Prue writes for Choice magazine about why natural alternatives are a better choice for everyone's teeth.

Article supplied by Prue King

Young children swallow a large percentage of the toothpaste they use. It is essential that they don't use adult fluoride-containing toothpaste. (As much as 1,000 ppm fluoride, 1ppm being the supposed 'safe' concentration to fluoridate water at) as this will cause them to ingest fluoride at a level that can cause fluoro sis (mottling, brown or white spots) of the permanent teeth.

This is becoming much more widespread now, and if the child is living in a fluoridated water area, drinking tap water or having formula made up with fluoridated water then they will more than likely be ingesting too much fluoride.
Toxic effects of fluoride include brittle bones, mottled teeth, behavioural changes and an increased risk of osteosacoma (bone cancer).
Whilst fluoride may have its place in hardening the teeth when applied topically, it should be kept out of the body wherever possible.

If they are using fluoride containing toothpaste they should use a very small amount on the brush and thoroughly rinse out afterwards. There are children's low fluoride 'mainstream' toothpastes available.

Commercial toothpaste also contains sodium lauryl sulphate. The adverse effects of sodium lauryl sulphate are well documented – a gastrointestinal & liver poison, interferes with eye development in children and is a potential carcinogen, also can cause mouth ulcers.
Colours often included toothpastes are FD & C Blue Dye # 1 & 2. These can
cause behavioural, learning & developmental problems in susceptible people,
particularly children.
Also allergies, asthma, headaches & potential cancer risk. (They are made from petrochemicals).Saccharin likewise is a potential carcinogen & interferes with enzyme production, breaking down to formaldehyde in the body.

Another ingredient worth mentioning is Triclosan, a biocide included in many types of toothpaste for its antibacterial properties, causing an increase in allergies, skin irritation, GI irritation and implicated in a rise in "superbugs" - antibiotic resistant bacteria. Triclosan has been banned in Denmark and many supermarkets in the UK including Marks & Spencers. It is another potential carcinogen, stored in the fat cells & interfering with fatty acid metabolism.
All these ingredients are readily absorbed through the oral mucosa and
travel to other parts of the body so their effect is not just local. Obviously children are more susceptible to their effects, especially if they swallow large quantities of toothpaste.

Most toothpaste containing these ingredients have a health warning on them that if swallowed in quantities larger than normally used for tooth brushing they are poisonous. What does that tell you? ?

"Natural & organic toothpastes are definitely a viable alternative to the more 'mainstream', loaded with chemical options".
Some have active ingredients like T-Tree & neem oils and CoQ10 which are good for gum health, oil of cloves, baking soda to decrease acidity of the saliva and casein derived re-mineralising agents which are just as effective as fluoride in re-mineralizing teeth (University research studies).

Some will be more therapeutic and effective than others , depending on the individual's needs, but it is important to remember that thorough plaque removal with brushing and flossing is the most important part - the toothpaste isn't essential in this process, it helps the taste & freshness of breath afterwards, a little like showering with & without soap!

Advantages of 'natural' toothpastes are that they don't contain fluoride, artificial sweeteners such as saccharin, colours, flavours or sodium lauryl sulphate, and do contain more natural therapeutic agents which may improve gum health & re-mineralization of the teeth as mentioned above.
If you are interested there is much more on fluoride at this link!
Safety and adverse health effects of Fluoride

Diet and cleaning the teeth play a much more important role in preventing tooth decay than fluoride in the toothpaste or drinking water.

Options for maintaining healthy teeth & gums:

1. Brush 2 x/day,& floss at least every 2 days
2. Decrease all refined, acid-forming foods such as white flour & sugar, stick with whole, unprocessed foods (caveman diet). Beware too much soya milk, it often has added sugar & I have found a high incidence of decay in children who drink a lot of this.
3. Increase calcium-rich foods such as broccoli, green vegetables & sesame seeds.
4. Maintain a good intake of healthy oils to aid in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins.
5. See your dentist regularly so small problems can be identified early before they become large.
6. Appropriate toothpastes can be recommended - we use Neways Ultrashine which has casein-derived re-mineralizing agents, especially for young children as their teeth are developing & erupting, and Ecodent toothpowders which contain baking soda to alkalize the saliva and other oils for healthy gums, is non-abrasive and desensitizes sensitive teeth. They are both highly therapeutic without the added chemical cocktails in the 'mainstream' toothpastes. (see our web site for more details, pictures).http://www.lotusdental.com.au/products.htm

Eco-dent Natural Oral Care products

More information about Prue King
Call Lotus Health or Lotus Dental on 9953 5153

11 Aug 2010