11/21/2017
What's in your toothpaste?
Toothpaste is - for the majority of people - a daily necessity. Although it is the physical action of brushing that is the most important contributor to our oral hygiene and health, many commonly available toothpastes harbour a whole host of ingredients that are neither necessary nor good for us.
Five of the most common harmful chemicals to be aware of when considering toothpaste include fluoride, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, and DEA.
1 – Fluoride. The chemical most commonly found in toothpaste is sodium fluoride (also just labeled as fluoride). Although fluoride is considered an important defense against tooth decay, it can also be harmful if ingested even in moderate quantities. Therefore when choosing a toothpaste - especially for children - it's important to determine if you really need this in your toothpaste.
2 – Triclosan. Despite being classified as a pesticide, triclosan is commonly added to toothpastes and antibacterial products. The Environmental Protection Agency has openly stated that the chemical poses a threat to humans and the environment. So why is it in our toothpaste?!
3 – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. SLS is added to many personal care products for its cleansing and detergent properties, despite being a potential eye and skin irritant. It is also potentially carcinogenic when combined with other common chemicals.
4 – Propylene Glycol. Propylene glycol acts as a wetting agent and surfactant in toothpaste. The substance is found in many conventional toothpaste brands despite being linked with brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities with repeated exposure. Make sure it’s not in yours!
5 – DEA. Diethanolamine, or DEA, is a commonly used foaming agent. It has also been linked to cancer formation and hormone disruption with repeated exposure.
With thanks to One Green Planet for the information.
