Nature's Way - Toothpaste

Toothpaste manufacturers would like us to believe that the only proper way to care for our teeth is with expensive, highly flavoured toothpastes that come in non-biodegradable tubes. What they don’t tell you is that there are risks with using toothpaste, especially for children if they have fluoride.

Fluoride is poisonous! Although it could be helpful to our teeth in low dosage, chronic exposure to fluoride in large amounts interferes with bone formation. In this way, the greatest examples of fluoride poisoning arise from fluoride-rich ground water. In advanced countries, most cases of fluoride exposure are due to the ingestion of dental fluoride products.

Although exposure to these products does not often cause toxicity, in one study thirty percent of children exposed to fluoride dental products developed mild symptoms .

Symptoms of fluoride poisoning can include abdominal pain, diarrhoea, hyper salivation, nausea and vomiting. Neurological symptoms include headache, muscle weakness, hyperactive reflexes and muscular spasms. In severe cases, multi-organ failure will occur.

Children can also experience gastrointestinal distress upon ingesting sufficient amounts of flavoured toothpaste. Adults and children alike are also exposed to harmful, artificial sweeteners in toothpaste which are toxic to your body.

The following table shows the health concerns based on commonly used whitening toothpaste.

Nature’s Way Alternatives
Dental care is so simple in many ways. Our body is designed to heal itself, so if we are consistent with preventative methods then our body should take care of the rest. My solution is simple - bicarbonate of soda. By sprinkling a little dry powder on a dry toothbrush and brushing, you have your toothpaste problems solved. It’s safe for adults and children.

Bicarbonate of soda is a soft, dissolvable, mild abrasive substance that kills bacteria and all of the microorganisms associated with infections. It will also prevent plaque build up by neutralising and detoxifying bacterial acids and toxins.

Results:
• Clean teeth
• Fresh breath
• Kill germs and bacteria
• Nicer ‘morning’ breath
• Save money

Cautions:
• Inflamed and bleeding gums

Eric used bicarbonate of soda twice a day but his gums became inflamed and had some slight bleeding. We discovered that this was due to the fact that he brushed his teeth in an up and down motion rather than in small circles. Also he brushed his teeth with a hard toothbrush and applied a lot of pressure when brushing. After brushing less harshly and in a circular motion his gums returned to normal.

Nature’s Way Toothpaste

Ingredients:
Bicarbonate of soda

Method:
Sprinkle bicarbonate of soda onto your toothbrush and brush teeth in a small circles. Lightly brush tongue too.

For added benefits put a couple of drops of diluted distilled vinegar or apple cider vinegar on your toothbrush. Vinegar helps to kill bacteria and prevent the build-up of calculus, more commonly known as tartar. Either brushing or rinsing with vinegar reduces the risk of gingivitis.

Now it's your turn.
Over the next few weeks try using bicarbonate of soda instead of your regular toothpaste and let us know the results by posting your findings in the comment box below.  If you have any other tips or suggestions for cleaning your teeth please let us know.  

Find out more about Nature's Way here.