Before opening up that fresh tube of toothpaste from your drawer, it's wise to inspect its ingredients closely. Some ingredients may actually cause harm over time.
Sodium lauryl sulfate, a detergent, can lead to mouth sores, redness and peeling in some individuals, while triclosan, an antimicrobial agent used as an antimicrobial treatment, has been linked with hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.
Consulting with a dentist near me can provide valuable insights into choosing the? right toothpaste and oral care products for your individual needs.
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), commonly found in toothpaste to remove food debris and cause mouth sores in some people, is also commonly found in shampoos, body washes, detergents and soaps containing it as well as shampoos derived from coconut and palm kernel oil as natural sources. SLS reduces surface tension while dispersing ingredients including fluoride evenly across teeth surfaces to lower surface tension and disperse evenly across their surface.
As well as helping toothpaste form foam when brushing your teeth, microbeads help the toothpaste create foam for a foamy experience. Foaming helps distribute fluoride throughout your teeth to prevent cavities while at the same time helping rinse away food debris after brushing and provide mild abrasive action for cleaning teeth and gums more thoroughly. Some toothpaste brands have since discontinued microbead use due to environmental concerns regarding microbeads that end up in waterways threatening marine life.
2. Saccharin
An effective toothpaste goes beyond being just minty fresh breath freshener; its ingredients must also be designed to clean teeth and fight cavities effectively. Some key benefits are fluoride, calcium carbonate and potassium nitrate for sensitive teeth - so be on the lookout!
Saccharin and polyethylene glycol sulfone (PEGS), both artificial sweeteners, should also be eliminated from toothpaste as these substances act as endocrine disruptors and disrupt your body's hormone balance - potentially leading to thyroid dysfunction, obesity and even more serious conditions such as cancer.
Triclosan should also be avoided as its antibacterial agent has been linked with antibiotic resistance and thyroid disorders. Instead, opt for toothpaste with natural detergents like sodium cocoyl glutamate and glycyrrhizin as these could provide superior care.
3. Diethanolamine (DEA)
Many store-bought toothpastes contain additives that could potentially harm oral health in the long run. By becoming aware of which ingredients work best for your teeth and gums, you can make more informed choices when it comes to choosing products for yourself and your family.
DEA is used in cosmetics to create a foaming effect and to adjust pH. Additionally, it's produced cocamide DEA and lauramide DEA which are found in detergents, soaps and shampoos; additionally it's known carcinogen. According to Environmental Working Group (EWG). DEA may be harmful to aquatic life as well as be toxic carcinogen.
Fluoride, calcium carbonate, baking soda and natural sweeteners such as xylitol are key ingredients to look for in toothpaste to promote oral health and immunity. Artificial colors and flavors don't do much good either - avoid those containing microbeads which contribute to plastic pollution in our waterways!
4. Glycolipids
Glycolipids are organic chemical compounds composed of fatty acids, alcohol sugars (such as mannitol and erythritol), amino sugars or sterols. Glycolipids can help improve product shelf life, texture and appearance; however they have also been known to cause various health issues, including thyroid dysfunction and antibiotic resistance.
Hydrated silica is a popular toothpaste ingredient, providing an abrasive action to remove food debris from teeth. Unfortunately, however, this abrasion damages enamel and prevents its remineralization--similar to scratching glass with sandpaper.
DIY toothpaste allows consumers to create custom versions that meet specific oral health and dental concerns without harmful chemicals, as well as save costs by forgoing expensive store-bought alternatives. DIY solutions may even offer cost savings!
5. Xanthan Gum
Apart from sodium fluoride, abrasives, humectants and preservatives, toothpaste contains other components with specific functions. Thickening agents like cellulose gum and xanthan gum ensure your toothpaste has the appropriate consistency, while foaming and rinsing agents help spread it throughout your mouth during brushing.
Abrasives like hydrated silica and calcium carbonate are effective tools for eliminating plaque and surface stains on teeth, yet excessive exposure to them may weaken enamel over time, potentially damaging sensitive teeth in the process.
Humectants help maintain moisture within a toothpaste tube and prevent it from drying out. Xanthan gum, in particular, serves as an adhesive in gluten-free products such as toothpastes; additionally it's made from locust beans and other natural grains suitable for those living with celiac disease.