SEARCH:
Sign in | Join | Help
search Mercola.com
 
FREE Subscription 
The World’s Most Popular Natural Health Newsletter
POSTED BY:

Dr. Mercola
December 15 2007

View in Podcast
49,623 views


ARTICLE TOOLS:
Current Newsletter Current Newsletter
Share Your Comment Share Your Comment
Print this Page Print this Page
Submit My StorySubmit My Story
Newsletter FeedNewsletter Feed
Health Blog FeedHealth Blog Feed
TRANSLATE THIS PAGE:
Arabic Translation Chinese Translation Dutch Translation French Translation German Translation
Korean Translation Japanese Translation Portugese Translation Russian Translation Spanish Translation

Email this article to a friend
Bookmark & Share
Previous Article
Next Article
Is Your Toothpaste Really "Natural"?

As a natural lifestyle continues to appeal to greater numbers of people, many are extending their desire for natural products to toothpaste. There are now a wide variety available, with or without fluoride, and in many flavors and forms.

However the definition of “natural” is not regulated, particularly if the toothpaste is non-fluoride. Fluoride toothpastes are considered a drug by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are therefore regulated. Non-fluoride toothpastes, however, are considered cosmetics and it’s “up to the manufacturers to be careful with their labeling,” according to the FDA.

Meanwhile, natural means that a product is free from artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. It may still contain highly processed ingredients, such as fluorides, abrasives and humectants.

One brand of natural toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine, was purchased by Colgate-Palmolive last year and became the first natural toothpaste to receive the Seal of Acceptance from the American Dental Association (ADA).

The seal does not necessarily mean that the ADA endorses a product, only that it is effective and does what it says it will do, the ADA pointed out.

In short, it remains a “buyer beware” environment for natural products, including toothpastes. But there are now more toothpaste options available than ever, which allows each person to make their own choice.

Sources:

  The Colorado Springs Gazette November 24, 2007


Dr. Mercola''s Comments Dr. Mercola's Comments:

Typical toothpaste is regulated as a drug by the FDA because an average tube contains enough fluoride to kill a small child. Most people in the United States have been living under the false assumption that fluoride toothpaste is essential to preventing cavities, when in reality it is a dangerous poison.

Too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis, a discoloring of your teeth and breakdown of enamel -- itself a result diametrically opposed to the dental health it supposedly is meant to prevent -- and more serious developmental problems such as lower IQ. Excessive use of fluoride also increases your risk of osteoporosis and can damage your nervous system, not to mention its links to:
  • Cancer
  • Developmental and reproductive toxicity
  • Endocrine disruption
  • Organ system toxicity
  • Neurotoxicity
As the word about the dangers of fluoride gets out -- even the American Dental Association admitted this year that fluoride is bad -- more of you are seeking out natural toothpaste varieties.

Others are seeking natural toothpastes because they’re catching on to the importance of limiting your exposure to as many artificial chemicals as possible. And rest assured that fluoride is not the only skeleton hiding in your typical toothpaste’s closet.

A quick reading of the ingredients in one leading brand of toothpaste reveals:
  • Triclosan: A preservative and cosmetic biocide that has been linked to endocrine disruption, organ system toxicity, and bioaccumulation
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate: A cleansing agent linked to cancer and developmental and reproductive toxicity
  • Tetrasodium pyrophosphate: An oral care agent that animal studies have found impact your brain and nervous system at low doses
  • Hydrated silica: An anticaking agent that bioaccumulates in people and wildlife
  • FD&C Blue 1: An artificial coloring linked to cancer
You would think, then, that a natural toothpaste label would be much more, well, natural. Some, in fact, are. But you must be careful to read the label and know what you’re buying. For instance, here are some of the ingredients in a leading non-fluoride natural toothpaste:
  • Sodium monofluorophosphate: An oral care agent linked to neurotoxicity, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and possibly cancer.
  • Sodium lauryl sulfate: Same as above.
The bottom line is that personal care products are not regulated, and those that claim to be natural can be far from it.

Look for a simple natural, non-fluoride toothpaste with only familiar ingredients, and skip all of the bells and whistles like “whitening,” “enamel strengthening,” and “multi-action.” If you’re looking for a safe way to make your teeth whiter, you can try this truly natural formula using strawberries and baking soda.


Related Links:

  The Toxic Toothpaste

  Tainted Toothpaste Took an Unchecked Route

  Toothpaste and Other Fluoride Sources Can Damage Preschoolers' Teeth




Comment on This Article
Comment on This Article Community Comments (78)
 
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
Many people think their non-fluoride toothpaste is healthy. However, it is much more difficult to find toothpaste that doesn't contain Sodium Laurel Sulfate (originally created as an engine degreaser).

It's logical that toxic toothpaste is much more harmful to the body than toxic cosmetics since oral mucosa absorption is 90%--far more than injection or pill.

www.secretofthieves.com/toothpaste-ingredients.htm

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   18 Points
 
Caleb Eaton
Novice User Novice User, Joined On 6/2007
Caleb Eaton  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
Replied

Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
Indeed correct!

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points

4Hand Healthy
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 6/2007
4Hand Healthy  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
This goes right along with the findings of Dr. Weston A. Price.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   7 Points

carley44
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 11/2007
carley44  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 29, 2007
Thank you for your information. I just checked my toothpaste (natural)  bingo! sodium lauryl sulfate! I was born in the early fifties and when I was a small child I remember we used tooth powder that came in a can. I think it was Pepsodent. Baking soda and ? Anyway, you can no longer get it. I think Russ on this blog has the best ansmer, MAKE YOUR OWN! It is no surprise that health care in this country is where all the jobs are, because (duh!) we are all so sick. The list of symtoms are enough to make your head spin. I am a pig headed truth seeker and have spent hours and hours researching all kinds of things. I have allergies to over 25 different kinds of foods, asthma, and many other health issues. I have come to believe that living like the Amish or similar lifesytle is the only way to be healthy. The whole planet and the US in particular is being bombarded withtoxins of every stripe from all around us. Who controls this? Well, the evidence leads to the secret shadow governemnt (i.e. the corporations, the elite and the governments in bed with them. The goal is to reduce population and maintain power. They are mentally ill, that is no question. The construct of industrialzation and civilization makes us all sick. Do poisons and toxins occur in nature? Or course. But now they are being forced upon us through every avenue. Drugs, food, water, technology, the list is endless. John Kennedy talked about this and he was killed. And no, I am not a democrat. While we are all out here arguing and fighting, Rome is burning so to speak. Divide and conquer. and if they can make us all sick in the process, so much the better, sick people get desperate, sick people can't fight back. sick people give up and become hopeless. My mother used to tell me without your health you have nothing. all the riches in the world can't compensate. She was right.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   18 Points

Sandie Fields
Novice User Novice User Joined On 12/2007
Sandie Fields  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Dec 14, 2007

My thoughts in a nut shell!!! I wish I was Amish, I don't think they'll let you convert??? Maybe we can find a place in the back woods and start our own back to nature life style, or pray the good Lord returns soon to take all his people home!!! Thats how I really feel sometimes...

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   4 Points

Peanut
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 12/2006
Peanut  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Dec 15, 2007

I mix enough coconut oil and baking soda together to make a paste and add a couple drops of peppermint flavoring ( makes my husband happy).

I also use the same combo (sans the peppermint) for my deodorant.

Silly me, sounds kinda goofy that I can use my toothpaste as a great underarm deodorant but , HEY, it works and NO chemicals.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   7 Points

INKY DINKY
Novice User Novice User Joined On 10/2007
INKY DINKY  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Dec 16, 2007

Can anyone tell me if Crest Whitening Rinse is okay to use - it has Hydrogen Peroxide and has helped to keep my son's teeth whiter.  He was having problems with discolored teeth and this has helped a lot. I have him rinse his mouth with water after using it.  Also, I know this is NOT ON SUBJECT, but I am thinking about getting the book, Tapping the Healer Whithin by Roger J. Callahan, PhD.  CAN ANYONE PLEASE TELL ME YOUR THOUGHTS ON THIS BOOK AND WHETHER OR NOT IT IS WORTH READING!  

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points

nzkiwiman
Novice User Novice User Joined On 1/2007
nzkiwiman  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Dec 16, 2007

Be aware of mouth washes too - Sanguinine in the viadent mouthwash is a problem according to the American Cancer Society.  Might want to check your dental products for the ingredient. Read this article.

researchnews.osu.edu/.../viadent.htm

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points

amysnaturals
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 5/2007
amysnaturals  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Dec 17, 2007

Carley 44,

Thank you for your comments.  I appreciate that people of all ages are taking control of their health.  I myself am in my young 30's, and the things I've read downright disgust and scare me.  Most of the information I've learned is right here on Mercola's website, and I praise God for a man who has blown the whistle on conventional medicine.  What I find equally incredible is you can google what mercola says and find it in other sources. I did so with the floride issue and took in an arsonal of information when I had my daughter's first teeth cleaning and basically got the turned up nose at how I insisted on no floride pills!  I stood my ground however and do not feel badly about it.  Keep up the good work everyone as we strive to better living.

I believe the reason some of the chemicals used in today's living is part of a conspiracy theory; keep us dumb and sick and it will be like sheep heading to the slaughter.  Those of us who are strong are the targets; wait and see what the near future brings.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points

chirocheer
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 8/2006
chirocheer  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Dec 17, 2007

Inky Dinky,

Why not use plain hydrogen peroxide?  It works better than anything else I've ever tried.  It's cheap. And all you're getting is 2 hydrogen atoms and 2 oxygen atoms -- nothing else:)

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   2 Points

INKY DINKY
Novice User Novice User Joined On 10/2007
INKY DINKY  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Dec 17, 2007

chirocheer  -  Is regular Hydrogen Peroxide fine - the kind that you get at any pharmacy?  I heard mention on this site about a food grade (much stronger) Hydrogen Peroxide but I have no idea where to get it.  Is what you can get over the counter safe and effective?

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points
 
 
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
I encourage everyone to go to the website www.safecosmetics.org and explore their Skin Deep database.  Many of your toothpastes will be in there listings. We need to find products that are as safe as possible and this is one way to do it. 

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   14 Points
 
PepperR23
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 6/2006
PepperR23  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
Replied

Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
Good suggestions, thanks!

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points

EQ
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 3/2007
EQ  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 29, 2007
Thanks for the link.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points
 
 
 
Posted On Nov 27, 2007
Fluoride by any name is horrific news!!!  Do yourself and your loved ones a huge favor and remove it from your lives. 
The American Dental Assoc stated this past August that FLOURIDE WAS DANGEROUS......HAS YOUR DENTIST MENTIONED THIS????   Somehow I doubt it.

Dr. Rima Laibow of Natural Health Solutions tells of prisoners of war in WWII German camps being given fluoridated water because it made them APATHETIC!!!
JUST WHAT THE CURRENT LEADERS OF THIS COUNTRY WANT!  Apathetic and sick people - then they'll be too busy, too sick, to overwhelmed to see all the b*llsh*t that goes on...........

WAKE UP, SIT UP AND TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH BEFORE IT'S JUST TOO LATE.   READ EVERY LABEL AND RESEARCH EVERY ITEM THAT GOES INTO YOUR FAMILIES BODIES.......

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   11 Points
 
KathieJamisonCote
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 4/2007
KathieJamisonCote  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
Replied

Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 27, 2007
These points are also correct.

Uncle Russ

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points

Mike _Eyrich
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 6/2006
Mike _Eyrich  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
That's the first thing I look at when I buy any toothpaste - whether it has fluoride or not.  Once I see that it doesn't have any, then I'll check and make sure there are no other weird chemicals, including as Caleb mentions Sodium Laurel Sulfate.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   4 Points

Cinnabar
Apprentice User Apprentice User Joined On 11/2007
Cinnabar  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
Thank you: I couldn't say it any better.  We have got to educate people to this stuff.  The only reason it continues is ignorance and negligence in media!

I use baking soda with a little peppermint oil.  I floss and then use a little tea tree oil with a mouthful of water and spit.  Apples are great if you're out, or you can take a brush and use water.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   4 Points
 
 
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
SLS (sodium laurel sulfate) is often used as a sudsing agent in toothpastes.  SLS is a powerful degreaser that will denature protein - not the best thing to use in your mouth especially if you have gingivitis.  Companies often try to imply that SLS is natural because it is made from coconut oil.  Well vodka is made from potatoes but they have vastly different effects on the body.  I use  toothpaste and other body care products from an Austalian company that produces certified organic and organic items all of which are chemical free.  They have all of their ingredients on listed on their website unlike other companies who claim to have pure products (but really don't) 
Cheryl Rounds. 

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   8 Points
 
Cheryl Rounds
Apprentice User Apprentice User, Joined On 10/2006
Cheryl Rounds  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
 
 
Posted On Nov 27, 2007
Titanium dioxide is what whitens toothpaste and has been indicated as a possible carcinogen.  Even health food store brands have titanium dioxide in it.  Also sucralose is in many toothpaste brands as well.  It is difficult to find toothpaste with all natural ingredients unless you create your own.

ReplyReply
Mark As Spam  Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   7 Points
 
KAC
Savvy User Savvy User, Joined On 6/2006
KAC  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
Replied

Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 27, 2007
The most pure Ti02, USP Grade, has at least 16% Arsenic in it, by weight.

So how does Proctor & Gamble, owning both Crest and Colgate, and being the 800 pound gorilla in the multi billion dollar per year toothpaste busines get away with this legalized poisoning?  Simple, there is no legal definition for the term 'natural' under cosmetic law (in point of fact arsenic, or for that matter hemlock, are naturally occurring...never mind the slight problem with DEATH) and oral products are "not meant to be ingested"...yeah right.

Remember folks, these toothpastes are filled with micro particulates, to create abrasion, to remove plaque from the enamel of your teeth. However, they also cause simaltaneously micro laceration(s) of the gum line, exposing the mouth to absoprtion of toothpaste toxins, via the harmed capillaries bleeding in the mouth, from toothbush action.

Argumentation from so-called "natural" brands, like Tom's of Maine, that they are all natural, are also calculated FLAT OUT LIE.

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   5 Points

Russ Bianchi
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Russ Bianchi  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
Any good search engine, if you look up 'arsenic in titanium dioxide', will give you several references to investigate HealthMan,on your question; one for removal, that is never done in practice (too costly) in real industrial (toothpaste) practice is:

http://www.epa.gov/ntmrl/lrpcd/wm/projects/135923.htm

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points

Phantom O Banjo
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 9/2006
Phantom O Banjo  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
I never did like toothpaste. You right Russ make your own.........

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   4 Points

DizzyIzzy1
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2007
DizzyIzzy1  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
I find most health food stores a sham in general. Walk down the aisles in my one in town and half their stuff is worse than what you'd find in a normal shop - I've never seen so much crap marketed as safe and healthy. Aspartame for all!! Would you like some Agarve with that poison?

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   5 Points

DizzyIzzy1
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2007
DizzyIzzy1  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
Has anyone got a recipe for a toothpaste??



(My dentist would have a fit. Last time I was there she told me - I quote - "Fluoride! Fluoride! You need to get as much fluoride as you can, in toothpaste and drinks and tablets if you can, and mouthwash, and floss. Your teeth are going to fall out if you don't! Fluoride!"
...at which point I left and haven't gone back.)

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   8 Points

Patty D
Savvy User Savvy User Joined On 6/2007
Patty D  
Send Message  Send Message
Add as Friend  Add as Friend
 
Posted On Nov 28, 2007
I make kefir and the group owner, Dom also has tons of websites on kefir and other ferments.  He also makes toothpaste and posts his recipe free of charge online.  If you don't want to make it, you can order from him.  Many people in the kefir group are using it and swearing by it....you sure can't get more natural.
http://users.chariot.net.au/~dna/toothpaste/toothpaste.htm

Mark As Spam   Mark as Spam
Positive Points Negative Points   0 Points
 
123456789
 
Email this article to a friend
Bookmark & Share
Previous Article
Next Article
 
Privacy Policy   |   Terms of Use   |   Contact Us   |   Testimonials   |  Subscribe Newsletters RSS Feed Subscribe Blog RSS Feed
 
© Copyright 2009 Dr. Joseph Mercola. All Rights Reserved. If you want to use this article on your site please click here. This content may be copied in full, with copyright, contact, creation and information intact, without specific permission, when used only in a not-for-profit format. If any other use is desired, permission in writing from Dr. Mercola is required.
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition, consult your physician before using this product.