Lilou Organics recently found an online article about organic oral care on thegreenguide.com by Danielle Masterson. We'd like to share with you exerpts of her informative article titled "Take Care of Your Teeth Without Chemicals":
Supermarket shelves abound with toothbrushes, toothpastes, dental floss and mouthwashes claiming to be the "latest and greatest" in oral care. From tartar control and fresher breath to whiter smiles and fewer cavities, the choices can be dizzying.
Like any other personal care product, those meant for oral hygiene can be laden with unnecessary chemicals, some of which can adversely affect our health due to carcinogenic, tumor enhancing and skin damaging properties. However, there are a few key ingredients to avoid and alternatives to be found when browsing the shelves.
Toothpastes
Toothpastes play a leading role in our daily routines. We brush our teeth to ward off plaque, gingivitis and bad breath. And the American Dental Association (ADA) recommends that we brush twice daily for good oral health. Yet in the process, could we also be exposing our teeth and gums to unnecessary chemicals? The answer depends on the product you use.
Toothpastes often contain a number of chemicals, cleansers and sweeteners, many of which can be found on the Green Guide's "Dirty Dozen" list. Common chemicals to be on the look out for include sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS), which may damage the skin and gums; hormone-disrupting parabens, which may be linked to the development of breast cancer; and other synthetics such as artificial sweeteners.
A number of natural toothpastes can be found in either your local grocery store or co-op. These products are free from potentially harmful additives, have met federal safety requirements and still taste great and leave your mouth fresh and clean. With a variety of purposes and flavors, your choices are anything but limited.
Before you commit to a new toothpaste, you might want to consider whether fluoride is a necessary part of your oral care routine. For more information on the pros and cons of fluoride, read "Protecting Your Kids This Fall: Fluoride, Ozone and Mercury."
Click the picture to purchase a non-floride toothpaste today:
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