HOW TO MAKE THE BEST CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR FAMILY’S ORAL HEALTH.
BY DR. TARRA ELLIOT
With so many toothpastes promising everything from whiter teeth to cavity prevention it can be overwhelming to decide which brand is best for you and your family. Here’s what you need to know before you make your next toothpaste purchase.
AVOID UNNECESSARY INGREDIENTS
Regardless of what your toothpaste promises on the label, it’s important to read all ingredients before making your purchase. Too many toothpastes – even ones that claim to be natural – are packed with unnecessary ingredients that you don’t need and that could even be harmful to your teeth and your overall health.
One of the most unnecessary ingredients in toothpaste is Triclosan. Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical present in many soaps, sanitizers and some toothpastes. Some states in the U.S. have started to ban the chemical and many companies are starting to exclude it from their products due to it potential negative side effects. Not only can taking too many antibacterial chemicals build up bacterial resistance, experts are unsure of the long-term effects of using antibacterial agents such as Triclosan. Studies have linked Tricolsan to cancer cell growth and Tricolsan has been found to disrupt development in animals. While the amount of Tricolsan in toothpaste isn’t likely significant enough to be cancer causing, it’s good to limit Triclosan wherever possible as the negative effects are likely cumulative and there is no proven benefit for oral care.
If you are looking for antibacterial effects from your toothpaste opt for natural ingredients instead such as oregano or tea tree oil, which offer the benefits without any risk.
Most traditional toothpastes also contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a sudsing agent used in toothpaste, soap and shampoo to make the products foam and disperse the ingredients. While it’s not proven to be dangerous, it has been linked to negative oral side effects such as burning sensation, desquamative or “peeling” gums and canker sores, particularly in people who are prone to them. It is tough to find any toothpaste without SLS, even natural toothpastes. However, SLS has a long history of safe use and checking the label will ensure that it is used only at the levels needed to deliver its intended purpose and be safe.
Anti-tartar toothpastes may contain sodium pyrophosphates that are also linked to the above side effects.
Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive chemicals that can actually harm teeth and should be avoided for every day use. They are meant to remove extrinsic or surface stains caused by recent red wine, coffee, tobacco or other staining food item consumption through an abrasive action. Over time, this will wear down your tooth enamel, and may cause your teeth to become more sensitive by decreasing the protective barrier around your teeth. They are fine to use once or twice a week, but you should choose a more basic toothpaste with minimal added chemicals for every day use.
DO YOU NEED FLUORIDE?
There is a lot of debate surrounding fluoride and there are pros and cons to both sides. On one hand, there are benefits to using some fluoride – especially in children. Fluoride makes developing teeth more resistant to tooth decay and is proven to reduce the risk of cavities.
Therefore, pregnant women and children under the age of 16 are advised to have some fluoride to strengthen developing teeth and toothpaste is often the easiest form. The amount of fluoride in toothpaste is optimized to provide cavity prevention. However, strict adherence to recommendations of not swallowing and using it in small amounts should be followed to prevent the harmful effects that fluoride is often known for. This is the opposite side of the debate: too much fluoride can actually have a negative impact on the chemical structure of your teeth, resulting in white spots or, in extreme cases, brown mottled enamel. Ingestion of large quantities of fluoride can also cause brittle bones. However, with the small amount present in toothpastes, the systemic risk is minimal to none if instructions are followed. This is why it is important for children to learn to spit before using fluoride-enhanced products so they are not swallowing them. It is important to remember that fluoride is present in most tap water so drinking water and getting regular fluoride treatments at your dental visits may be sufficient for some people.
Once teeth have fully developed (about age 16), fluoride is not necessary if you have exemplary oral hygiene and visit your dentist on a regular basis. However, if you have a diet high in demineralizing agents such as acidic drinks and sugar, or you are prone to cavities, fluoride is advised to promote remineralization and to keep your enamel strong. In addition, as gums start to recede and roots are exposed, fluoride will help prevent this softer area of the tooth from demineralizing and lessen the risk of cavities and reduce root or tooth sensitivity.
JUST BRUSH
The primary benefit of brushing your teeth comes from the mechanical action of removing plaque and disrupting the bacterial colonies, not the actual toothpaste. Proper brushing technique can actually supersede the need for any type of toothpaste. However, most people like the breath freshening quality of toothpastes and fluoride does offer many benefits. Other than that, you don’t need a lot of extras. Simple and natural are your best options. VM
BRUSHING BASICS
– Brush two or three times a day, for two minutes each time.
– Electric toothbrushes are often more effective than a manual toothbrush and many come with a timer and pressure gauge.
– Floss every night, preferably before you brush.
– The evening clean is the most important to rid the buildup from the day and also because saliva acts as a natural buffering agent and saliva production decreases at night
– Visit your dentist every six months, or if you are prone to gum issues or cavities every three to four months.
TRY: OregaFRESH P73 Toothpaste by North American Herb & Spice
This chemical-free toothpaste contains no fluoride or Triclosan, and uses oregano P73 as a natural antibacterial agent. It’s naturally foamy, without sodium lauryl sulfate, and is perfect for the entire family. Also, OregaFRESH is so effective a pea size amount is all that’s needed. (Available exclusively at myVIVAstore.com)
