Some of you might not know that I’m a Dental Hygienist by profession. I still work two days a week as a hygienist.
I’ve been cleaning teeth for over 20 years now, so I can speak from experience and say I have more patients today with sensitive teeth than ever before.
I wish I had kept a record of all the patients that have come in thinking they have a cavity because their teeth were sensitive.
When the dentist examines them they don’t have a cavity but we realize the toothpaste or mouthwash they’re using is causing the sensitivity.
After being in dentistry for years, I believe there are way too many chemicals in our toothpaste.
Here are some of the things that are added to your toothpaste:
- artificial sweeteners
- coloring agents
- artificial flavors
- detergents to remove fatty films
- water softeners
- acrylic polymers to prevent bacteria
- tetrasodium pyrophosphate to remove calcium and magnesium from the saliva to eliminate tartar build up
- sodium carbonate peroxide to whiten teeth
- various gums to thicken the paste and on and on.
There’s no way I can eliminate every toxin in my life but I do think taking some steps to eliminate what I can is a good idea.
The mucous membranes in the mouth are highly permeable and chemicals can pass directly into the blood stream.
Think about this: Some medicine is given sublingually. Why? Because the medicine is absorbed by the body faster. When a medicine is placed under your tongue, it diffuses through the mucous membranes beneath your tongue. And because of the capillaries there, the medicine has a fairly direct route into your bloodstream.
Wouldn’t the chemicals in toothpaste get under our tongue?
So I’m taking baby steps and trying to eliminate toxins I put in or on my body. Believe me, I have a long way to go. Everything I use is not toxin free but I’m slowly trying to use better products.
Where to purchase a natural toothpaste~~
You can purchase a natural toothpaste at a Whole food store or online.
Young Living also carries a good toothpaste that tastes good and that’s what I’m using. You can find out more here.
**Always go to the dentist if you have sensitivity and make sure it’s not a cavity or some other problem before diagnosing on your own.
***I know some of you are going to ask about fluoride and to be honest I’m not sure where I stand on this issue. I’m okay with not having fluoride in my toothpaste because I’m not cavity prone. This topic is for another post. 🙂
Have you ever thought about what is in our toothpaste? Have you tried a natural toothpaste?
Have a blessed day!
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Hi Cyndi,
I have been using toothpaste & other products by The Honest Company for about 3 months. I love everything they have & it is all chemical free. Check it out!
Cyndi, I am prone to canker sores. I used to have 3+ sores in my mouth all the time. They impacted my ability to eat, drink, and even speak at times. I tried everything to stop them without any luck. Turns out the sodium laurel sulfate in normal toothpaste was the issue. It is what makes your toothpaste faomy when you brush. I have been using natural toothpaste for several years now. My sores have reduce to just a few per year today. It is a huge task, but I believe we need to be more aware of what goes into our bodies.
Cyndi, I love your blog and have gotten some great tips from you. I have recently, in the last couple of years, been trying to read labels and purchase products that don’t have so many chemicals in them, including food to beauty products. I started realizing how harmful these chemicals are after going through not one, but two surgeries for estrogen dominant masses on my ovaries and uterus. Although I can’t eliminate everything, I am doing what I can including using a more natural toothpaste. One thing that I wanted to share was to look at hair/make up products. The site ,www.ewg.org/skindeep, has a rating system and is really helpful for choosing products wisely. Thanks for your info and keep up the good work!
Hi Cyndi.
I am also a dental hygienist and have been practicing for 22 years. We live in a community where our water is not fluoridated. I feel that daily topical fluoride is just as essential as systemic fluoride since we have a higher decay rate with our patients. I don’t have a problem with natural toothpastes, but only recommend the ones that contain fluoride.
Hey Cyndi girl, I use a natural toothpaste for sensitive teeth. I take about 3 medications for a chronic illness and those medications make my mouth completely dry round the clock. My gums and mouth and tissue are so sensitive that if I have to use a regular toothpaste, my teeth hurt so bad and I wake up in the morning with red lips and the tissues on the inside of my mouth peeling off. Regular toothpaste is NOT a good thing! Be blessed!
Wow! I hadn’t even thought about how quickly chemicals enter our bloodstream via our mouths, but it’s true! Thanks for bringing this topic up. I definitely need to do some research!
Cyndi I use Pro Namel. Is there an equivalent natural toothpaste?
Peggy that’s really weird. Truthfully most toothpastes give us fresh breath and that’s why we like them, it’s actually the brushing and flossing that removes plaque and bacteria.
I still say brush and floss more and stay away from chemicals. 🙂
Blessings
Cyndi
I have switched to natural toothpaste as well! Regular toothpaste sometimes gave me mouth sores. Like you I am trying to eliminate toxins too.
Hi..my friend switched to natural toorhpaste and after ended up w 6 cavities…she swtched back:)
I have been trying to eliminate toxins too & even made my own face wash! I have thought about toothpaste, too, specially for my kids. I think I’ll look into this. Thanks for sharing!