Sodium fluoride is added to many brands of toothpaste. The official reason is because it’s good for our teeth.
A number of scientists are beginning to question this practice. Studies show this additive may harm our health.
One of the loudest opponents is the Fluoride Action Network. Its advisory board includes a number of prominent researchers, who are sounding the alarm on this controversial additive.
Why You Should Avoid Fluoride
(This post contains affiliate links. If you click and purchase anything, I receive a commission, at no extra cost to you.)
They are joined by other voices, who also question this practice. If you’d like to read more about the fluoride debate, there is an excellent book by investigative journalist Christopher Bryson called The Fluoride Deception.
It’s well known that people who consume excess levels of fluoride can develop a condition called “fluorsis.” This causes their teeth to become mottled and discolored. In extreme cases, teeth can develop dark brown spots, or turn an unnatural shade of white.
For years, alternative health experts have been warning us against using fluoridated toothpaste. Strangely enough, though, even some of the so-called “natural” toothpastes include this questionable additive.
The debate is still raging over whether fluoride supplementation is needed, and it looks as if it won’t be settled anytime soon.
Health Concerns Fluoride
Meanwhile, we do know that sodium fluoride can interfere with the action of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland that produces hormones critical to many of our body functions. Fluoride, an industrial byproduct, is also added to public drinking water in many communities.
Fluoridation is controversial. Citizens in a growing number of cities and towns across America have successfully had it removed from their drinking water.
Many health conscious consumers now use only non-fluoridated pastes. But these are sometimes be difficult to find in brick-and-mortar outlets.
Then, there’s a fairly recent report that triclosan, a chemical antibacterial agent found in a popular brand of toothpaste, is now a possible carcinogen. So, now more reasons than ever to make sure your toothpaste doesn’t harm your health.
Please understand I’m not a licensed medical care provider. So I can’t give any health advice. All I can do is write from the perspective of a wife and mother who’s committed to keeping a non-toxic home.
Toothpastes Without Fluoride
Research has shown that fluoride can disrupt the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. This controls our body’s metabolism. When this gland isn’t doing its job properly, our overall health suffers, including our immune response and resistance to disease.
A growing number of people are concluding that fluoride may not be so good for us, despite previous assurances that we need this chemical in order to maintain good oral health. Fluoridated toothpaste labels now must warn parents of small children to contact a poison control center in the case of accidental ingestion.
I know this article is about fluoride. But I want to make mention the problem of triclosan, another potential toothpaste hazard.
Researchers have uncovered a link between this chemical, which some say resembles the notorious herbicide Agent Orange. once used in the jungles of Vietnam, and breast cancer in rodents, and fueled the growth of human breast cancer cells in the lab. These findings were published in the medical journal Chemical Research in Toxicology.
This has been used in one brand of toothpaste since 1997, according to one published report. Due to growing concerns it may be unsafe, especially in toothpaste, the State of Minnesota has banned triclosan. This legislation goes into effect in 2017.
Toothpaste Without Sodium Fluoride
In my quest to find a safer toothpaste, I turned to the Internet. Our family now uses Nature’s Gate brand. We’ve been very happy with it. We buy it in volume, so the price is less than what we used to spend on another fluoride-free product. The brand we were using, unfortunately, was not sulfate free.
Nature’s Gate toothpaste comes in several flavors, but I usually order peppermint. The first ingredient listed is calcium carbonate, a natural source of calcium. The toothpaste also contains a number of plant extracts, including aloe, pomegranate, ginger and white tea. The taste is light and refreshing. We’ve now been using this for a few years, and I’m so happy we have this affordable and healthier alternative.
Sodium Laureth Sulfate Free Toothpaste
There is one ingredient in Nature’s Gate I do need to tell you about. It’s called Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, and it sounds a little like the notorious sodium lauryl sulfate. I wouldn’t use a toothpaste with sulfates, and Nature’s Gate is sulfate free. This means it has no sodium lauryl sulfate or sodium laureth sulfate.
As far as I’m concerned, this toothpaste would be perfect if it didn’t have Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate. This ingredient is found in many “natural” and “healthy” products. Some people think it’s safe. Others have raised concerns. I have chronic nerve inflammation. So I’m need to live as toxic free as possible. But I’ve had to make some budgetary compromises. So I’m going to continue buying Nature’s Gate because it works for our family and contains no fluoride, sulfates or triclosan.
However, if this chemical concerns you, I’ve also included another option on this page, just below.
Nature’s Gate Peppermint Toothpaste
&
Toothpaste Without Fluoride SLS
One of the most chemical-free toothpastes I’ve been able to find is Jason, which contains no sulfates, fluoride, preservatives, artificial sweeteners, propylene glycol or any other controversial chemicals. It’s made from mostly calcium carbonate and plant extracts. One of the ingredients, sodium cocoyl glutamate, sounds like something to be concerned about. However, it meets the very stringent standards of the Environmental Working Group, which gives it a score of 1, for low hazard. (Regular coconut oil also has the same EWG score, as do the herbs parsley and rosemary.)
&
All Natural Tooth Powder
Nature’s Gate toothpaste seems to clean my teeth as well as the toothpastes available at the supermarket or in the drugstore. I have not personally tried Jason, but I wanted to include it, just to show the various options available. If you’re trying to go totally chemical free, you may want to think about a tooth powder.
For extra cleaning, I also periodically use Christopher’s herbal all natural tooth powder. My teeth feel very clean after I brush with this mix of all herbal ingredients. This powder also tastes great, like clove peppermint mixed together.
You can read more about Christopher’s Tooth Gum Powder here.
Disclaimer
These statements have not been approved by the FDA. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
