Not all toothpaste is created equal. In fact, most of the commercial brands that can be found on the market are a bit more than a mixture of sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride, propylene glycol, food dyes, sweeteners, and flavors that are artificial. To avoid all the unnecessary chemicals, in this article we will show you how to prepare your own homemade teeth whitening paste.
Surprisingly, the compound sodium fluoride which is the active compound in most of the toothpastes, takes about 1% of the ingredients of the actual product.
The ingredients that take 99% of the toothpaste could actually be very harmful for the health. We get a hint of this when we see that the label on the toothpaste states that we should not swallow the product.
Below are some toothpaste’s ingredients that are controversial and you should be aware of:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES)
These ingredients make toothpaste foamy. They are also found in soap, hand cream, shampoo, and mouthwash. They are also used like surfactants in pest and weed control products, engine degreasers, and in car washes soaps.
According to the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep: Cosmetic Safety Reviews, research studies on SLS have shown dangerous side effects including:
- Skin and eye irritation
- Mutations and possible cancer
- Organ toxicity
- Reproductive and developmental toxicity
- Endocrine disruption
- Biomechanical or cellular changes
Such as other chemicals, it is long term exposure that is most concerning. The impacts of this chemical build up in the body over time.
Artificial Sweeteners
They make the toothpaste very appealing, flavorful and sweet. However, this comes at a cost as artificial ingredients are used to produce a taste that is very desirable. Sweeteners that are fake that include aspartame, which can be found in soda, can be the reason for causing allergic reactions, bringing on headaches and also irritating oral tissue and gums.
Food Dye Blue #1
Many toothpaste brands use food dyes to produce an attractive blue and green color. Food dyes are highly controversial and are made from coal tar. According to the Food Freedom Network, Blue #1 causes kidney tumors in mice.
Fluoride
Even the fluoride, that is supposed to help protect our teeth, has a warning label slapped on it from the FDA stating, “If accidentally more than the amount used for brushing is swallowed, immediately contact poison control or get medical help. It should be kept away from children under the age of six.”
What About Whiteners?
In addition to toothpaste, a broad spectrum of whiteners can be purchased that promise stain-removing power. Americans spend millions each year on products to whiten their teeth. Unfortunately, these products that contain powerful bleaching properties may cause gum irritation and damage tooth enamel.
How To Make Your Own Safe, Non Toxic Homemade Teeth Whitening Paste
To avoid the unnecessary chemicals, try making your own homemade teeth whitening paste. Not only will this whitener clean your teeth but it will leave them sparkling white.
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/3 cup hydrogen peroxide
- 4 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops spearmint essential oil
Equipment:
- small glass jar with lid
Instructions:
- Gather all ingredients and the jar.
- Measure the baking soda and the hydrogen peroxide.
- Carefully pour the baking soda into the jar and add the hydrogen peroxide. Mix well.
- Add essential oils and stir really well.
Make sure to shake before each use. Only brush your teeth 2 to 3 times a week with this mix due to the baking soda being so abrasive.
