. The fact is organic products can be purchased for little or no more than the popular commercial brands. And with all that is at stake, it's no wonder that organics are rising in popularity, and it's not just toothpaste and mouthwash that are getting attention. You can review all your healthcare products because a frightening majority of them are made with many of the same harsh chemicals.
DID YOU KNOW?
In the past 67 years, the FDA has only banned the use of 9 personal care ingredients. The EU has banned 450.
Another reason that organic toothpaste and mouthwash are important is because 60% of everything that you put onto your skin can be absorbed and inhaled. The majority of the commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market today are manufactured with ingredients that are known to be dangerous. These toxins that we absorb and inhale from toothpaste and mouthwash can remain in our bodies throughout our lifetimes!
How to Choose Your Organic Toothpaste & Mouthwash
When searching for organic toothpaste and mouthwash products, try to avoid the ones that contain any of the following:
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It is also important to ensure that the products you purchase are not animal tested. Cruelty free products are a more wholesome choice for you and your family to use.
It's always your best practice to read the labels. Many products state on their labels that they're "organic" or "natural" and really are not. They may contain a small amount of the good stuff, but the rest of their formula includes the bad stuff. Unfortunately, the bad stuff usually makes up the larger percentage of its content.
REFERENCES
- Why Your Oral Products May Be Giving you Bad Breath. Dr. Harold Katz. http://blog.therabreath.com/?p=32.
- Best organics for health. http://www.bestorganicsforhealth.com/site/1357438/. Accessed 31 May 2008.
- Why natural and organic? http://kissmyface.com/naturepage.html. Accessed 31 May 2008.
Always be careful when purchasing organic care products like organic tooth paste and mouth wash, though. Unless the product has a government seal for being certified organic, or has a stamp that says it's 100 percent organic, it probably contains chemicals. Many natural and organic products have a majority of healthy ingredients, with some very nasty chemical ingredients mixed in.
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