The dangers of some toothpastes

The dangers of some toothpastes?We pay more attention to the food we buy than to the hygiene products. Take the case of toothpaste: most commercially available toothpastes contain dangerous and toxic ingredients. Here are the main ones. Discover the dangers of certain toothpastes but also alternatives to maintain good oral hygiene.

Toxic elements contained in many toothpastes

theTriclosan

Triclosan is a biocide, in other words, a pesticide. It is used in the composition of some toothpaste. If we believe the advertisements of the companies that market them, they would fight the dental place and gingivitis.

In fact, studies have shown that Triclosan is an endocrine disruptor that causes behavioral and health problems in children. It is associated with antibiotic resistance and the progression of breast cancer. According to a study, people who use a toothpaste based on Triclosan have in their urine a concentration of this substance 5 times higher than those who use a toothpaste that does not contain triclosan or another solution to brush their teeth.

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

In addition to its foaming and detergent effect, this surfactant from palm oil and present in many toothpastes. It alters their taste, but above all irritates the mucous membranes and can cause canker sores. It may also contain 1,4-dioxane, which is considered possibly carcinogenic.

Aspartame

Many toothpastes contain aspartame. However, aspartame is essentially composed of aspartic acid, phenylalanine and methanol. The latter causes a lot of damage and especially poisoning. For example, it can cause headaches, chills, dizziness. Memory lapses, tinnitus, numbness, behavioral disorders, even neuritis are also possible.

Fluorine

Once considered the best ally of decayed teeth, fluoride is now controversial. Its effectiveness in protecting tooth enamel is even questioned. Surprisingly, although the World Health Organization ranks it among the 10 most toxic substances, it is still used in many products (tea, water, chewing gum, toothpaste etc.). Yet excessive ingestion of fluoride is harmful. Indeed, it causes endocrine and neurological dysfunctions (including thyroid problems), fluorosis or osteoporosis etc.

Propylene glycol

This surfactant is a mineral oil made from petroleum. Considered by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as highly toxic, it is used in a large number of cosmetic products and in some toothpastes. It is irritating to the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and toxic to certain organs.

Diethanolamine

Diethanolamine or AED is used in some toothpastes. In response to certain ingredients, this endocrine disruptor can also convert to N-nitrosodiethanolamine, a potentially carcinogenic substance that can increase the risk of cancer of the liver, esophagus, stomach and bladder.

Microbeads

Also present in the majority of shower gels, these tiny plastic granules are also frequently found in toothpastes. In addition to absorbing toxins from the water, they promote the entry of bacteria into the gums and cause gum disease.

The BHA

Antioxidant considered as possible carcinogenic, butylated hydroxyanisole or BHA would also be an endocrine disruptor and a substance toxic to reproduction.

Titanium dioxide

Although banned in food products since January 1, 2020, this dye intended to whiten toothpaste is still used in a large number of toothpastes. The nanoparticles it contains enter the body and regular exposure to this additive has been shown to promote increased immune disorders and cancer lesions.

Zinc sulphate

It is a harmful substance in case of ingestion that can also cause serious eye damage in case of contact with the eyes.

Hydrated silica

A natural derivative of silica, hydrated silica (or silicic acid) is a mild abrasive used in the composition of some toothpastes. It is used to enhance the effectiveness of brushing and actively fight against plaque and tooth staining. But the danger is that it contains nanoparticles as well as ethylene oxide, which is potentially carcinogenic.

Alternatives to avoid the dangers of toothpastes

There are several proven solutions that help maintain good dental hygiene, thus avoiding the possible dangers of toothpastes.

Toothpastes of natural origin

Siwak's stick

Some organic toothpastes of natural origin are devoid of toxic ingredients such as Minter is coming (toothpaste with organic lemon extract) and Fresh Kiss (toothpaste with organic reason extract) from the pulpe de vie brand; Smile toothpaste from Ballot-Flurin; Per-Blan with organic plant extracts; Bicare Grifer, a powder for oral hygiene based on baking soda; natural toothpaste powder with siwak, white clay, calcium carbonate and mint crystals.

Economical and 100% of natural origin, the siwak stick replaces both the toothbrush and toothpaste. Dental plaque, the yellow layer of teeth and food residues are removed by rubbing the fibers at the time of brushing. These fibers do not damage tooth enamel. Thus, we maintain our oral hygiene. The siwak stick is also used to clean the tongue.

A large number of commercially available toothpastes contain toxic substances to avoid. In addition, the mouth is one of the most absorbent places in the body.

To avoid the dangers of toothpastes, a good reason to choose natural solutions for brushing your teeth, such as siwak that removes food residues, dental plaque and maintains the whiteness of the teeth, helps to preserve the environment by reducing the use of plastic (read the article on the use of Siwak).