When you’re in a hurry shopping for groceries, checking the toothpaste ingredients is probably the last thing on your mind. And yet, checking which ingredients are in the toothpaste you use is an important thing to do! Did you know that your toothpaste includes ingredients that are also used in detergents, floor cleaners, and shampoos? And some of these ingredients are likely carcinogens! Spending money on premium toothpaste may seem frivolous, but when you consider how the ingredients used in most toothpastes are harmful, spending a little more on the best healthy toothpaste doesn’t sound like a bad idea. Some of the toxins commonly found in toothpastes include:
1. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is a surfactant that’s commonly used in detergents, shampoos, cosmetics, and even industrial cleaners. In your toothpaste, it acts as a foaming agent! Several studies show that using SLS can cause numerous health risks. For one, it irritates the skin, especially for people who have eczema or dermatitis. Also, according to the American College of Toxicology, SLS can cause high levels of skin penetration even when used in low concentrations*. It has a degenerative effect on cell membranes because of its denaturing properties, and when combined with other chemicals, SLS can become a carcinogen.
A healthy toothpaste does not use SLS, especially when SLS serves no greater purpose than to act as a foaming agent. It is a commonly held belief that better foam translates into cleaner and whiter teeth—such is not the truth! Wouldn’t it be better to educate people rather than use toxins to maintain the status quo?
2. Triclosan
The FDA banned the use of triclosan in soaps and antiseptic products, but it is still used in a lot of toothpastes. Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that’s commonly used in consumer products like kitchenware, furniture, and toys. Several years ago, it was widely thought that triclosan helps prevent gingivitis. But several recent studies show that the harmful effects of triclosan far outweigh the benefits (if there are any).
Research shows that triclosan can alter hormone regulation and make the body resistant to antibiotics. Another study found that prolonged exposure to triclosan can cause skin cancer.
3. Parabens
Parabens such as methylparaben, ethylparaben, and isobutylparaben are used as preservatives; that is, they prevent products from becoming moldy and they keep bacteria and fungus at bay. Parabens have been found to mimic estrogen and disrupt hormone function, thereby increasing the risk of breast cancer in women. In some studies, parabens were shown to cause chemoresistance. But most importantly, parabens aren’t necessary—there are several safe alternatives to parabens! That’s why you should use healthy toothpaste that does not include parabens.
Source: https://www.healthy-communications.com/journal_of_the_american_college_.html
