Do not know about you but every time I turn around a seemingly natural healthy option reveals it’s true identity and makes me think twice about not reading the label of the all natural alternative.
I wrote a post about GMO Free Organic Products not long ago and that research made me think about the tooth paste and mouth wash. We switched to all natural options long time ago. It started all with removing junk food, then buying more whole foods, then mostly organic, then grass-fed and NON GMO. Now that we took care of those things my attention shifted towards household items and hygiene products. Since they should also be looked at considering we spray an wipe and clean and scrub.
Of course there are a lot thing to consider (toothpaste, shampoo, dish washing liquid, and etc.). But then this post will be so long you’ll have to take naps and food break. Thus, I focused my attention on toothpaste and mouth wash and dug a little dipper. Here is what I found that most have the following ingredients or a combination of more then five (all sources of data are sited so you can also dig in even dipper if you wish:
Fluoride is an inorganic anion of fluorine with the chemical formula F. Fluoride is the simplest anion of fluorine. Its salts and minerals are important chemical reagents and industrial chemicals, mainly used in the production of hydrogen fluoride for fluorocarbons (source:
To start we have an FDA who is asking manufactures to put a warning: “WARNING: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional help or contact a poison control center immediately.” We all knwo that usually takes a while to get approved and researches so that told me right away there is more to it then meets the eye (source: http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfCFR/CFRSearch.cfm?fr=355.50).
Early symptoms of fluoride poisoning include gastrointestinal pain, nausea, vomiting, and headaches. The minimum dose that can produce these symptoms is estimated to be 0.1 to 0.3 mg/kg of fluoride (i.e., 0.1 to 0.3 milligrams of fluoride for every kilogram of bodyweight). A child weighing 10 kilograms, therefore, can suffer symptoms of acute toxicity by ingesting just 1 to 3 milligrams of fluoride in a single sitting. And, 1 to 3 mgs of fluoride is found in just 1 to 3 grams of toothpaste (less than 3% of the tube) — including toothpaste that is marketed specifically to children with bubble-gum and fruit flavors. (source:http://fluoridealert.org/studies/acute03/).
Plus do not forget unless you have a special fluoride filter you are also getting it in your drinking water, cooking, and washing. So who knows how much fluoride you can be getting. Some people may also experience fluorosis which is caused by overexposure to fluoride during the first eight years of life. This is the time when most permanent teeth are being formed. Some of the symptoms are (source: http://www.webmd.com/children/fluorosis-symptoms-causes-treatments):
stains ranging from yellow to dark brown
pits that are highly noticeable
Now I know what those white marks on my sons teeth are. No one ever seemed to know where they came from.
Gluten (from Latin gluten, “glue”) is a protein composite found in wheat and related grains, including barley and rye. Gluten gives elasticity to dough, helping it rise and keep its shape and often gives the final product a chewy texture. Gluten is also used in cosmetics, hair products, and other dermatological preparations (source:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gluten).
People with gluten sensitivity can experience symptoms such as “foggy mind”, depression, ADHD-like behavior, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, bone or joint pain, and chronic fatigue when they have gluten in their diet, but other symptoms are also possible (source: http://celiac.org/celiac-disease/non-celiac-gluten-sensitivity/).
Xanthan gum is an exopolysaccharide which is grown or fermented from the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris, the bacteria which cause black rot on cruciferous vegetables such as brassicas (cabbages, cauliflowers etc). The bacteria can be grown on corn, wheat, soya, whey or dairy products. After around four days the fermented ‘broth’ is pasteurised and then dried to make a powder. When liquid is added to a tiny amount of this powder it forms a thick viscous syrup which is invaluable not only in gluten-free baking but in a wide range of other food products such as salad dressings, ice creams, sauces, frozen foods and drinks. (source: http://www.foodsmatter.com/allergy_intolerance/miscellaneous/articles/xanthan-gum-05-12.html).
Some people develop an allergy to xanthan, with gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, gas, and diarrhea. A xanthan reaction can also precipitate migraine headaches, skin itchiness, and for those exposed to large amounts, such as bakery workers, nose and throat irritation (source: http://www.celiac.com/articles/21710/1/Could-Xanthan-Gum-Sensitivity-be-Complicating-your-Celiac-Disease-Recovery/Page1.html).
Since going gum free my skin became less and less itchy as time went by and my headaches are gone except for time when I experiment and prove myslef right again and fall back into the trap of thinking that those too I are not connected. And guess what, I pay for it later with my symptoms that I had before coming back.
The primary components of a baking powder are a dry acid, base, and filler and the manufacture of baking powder begins with the production of sodium carbonate. Known as the Solvay ammonia process, it was first developed in 1861. In this process ammonia and carbon dioxide are passed through a saltwater (NaClH2) solution in an absorption tower. This results in a compound called ammonium bicarbonate (CH5NO3) which reacts with the salt to produce crude sodium bicarbonate crystals and ammonium chloride (ClH4N). Then, the bicarbonate crystals are filtered out using vacuum filters or centrifuges. They are then washed with water to remove any residual chloride….etc. (source: http://www.madehow.com/Volume-6/Baking-Powder.html) Hold on did someone said ammonia and yes they remove it later…but no thank you.
Oral ingestion of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) has been used for decades as a home remedy for acid indigestion. Excessive bicarbonate ingestion places patients at risk for a variety of metabolic derangements including metabolic alkalosis, hypokalemia, hypernatremia, and even hypoxia. The clinical presentation is highly variable but can include seizures, dysrhythmias, and cardiopulmonary arrest. We present two cases of severe metabolic alkalosis in patients with unsuspected antacid overdose (source: http://ckj.oxfordjournals.org/content/2/4/280.full).
Although, it is not all lost. Bob’s Red Mill baking soda is made from the deposits of mineralized sodium bicarbonate. It is extracted by a simple water process that uses no chemicals (source: http://www.bobsredmill.com/baking-soda.html). But since it is acidic in nature I personally still do not feel comfortable using it.
Meanwhile, I researched more and there are multiple health websites raving about baking soda benefits and whitening is one of them. So with my yellow teeth I could not resist the pressure and tried it several times different concentrations mixed in with coconut oil and ended with a headache and nausea. So I would not use it in my toothpaste and even in baking I use it sparingly and only Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda knowing how it was made. If you know of any other brand who use the same natural manufacturing process would be great to know so feel free to email me or post your comments below.
Xylitol is a 5-carbon sugar alcohol found in many fruits and vegetables and produced in small amounts by the human body (source: http://www.naturalnews.com/022986_xylitol_health_sugar.html#ixzz3clIjxc3g).
In manufacturing, there are two types of Xylitol raw material: corn or birch. Technically if both are grown without pesticide they are organic but we do not knwo if corn is also GMO free. As both soruces are very different in nature and composition two different manufacturing practicies exist to produce the final product. The corn cob source uses a natural ion-exchange interaction of hydrogen, hydrochloric acid, and steam. The birch bark source xylitol uses the same process, but uses sulfuric acid in place of hydrochloric acid (source: http://xylitol.org/about-xylitol/corn-xylitol-vs-birch-xylitol).
Acid is used in both cases. Of course I understand that our bodies produces acid and we eat acid food; however, why would I want to add more to the fire. So here is what those two acids are and how they are used.
Sulfuric acid is classified as a strong acid, ionizing almost completely in water. Sulfuric acid is the most abundant product of the chemical industry. It is used in the refining of metals and in the manufacture of a wide variety of substances. It is used for the “pickling” of steel to retard corrosion, in the refinement of petroleum, and in the manufacture of fertilizers. At about 3 teaspoons a day is not safe for everyone to use (source: http://www.naturalnews.com/022986_xylitol_health_sugar.html#ixzz3cfoizTjL)
Hydrochloric acid is classified as a strong acid as well, ionizing almost completely in water. Dilute hydrochloric acid is the acid in the human stomach which helps in the digestion of food (source: http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/chemical/acidcom.html#c1). Yes…looks very natural too me. No so. It is a known fact that those with bulimia have tooth problems due to the Hydrochloric acid that is present in the food during purging cycles (source: https://beamingwithhealth.com.au/community/conditions/bulimia).
Also, even in moderate doses of larger than 15 grams, which is approximately 3 teaspoons, xylitol’s own promotional material says it is not safe for everyone to use (source: http://www.naturalnews.com/022986_xylitol_health_sugar.html#ixzz3clJHscCk).
WebMd lists the following side effect (source: http://www.naturalnews.com/022986_xylitol_health_sugar.html#ixzz3clJHscCk):
Even in moderate doses of larger than 15 grams, which is approximately 3 teaspoons, xylitol’s own promotional material says it is not safe for everyone to use.
It seems safe as a medicine for most adults in amounts up to about 50 grams per day. Avoid higher doses.
There is some concern that extremely high doses for long periods of time (more than three years) can cause tumors.
Xylitol can cause diarrhea and intestinal gas. It is probably safe for children as a medicine in amounts up to 20 grams per day.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of xylitol during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
It has been shown to be lethal for dogs (source: http://www.vcahospitals.com/main/pet-health-information/article/animal-health/xylitol-toxicity-in-dogs/4340).
Sorbitol is a sugar substitute, often found in diet food like ice creams, colas, sugar free chewing gums, cough syrups, etc. However, due to the side effects that are similar to many other irritants it is easily overlooked: diarrhea, abdominal pain, unwanted weight loss, and vomiting (source: http://www.webmd.com/diet/20080110/sweetener-side-effects-case-histories). Moreover, if you suffer from IBS it is counter indicated and with a rise of autoimmune disease I am not surprised (source: http://www.puristat.com/conditions/ibs.aspx).
Hydrated silica, which is primarily used as an abrasive in toothpaste, is a form of silicon dioxide, which has a variable amount of water in the formula. It is also known as silicic acid, a term usually used for its form dissolved in water. It is found in nature, as opal (which has been mined as a gemstone for centuries), and in the cell walls of diatoms. It is also manufactured for use in toothpaste. Once dehydrated the gel is used as a desiccant known as silica gel. It is also used in various paints and varnishes and in the production of beer (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrated_silica).
It has been shown that high silicon levels in these patients have been associated with problems in the kidneys, brain, nervous system, chest, bone, and liver (source: http://www.chamberlins.com/ns/DisplayMonograph.asp?StoreID=2CB86C7B36BE4CFD914079104818C49B&DocID=bottomline-silica)
So there question really here is weather our teeth are in need of acid based abrasive material when a little bit of ground clove, turmeric, sea salt and other spices can be a truly a natural alternative.
Carrageenans or carrageenins are a family of linear sulfated polysaccharides that are extracted from red edible seaweeds. They are widely used in the food industry, for their gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties.”
And this one is a kicker, according to revention.com, carrageenan essentially makes sure liquids remain mixed. They say that although derived from a natural source, carrageenan appears to be particularly destructive to the digestive system, triggering an immune response similar to that your body has when invaded by pathogens like Salmonella. The result: “Carrageenan predictably causes inflammation, which can lead to ulcerations and bleeding,” explains veteran carrageenan researcher Joanne Tobacman, MD, associate professor of clinical medicine at the University of Illinois School of Medicine at Chicago (source: http://www.prevention.com/food/healthy-eating-tips/carrageenan-natural-ingredient-you-should-ban-your-diet). As you can see, there is no health or nutritional value. It is purely a filler and not a good one either.
Glycerin is a neutral, sweet-tasting, colorless, thick liquid which freezes to a gummy paste and which has a high boiling point. Glycerin can be dissolved into water or alcohol, but not oils. On the other hand, many things will dissolve into glycerin easier than they do into water or alcohol and it makes it a good solvent (source: http://www.millersoap.com/glycerin.html).
Real glycerin is made by removing it from animal fat (lard or tallow) using lye. However, modern processing methods may use cancer-causing chemicals as a part of glycerin production in slaughterhouses designed for soap production. It of course depends where the glycerin comes from. We don’t know what glycerin is used in toothpastes, whether it is from lard, corn or from biodiesel processing. It depends on the manufacturer. Glycerin is also used as solvent, antifreeze and lubricant (source: http://www.curetoothdecay.com/Tooth_Decay/glycerin_tooth_paste.htm).
Glycerin has a tendency to coat the teeth when it’s brushed on, sealing them like a wax would, which prevents tooth re-mineralization. This can lead to decay over time as the teeth need to be able to absorb the minerals in our saliva which strengthens them. Supposedly, it takes 22 rinses to remove 1 use of glycerin from the teeth (source: http://www.growingupherbal.com/dangers-of-childrens-toothpaste/).
Titanium dioxide, also known as titanium(IV) oxide or titania, is the naturally occurring oxide of titanium, chemical formula TiO 2. When used as a pigment, it is called titanium white, Pigment White 6 (PW6), or CI 77891. Generally it is sourced from ilmenite, rutile and anatase (source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Titanium_dioxide).
Kumazawa, et. al. in their study, “Effects of Titanium Ions and Particles on Neutrophil Function and Morphology” concluded that cytotoxicity (danger to the cell) was dependent on the particle size of titanium dioxide. The smaller the particle size, the more toxic it is (see Table 2). This conclusion is relevant to the consumer because of the cosmetics industry’s increasing use of micronized pigments in sunscreens and colour cosmetics. Nanoparticles of titanium dioxide are used in sunscreens because they are colourless at that size and still absorb ultraviolet light. Many cosmetic companies are capitalizing on metal oxide nanoparticles. We have seen, however, that if titanium dioxide particles used to act as a sunscreen are small enough, they can penetrate the cells, leading to photocatalysis within the cell, causing DNA damage after exposure to sunlight (Powell, et. al. 1996) (source: http://www.organicmakeup.ca/ca/titaniumdioxide.asp).
The acute toxicity of TiO2 NPs have been frequently studied in rat and mouse models following multiple exposure routes of administration. The number of studies targeting the respiratory system outweighs the other exposure routes. Studies exposing the pulmonary system to TiO2 NPs produced both local and systemic symptoms and aggravate pre-existing symptoms. TiO2 NPs administered through the lung are more inflammatory than FPs of similar chemistry at equal mass concentrations. However, on an equal particle surface area basis, pulmonary inflammation to TiO2 NPs was similar to that of TiO2 FPs. The results from the other exposure routes cannot be ignored. For example, research evidence demonstrates that TiO2 NPs can be absorbed through the lung or GIT into the systemic circulation and then distributed in different organs such as the liver, kidneys, spleen, or even the brain. Distribution and accumulation of TiO2 NPs in the organs could induce organ injuries and inflammatory responses (soruce: http://www.particleandfibretoxicology.com/content/10/1/15).
Sodium Lauryl Sulfat (SLS) {Including Coco Based}
SLS and similar chemicals are surfactants and is the result of mixing lauryl alcohol with sulfuric acid, and then adding sodium carbonate. The resulting ingredient is used in carpet cleaners, engine degreasers, car wash liquids, and machine wash detergents because it’s highly corrosive and can remove oil and grease. It also is used in personal care products, including soaps, shampoos, body washes, toothpastes, cleaning products, and anything else we like to “foam up” (source: http://cincovidas.com/is-sodium-lauryl-sulfate-from-coconut-safer-than-regular-sls/).
The American College of Toxicology (ACT) found that even relatively low concentrations, less than one-half percent, might result in skin irritant. Higher concentrations were responsible for severe irritation and even corrosion of the skin. The International Journal of Toxicology also provides a safety assessment of SLS and recommends concentration levels of no more than 1% in products with prolonged use. So when you consider a number of cleaning products have levels of SLS as high as between 10-20% and in extreme cases over 30%. In short SLS can cause irritation of the scalp, gums and skin at just 1% and in some people the reaction will be quite strong (source: http://slsfree.net/).
In children, SLS has been linked to eye irritation and poor eye development. Even at very low levels, the product may be absorbed through the skin and cause issues with eye health. It would seem that children’s products should be scrutinized more closely, but often they are not. A number of studies have indicated that SLS will remain in a person’s system (Brain, Heart & Liver) for up to 4-5 days which means if you are using a non SLS free product at the same volume and same rate of application then Sodium Lauryl Sulfate will remain a constant in your body (source: http://slsfree.net/).
Another, natural SLS alternative hat many companies are using is SLS from coconuts. However, no matter where the alcohol comes from, it’s still mixed with the other chemicals to produce SLS or SLES or other forms of the ingredient. The result is still a chemical that is a long way from the original coconut oil. We may feel better having something that originated from coconut oil rather than from petroleum, but that doesn’t mean the chemical will not be irritating to skin or hair, or that it will not be contaminated from manufacturing processes (source: http://www.drfranklipman.com/sodium-lauryl-sulfate-from-coconut-is-it-safer/).
Other SLS names include (source: http://www.drfranklipman.com/sodium-lauryl-sulfate-from-coconut-is-it-safer/):
Sodium monododecyl sulfate
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) is also a concern as in some circumstances it can become contaminated with Dioxane. This largely depends on the manufacturing process. Dioxane is a suspected carcinogen and lasts much longer in our bodies, primarily because the liver cannot metabolize it effectively. While it’s considered less of a skin irritant when compared to SLS there are underlying concerns over its continued use in cosmetic products ource: http://slsfree.net/).
Sodium bentonite is naturally forming clay used in several different applications from industrial sealants and cat litter to food and personal care products. Sodium bentonite, called the “clay of a thousand uses” because of its versatility. Bentonite can absorb five times its weight in liquids and can even absorb charged particles from solutions. Bentonite appears to be a lung and eye irritant and depending on its source, it could contain toxins. Safety tests conducted show bentonite as a safe product, although the tests were not extensive (source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/241716-what-are-the-dangers-of-bentonite/).
Bentonite as a powder, poses an inhalation risk to an unprotected user. Industrial workers often suffer from inflamed lungs due to breathing in bentonite powder and its impurities. While bentonite itself does not have any carcinogenic effects according to a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) provided by Reade Advanced Materials a bentonite supplier, the impurities mixed in with the powder cause the most damage. Powdered bentonite has several applications from kitty litter to animal feed and therefore it can be hard to escape its presence. Bentonite powder can also be a skin and eye irritant according to the MSDS. When working with sodium bentonite, it is a good idea to wear proper safety equipment to mitigate its potential to cause harm (source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/241716-what-are-the-dangers-of-bentonite/).
Many people are using it and have no side effect. However, in my experience between my mom and I we had sever and debilitating headache after we switched to a clay based toothpaste. My husband is the one who made connection. I stopped having headaches after cutting out gluten and gums, and other ingredients. Right until we switched from Tom’s natural toothpaste (it has most of the ingredients that are described above) and since I have been having a lot of fatigue and other autoimmune symptoms and now armed with knowledge the whole family made the switched to a clay based toothpaste. I started having headaches, loss of ability to focus, and joint/muscle pain the first time I used it but wrote it off since I had those symptoms a while back. One night, my husband was brushing and read the label and said did you see the warning about Lead on the box.
Frankly, being the label reading nerd that I am I was embarrassed to say I did not see it. Go figure. I went to my mom and asked if she had headache and she said yes and time coincided with us starting the toothpaste. When I though about it, I also remembered her saying that she she has been having bad headaches for the last two weeks. Once I stopped the using clay based toothpaste the headache was gone the next day.
Also, when I researched lead poisoning symptoms, here is what Mayo Clinic listed and there were a few more:
Declines in mental functioning
Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities
Here is a great summary from Trying To Be Greener website and it has a few other well know pests like PEGs and parabens:
PEG – 12 (Dioxane): Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Contamination concerns
Propylene Glycol: FDA says is safe for general use but can cause cancer and contains toxins that affect reproduction
Proplyparaben, Methylparaben (parabens): hormone mimicking properties; may cause breast cancer
PEG/PPG 38/8 Copolymer, PEG/PPG 116/66 Copolymer (Dioxane): Organ system toxicity
Flavor: Ingredient not fully labeled – identity unknown
Sodium Fluoride: Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Endocrine disruption,
Sodium Hydroxide: Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Hydrogen Peroxide: Neurotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Triclosan (Dioxane): Endocrine disruption
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Hydrated Silica: Persistent, bioaccumulative in wildlife and humans
Mentha Piperita (Peppermint Oil): Enhanced skin absorption, Contamination concerns
Polyethyene (Dioxane): Cancer, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)
Sodium Monofluorophosphate: Developmental/reproductive toxicity
{Personal Opinion} I know that it is very hard and frustrating to think about everything. Plus, some research points seem very contradicting. However, I do believe that fillers should be avoided and in the majority of case 100 %. We, as consumer a lot of times do not have insight into manufacturing practices, third party testing certificates, and material sources.
And yes, in some cases, it is certainly a grey area in terms of level of concentration in the body that will not cause harmful; however, that begs the question as why let it accumulate, after all we are bombarded with environment pollutants and various stresses everyday so why add to it with the items we have control over.
That led me to making this great Turmeric Coco Rinse. {I drew my inspiration from many sources: http://lifespa.com/the-truth-about-oil-pulling/, http://wellnessmama.com/7866/oil-pulling-for-oral-health/, http://www.scratchmommy.com/diy-oil-pulling-tablets/, and many others and modified it to fit my body’s needs.}
First, I was worried about it staining my crowns and I have a lot of them. I am happy to report that turmeric does not stain. Also if you think about it crowns are made to last and withstand use of coffee, tea, and food.
4 tbsp. Organic Sesame Seed Oil (Cold Pressed)
4 tbsp. Organic Raw Coconut Oil
2 tsp. Organic Turmeric Powder
Combine and melt all ingredients in a double boiler (gently!).
Transfer to an airtight jar. Store in cool and dry place away from direct sunlight.
Oil Pulling Instructions:
Mix well, as turmeric will settle to the bottom. Take about 1 tablespoon of this oil mixture and chew it, suck it through your teeth, and swish around your mouth, for 10 and up to 20 minutes each morning after brushing and flossing your teeth.
I working on Minty Choco-Coco Toothpaste so stay tuned and if you like this post please do not forget to share.
Free2BFit360 Health | Natural Tooth Care {Bonus: DIY Organic Turmeric Coco Pull} Do not know about you but every time I turn around a seemingly natural healthy option reveals it's true identity and makes me think twice about not reading the label of the all natural alternative.
