Clean and Healthy Teeth
Posted: Sunday, April 13th, 2008
Just recently, Jonah and I stopped using commercial toothpastes because we were reading so much negative information about them. We were using higher quality fluouride free/ sugar free natural toothpastes from the natural foods store, but even those toothpastes had unfavorable ingredients in them. The main ingredient in almost all commercial toothpastes that is harmful to teeth and gums is glycerin. It’s added to toothpastes as a natural sweetener and for consistency, but when it is applied to the teeth it coats them and prevents re-enamelization. A few weeks ago I wrote a post about the dangers of flouride in water and toothpaste, but now I would to call your attention to glycerin which is in pretty much every toothpaste on the store shelves.
For the last month we have been making our own toothpastes. I mixed up a concoction of baking soda, sea salt, bentonite clay, and essential oils and diluted it with water. After brushing with it for a few weeks we decided it was too abrasive and we needed to find something else. Jonah found a site online called A Wild Soap Bar that makes tooth soap made with all natural safe and effective ingredients. We have been using it for a few days now and we like it. It’s a little strange brushing with soap, but it feels good and I think my teeth like it. Jonah has gum and sensitive teeth issues so we’ll see what happens with him, but so far he likes the tooth soap too. Check out Tooth Savior and see what it’s all about! Also, check out Wild Soap’s resources page where you will find tons more information about health and sustainability.