ORGANIC TOOTHPASTE

Fluoride

Fluoride (which appears in toothpaste as either sodium fluoride, sodium monofluorophosphate or stannous fluoride) is the only toothpaste ingredient approved by the US Food and Drug Administration to prevent cavities. However, fluoride has also been the subject of controversy, mainly because various consumer groups are opposed to municipal governments adding fluoride to drinking water for dental hygiene purposes. But one important distinction to make is that fluoride in drinking water is ingested, while fluoride in toothpaste is not (when used as directed). Because of this, the risk of suffering adverse effects from fluoride in toothpaste is minimal (although parents with small children should be aware that accidental ingestion of fluoride toothpaste can cause serious poisoning). In addition, the efficacy of fluoride in preventing cavities and tooth decay is well established. Despite this evidence to suggest that fluoride in toothpaste is safe and effective, several organic toothpaste companies make toothpaste that does not contain fluoride. Unfortunately, these alternatives have not been shown to be as effective in preventing cavities.

Sodium Laurel Sulfate

Sodium laurel sulfate is found in toothpastes and shampoos and is used to produce foam. While this chemical is a proven skin irritant, rumors that sodium laurel sulfate is carcinogenic (cancer causing) have been disproved by various scientific and advocacy organizations, including the American Cancer Society. While this chemical might be avoided in shampoos because it can strip the hair of moisture, when used in toothpaste, sodium laurel sulfate is considered safe for everyday use. In fact, many organic companies that produce toothpaste still use the ingredient in their products, but if consumers want to avoid sodium laurel sulfate in their toothpaste, several organic companies produce a product which uses a foaming agent called glycyrrhizin (a chemical derived from licorice root) as an alternative.

Triclosan

Triclosan is used in toothpaste as an antibacterial chemical. It is considered by the Environmental Protection Agency as a pesticide, and evidence suggests that it may cause cancer by itself or in combination with other chemicals. In addition, triclosan forms chloroform gas when combined with water, which can damage the liver and cause other health problems. The health risks associated with triclosan are well documented, and several law firms have started to represent victims that believe they have been affected by the chemical. It makes sense to avoid triclosan, and every major organic company that manufactures toothpaste does so without adding this potentially harmful chemical.

Organic Toothpaste

There are a growing number of organic and eco-friendly companies that manufacture toothpaste without using triclosan and sodium laurel sulfate. Although evidence suggests that flouride is safe to use in toothpaste and effective in preventing cavities, consumers who doubt this claim will be happy to know that at least one major organic toothpaste manufacturer has a brand of toothpaste available that does not contain flouride. Find these products at stores like Whole Foods Market or purchase them online.