Avoiding Toxins in Oral Health Products
In our everyday personal care products, our bodies are exposed to a wide variety of toxins & chemicals.
Regrettably, some of these ingredients are commonly found in products that are used for oral health such as toothpaste and mouthwashes. The mouth and gums are specifically prone to absorbing and transporting substances quickly into the bloodstream.
Some ingredients that should be avoided are…
- Triclosan: used as an antibacterial/antifungal agent which can contribute to making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate: can cause canker sores, and cracking at the corners of the mouth.
- Plastic abrasives or microbeads made of polyethylene and similar plastics are added to many kinds of toothpaste. Microbeads are able to trap bacteria in the gums which can then lead to gingivitis and periodontal disease.
- Artificial sweeteners: chemical sugar substitutes that are added to improve flavor in toothpaste but can also negatively affect our health.
- Propylene Glycol: a compound that is known to irritate the skin, eyes, lungs, and mucous membranes.
- Titanium dioxide: may be carcinogenic, neurotoxic, and genotoxic.
- Alcohol-based mouthwashes: tendency to disrupt the oral microbiome and dry out the oral tissues which can then increase the risk of oral cancers.
- Teflon-coated dental floss: known to have a coat of Teflon which has been linked to different cancers and endocrine disruptions.
- Fluoride: only be used topically and rinsed out afterward and should not be ingested. This chemical may accumulate in tissues, leading to the displacement of iodine which is an essential nutrient.
Products that should be used are natural tooth powders or toothpaste which are available and contain antiseptic herbal ingredients as well as essential oils to break up biofilm. Tooth powders and pastes if made from natural chalk or clay are typically gentle and safe for the enamel of the tooth. Avoid mouthwashes that contain alcohol and chemical additives such as artificial colorings and flavorings. Dental floss that is made with just wax helps safely and effectively clean between the teeth.
Content sourced from the Institute of Functional Medicine
