“May Be Harmful if Swallowed”

In a previous issue of Natural Network” I discussed the poison in many toothpastes.  If that was not enough to get you to rethink what you are cleaning your teeth with maybe this will.

To avoid tooth decay or any form of gum disease including minor gingivitis, optimal oral ecology should be your goal.  Foaming chemicals used to brush your teeth do not create this favourable ecology.  Commercial toothpastes as well as those found in health food stores may contain many synthetic ingredients.  Glycerin is the ingredient found in the majority of toothpastes which coats the teeth and blocks the saliva from re-mineralizing the enamel. The sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a known carcinogen which breaks down your skin’s natural barrier.  This can cause bleeding gums as well as canker sores.  Now the skin is more permeable which allows the other chemicals in the toothpaste to penetrate even further. These chemicals include propylene glycol (anti-freeze), Triclosan (pesticide) and the color pigments may contain heavy metals and accumulate in the body.  Ethanol is the primary ingredient in most mouthwashes which has been linked to approximately 36,000 cases of oral cancer per year.

How can synthetic ingredients and chemicals contribute to a healthy oral ecology to prevent diseases of the mouth?  Consider products that actually contribute to healing your mouth. Make your own mouth rinse by combining in a glass mason jar, 1 oz of salt and 16 ounces of almost boiled spring water and add some pure peppermint oil.  The peppermint gives that “minty fresh” taste but also inhibits bacteria that causes tooth decay and gingivitis. The artificial menthol in toothpaste offers no healing effect. Consider mixing baking soda and water in a shot glass and add a botanical such as pure peppermint oil or cinnamon bark essential oil which also stimulates blood circulation and is effective against 98% of all pathogenic bacteria.  Salt and baking soda makes the mouth more alkaline.

Many stores that offer natural products may offer a tooth powder already made for you.  Beware of the products you are using to heal your mouth and read the label.  As an added benefit salt and soda will be easier on your wallet.