Is your tooth whitener toxic?
If you’re using a commercial whitening product, it very well could be.
These formulas typically contain chemical bleaching agents.
One study found that rats fed a chemical often added to tooth whitening solutions developed digestive problems. Some of these animals died.
I know that rats aren’t people. This study doesn’t necessarily mean the same results are seen in people.
But still.
Why would you want to use something that’s shown such disastrous results in animals?
Yet many people using these products apparently have no idea that a beauty product sold over the country could potentially harm your health.
Is Your Tooth Whitener Toxic?
(This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything I receive a referral fee, at no extra cost to you.)
Just to be clear, I need to point out that the research I’m referencing does not mean humans will suffer the same effects as the rats.
That’s because pound for pound, the rats were fed more of the commercial tooth whitening product than a human would swallow with regular use.
Also, studies in animals don’t automatically translate to humans.
But because this particular whitening agent (carbamide peroxide) is so toxic to rodents, we can’t ignore the findings.
This study was published in the Journal of Dental Research. There were 22 female rats and most developed digestive problems, along with low body temperatures and depressed respiration. The whitener was fatal for three of the animals.
At the bottom of this post I linked to the study. So you can read it yourself.
Teeth Whitening Side Effects Truth
Please understand that I’m not saying you’ll get sick or die if you use a chemical tooth whitening product.
But I believe everyone should know about the rat study.
That way they are free to make their own choice, once they have the info they need.
These products are marketing aggressively. Tooth whitening is a huge industry. Because everyone wants to have a movie star smile.
But we need to know there’s a potential risk of toxicity.
We have the right to know the truth. We have the right to know that animals have died after ingesting a popular tooth whitening chemical.
It’s also been reported that chemical tooth whiteners can make your teeth feel more sensitive.
It’s nice to think that anything on the market sold as a beauty product is 100 percent healthy. That someone is protecting us.
But we need to be very careful with chemical beauty products, and not just tooth whiteners.
Many beauty products also contain hormone disrupting chemicals known as parabens.
Even mascara can be toxic. In the United States it’s legal to add mercury to the formula.
Natural Tooth Whitening Systems
Tooth whitening is a huge industry. NPR reported that worldwide it generates $3.2 billion in worldwide sales.
Fortunately, the market has responded and you’ll now find natural whitening toothpastes.
Many of these contain charcoal. However, you should also know that many dentists are not big fans of charcoal toothpaste or whitening agents. Because used too often, charcoal can damage the enamel.
You can read more about this debate in an earlier post, which contains information on how to use activated charcoal for tooth whitening.
Another more natural option that I haven’t tried yet is turmeric tooth powder, which you can see below.
I can’t guarantee that it will produce the results you want. But it’s certainly one way to avoid potentially toxic whitening agents, known to kill rats.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Women who are pregnant or nursing should not use herbal remedies unless directed to by a healthcare expert.
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