Why Choosing a Natural Toothpaste Will Give You Something to Smile About

The market for natural products has skyrocketed over the past few years. In response to the demand for healthier foods, body care products and household cleaning products, grocery stores across the country now have aisles dedicated to organic and natural products. What’s driving the change? One important reason is the increase in public information regarding the dangers of ingesting chemicals.

Unfortunately, more that 80,000 chemicals available in the U.S. have not been fully tested for their potential toxic effects on human health and the environment. Consequently, the effects of these chemicals are not fully understood. For example, triclosan is used in personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap and cosmetics for its ability to retard bacterial growth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to allow the use of triclosan, while it is actively engaged in a scientific and regulatory review of the chemical.1 In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates triclosan as a pesticide, and is only now staging a comprehensive review of the ongoing research of its adverse endocrine effects. If scientific evidence supports negative health consequences for human use, the EPA says it will change current regulations.2 The larger question is how long before we really know if it is safe to use.

Consumer demand continues to change the marketplace. Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson became the first major manufacturer to remove chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, triclosan and phthalates from all baby products. Johnson & Johnson spokeswoman, Samantha Lucas, said the company needed to be “responsive to our consumers because it’s really about their peace of mind.”3

The peace of mind natural toothpaste provides

For consumers looking for the peace of mind that chemical-free products provide, an all natural toothpaste may be the right choice for several reasons:

Natural toothpaste is usually gentler on teeth and gums.

In addition to triclosan, many conventional types of toothpaste contain an additive known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an inexpensive and effective foaming agent. Some medical studies have linked SLS to an increased risk of developing canker sores and to aggravated levels of gum disease. A study performed at the University of Oslo reported that symptoms of gum disease resolved 40 times faster when SLS-free toothpaste was used.4

Natural toothpaste can benefit people with challenging medical conditions.

Cancer patients frequently experience mouth sores from chemotherapy. This is caused by a decrease in the body’s ability to replace the cells of the mucous lining at a normal rate. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are more susceptible than non-diabetics to developing serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, as are people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In all cases, the harsh additives found in conventional toothpastes exacerbate the conditions that make it more difficult for people living with these medical conditions to maintain optimal oral health.

Dental Herb Company’s Tooth & Gums Essentials Toothpaste® is a professional strength toothpaste formulated with green tea extract to gently clean teeth, reduce oral bacteria and freshen breath. Essentials Toothpaste is triclosan-free and SLS-free. Its precisely calculated proportions of pure essential oils work synergistically with alcohol-free extracts of organically grown herbs to reduce oral bacteria, promote healing and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Dental Herb Company has a unique line of Truly Natural® oral care products, made from the highest quality essential oils and organic herbal extracts that work together to provide exceptional cleansing as well as therapeutic benefits. Our holistic approach to oral care is based on decades of research.

Herbs and their beneficial properties have been safely and effectively used in oral care for thousands of years. At Dental Herb Company we know how powerful botanicals are in minimizing harmful oral bacteria, combating bad breath, and promoting healthy teeth and gums. Using natural dental products is an easy way to minimize everyday exposure to toxins—and provide peace of mind.

References:

  1. “Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know.” Fda.gov. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. Web. <http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm>.
  2. “Triclosan Facts.” EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. <http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm>.
  3. Kay, Jane. “Johnson & Johnson Removes Some Chemicals from Baby Shampoo, Other Products.” Scientificamerican.com. Scientific American Mind, 6 May 2013. Web. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=johnson-and-johnson-removes-some-chemicals-from-baby-shampoo-other-products>.
  4. Herlofson, BB, and P. Barkvoll. “Desquamative Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on Oral Mucosa. A Preliminary Study.” Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7825393>.

How A Healthy Diet and Natural Toothpaste Team Up For Better Oral Health

Poor dietary choices deplete the body of vitamins and minerals, which are the foundation of overall well-being. Proper nutrition makes it possible for the body to create new tissue and heal wounds. Without these building blocks, the body breaks down healthy tissue and muscle in order to heal. In addition, good nutrition is imperative for the immune system to function properly and fight off infection. The mineral most likely to be deficient in the average diet is calcium, which is key to the health of bones and teeth. Without adequate calcium, the body will take it from non-vital areas such as the jawbone.1 Once the bones that are responsible for supporting teeth begin to weaken, the risk of developing periodontal disease increases substantially. Consequently,  protecting one’s oral health begins with improving one’s diet.

It is a common misconception that all oral bacteria are unhealthy. Between 500 to 1000 species of bacteria have been identified in the human mouth and there are between 100 and 200 varieties present in the mouth at all times. While some are harmful, most oral bacteria actually help to prevent disease.2 Gum disease is not caused by the mere presence of bacteria; it is caused by inflammation that accompanies rapidly breeding bacteria. While proper oral care and regular visits to the dentist are key steps in controlling bacterial growth, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is just as important in boosting your body’s ability to fight off all types of infection. Choosing organic foods over processed foods and choosing natural ingredients over chemical alternatives are healthy lifestyle choices. Likewise, choosing herbal toothpastes and mouth rinses with all natural ingredients rather than chemically based products with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and other additives, is the healthiest choice you can make for your teeth and gums.

Improving Your Diet And Lifestyle Is Much Simpler Than You Might Think

If more people made lifestyle choices based on the philosophy of “you are what you eat”,  it is likely that the number of people living with heart disease, Type-2 diabetes, obesity and cancer would be significantly lower. We live in a fast-paced society that chooses convenience over quality. We eat fast food and frozen meals because it is quicker than taking the time to make meals from scratch. The problem with these convenient and cheap foods is that they are cheating us out of our health by offering us next-to-nothing when it comes to the nutrients that our bodies need to remain strong. A diet that is dominated by foods containing white flour, saturated fat, preservatives, additives, high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners and residual pesticides could have a negative impact on our current and future health.

The human body is not designed to efficiently process chemically treated foods. Furthermore, our bodies absorb the chemicals found in many personal hygiene products, and after years of exposure to these toxins there can be adverse cumulative effects. Improving your health is easy with just a few simple steps:

  • Choose organic and locally-grown foods because these are grown without the use of pesticides or herbicides, and buying organic helps to support local farmers and economies.
  • Limit the amount of prepackaged and processed foods that you consume.
  • Exercise. Regular exercise lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol, reduces the amount of triglycerides in the bloodstream, reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and Type-2 diabetes, and boosts immune function.
  • Choose natural health and beauty products, such as SLS free toothpaste and botanical shampoo and lotions to minimize the amount of chemicals that are absorbed into the body through the mouth and skin.
Truly Natural® Ingredients

Thyme

An essential oil that has powerful antiseptic properties.

A good place to start when it comes to taking control over your health is to use the Truly Natural gum care solutions from Dental Herb Company. These products contain no synthetic chemicals—just high quality pure essential oils and herbs such as red thyme, cinnamon bark, peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, echinacea, gotu kola and green tea.

SLS Free Toothpaste: Another Holistic Choice for Better Oral Health

Dental Herb Company offers 100% all natural oral care products, including a natural toothpaste made from the highest quality pure essential oils and herbal extracts. Because all Dental Herb Company products contain precisely calculated proportions of these botanicals, they provide maximum therapeutic efficacy. We strongly believe in using holistic alternatives when it comes to oral care, not only because scientific studies have proven them to be efficacious in minimizing the presence of harmful bacteria and fighting bad breath, but because limiting one’s exposure to toxins is critical in ensuring good health. Dental Herb Company products, including our SLS-free Essentials toothpaste, are proven effective. Once you try them for yourself and experience the refreshing taste and clean feeling in your mouth, you won’t want to brush your teeth with anything else.

References:

  1. “How Calcium Works.” Calciumtherapy.com. Calcium Therapy Institute, n.d. Web. <http://www.calciumtherapy.com/how-calcium-works/>.
  2. Zimmer, Carl. “How Microbes Defend and Define Us.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 13 July 2010. Web. <http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/13/science/13micro.html?pagewanted=all>.