Whether or not you’re a fan of holistic healing or are interested in science; I think we can all agree that some ingredients are better than others. Toothpaste is full of complicated sounding names, but how do you know what’s actually good and potentially hazardous?
Let’s start with fluoride; this is one of the most debated topics in not only dentistry, but also in public health, as many states in the US have fluoride in their water. While ingesting too much of the chemical can be detrimental to children’s teeth; in recent studies they found no risks associated with the cavity-killing substance. If you’re still skeptical, there are plenty of fluoride-free pastes available; but we say: go for the fluoride!
Avoid: Triclosan. This antibacterial is currently under review by the FDA because of its suggested link to the decreasing of thyroid hormones, which helps regulate metabolism. Other reports suggest that Triclosan can increase the body’s resistance to antibiotics. This is definitely a risky ingredient, which you may want to avoid next time you’re in the market for a new tube of toothpaste. Until the FDA thoroughly investigates this ingredient, start paying attention to the labels!
A good rule of thumb is to look for the ADA seal when you head down the tooth care aisle. This ensures that you’re using high-quality ingredients without any questionables thrown into the mix. There is also a list of ADA-certified toothpastes for you to look up your favorite paste.
