There are many things in our lives that we just take for granted or don’t pay too much attention to. But when we do, we’re shocked at what we find. One of those is the toothpaste we use. Do you know what you’re putting in your mouth?
Commercial Toothpaste
Go into your bathroom and take a close look at what is in your toothpaste. I did and all I found was one active ingredient: sodium fluoride. It wouldn’t give me the rest. It does warn me to keep it away from children under six. If swallowed, I’m to contact the Poison Control Center. What? I’m just brushing my teeth. Been doing it for years with this same stuff.
There are many chemicals and preservatives found in commercial toothpaste. Some might argue that it hasn’t harmed us growing up so what’s the big deal. Yet, what has happened in our bodies that could have been prevented by taking a more natural approach? What does it hurt to choose a more natural and safe way to brush our teeth? It can only make things better.
The Truth About the Research
You’ll find sites and books stating the safety of commercial toothpaste and the dangers. The truth is that the research is not complete. There are indications of dangers and of the safety of the products, but scientists are discovering more every day.
The truth is that commercial toothpaste does use chemicals. Many of the items used in the toothpaste are poisonous as indicated by the need to call for help if ingested. That alone should be enough to look for alternative ways to clean your teeth. No more research needs to be done when even the toothpaste manufacturers are giving you a warning.
Why is this so important? Absorption occurs quickly in the mouth. Anything that is in your toothpaste will enter your bloodstream within seconds. Whether you swallow or not, your body takes some of the chemicals in.
Natural Ways to Brush Your Teeth
A dentist once told me that getting your teeth clean has nothing to do with toothpaste. It’s all in the brushing action. The toothpaste just makes the teeth whiter and/or the breath fresher. He said if you really wanted to just clean the teeth, just brush them. What does that say about our need for toothpaste? It means that there are much better alternatives that even dentists recognize.
There are many ways that you can naturally get cleaner teeth. Here are a few.
Baking Soda – Years ago, my mother decided that I needed cleaner teeth. She took away the toothpaste and gave me baking soda instead. She had no idea if the toothpaste was dangerous or not. She just knew that as a child her mother gave her baking soda as toothpaste. I had some of the cleanest teeth when I used it. Dip your wet toothbrush in the baking soda and scrub away. Rinse and smile big.
Mouthwash – If brushing is the only thing that gets your teeth clean, then you might be interested in how to make your breath smell better. Take some tea, vodka or brandy, and peppermint or cinnamon oil. Mix and gargle. The alcohol is used to help kill bacteria in the mouth. The oil helps you smell nice.
Herbs – There are many herbs that you can just chew or use in infusions to help your breath and your teeth. Thyme, rosemary, and parsley are just a few that can help your mouth.
Natural Commercial Toothpaste – There are many companies that are producing toothpaste that is more natural and safer to use. Just type in natural toothpaste in your browser and you’ll find several brands out there including Tom’s of Maine, Dr. Ken’s All Natural Maximum Care, and others. Read what others have to say about each product.
You can make your own natural toothpaste, buy natural toothpaste, or just brush your teeth with no toothpaste. Choosing a healthier means of keeping your teeth clean will go a long way in your overall health.
Oil Pulling – Oil pulling is a method by which you swish coconut oil or another beneficial oil around in your mouth for a certain length of time (usually about 10-15 minutes to start). It is said to draw toxins out of the teeth which you then expel by spitting out the oil. Read does oil pulling work?
Come with me on a journey of learning about natural health and how our lives can be experienced to the fullest we ever thought possible.
- Using Baking Soda to Clean Naturally - January 31, 2022
- Health Benefits of Dates - July 5, 2012
- Good Health is Free - June 20, 2012
I have been using a mixture of baking soda, coconut oil, and spearmint oil and find that it makes a wonderful toothpaste. I don’t even miss my old commercial stuff with brighteners and abrasives. I also rinse with a clove oil mixture I bought at the local organic/green market.