Organic Toothpaste

Avoid Conventional Toothpaste

How to avoid toxic ingredients such as the ones found in Colgate, Sensodyne, Crest, Aquafresh, and MI paste. If you currently use any of these brands, switch to better brands! What to avoid in conventional, aka toxic toothpaste:

Parabens: Methylparaben and propylparaben preservatives are known to mimic estrogen and may pose a health risk. 

Fluoride ion: Risks from ingesting fluoride toothpaste include permanent tooth discoloration (dental fluorosis), stomach ailments, acute toxicity, skin rashes (perioral dermatitis), and impairment in glucose metabolism.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): It causes side effects such as hair loss and respiratory problems, amongst others. Also known as SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate), it has been shown to have dioxins, which are commonly known to deprive plants and trees from producing foliage. 

Synthetic dyes

Synthetic preservatives

Ethoxylated 

Quaternary ammonium compounds

Microbeads: plastic

Artificial Flavors

❌ Parabens

Saccharin: Chemical sweetener 

Avoid Fluoride Toothpaste 

Many of you asked me what I think of fluoride toothpaste. Three words: don’t buy it! Read this 

The FDA now requires a poison warning on every Fluoride toothpaste. Risks from ingesting fluoride toothpaste are tooth discoloration, acute toxicity, skin rashes, stomach sensitivities, nausea, and impairment in glucose metabolism! The risks are even higher for children! ​ ​

❌ Fluoride: According to Fluoridealert.orgFDA requires a poison warning on every tube of fluoride toothpaste now sold in the USThe FDA requires this warning because children who swallow too much fluoride toothpaste can suffer acute poisoning, even death.

Over 95% of the toothpaste sold in the U.S. contains fluoride.

Risks from ingesting fluoride toothpaste include permanent tooth discoloration (dental fluorosis), stomach ailments, acute toxicity, skin rashes (perioral dermatitis), and impairment in glucose metabolism. 

Avoid Greenwashing Toothpaste

🍃Many of you asked me why some “natural toothpaste” brands are not recommended.

Here is why: they are greenwashing!

 We already know how to avoid conventional toxic ingredients, but we also need to recognize these other controversial ingredients found in so many natural products pushed by many green beauty bloggers.

These products contain controversial ingredients and include California Proposition 65 Warnings.

❌ Titanium dioxideOnce considered by the FDA as GRASE (generally recognized as safe and effective) and not misbranded, Titanium dioxide is no longer considered safe.  

Titanium dioxide: Classified as expected to be toxic or harmful. Toxic when ingested

❌ Silica: Persistence and bioaccumulation (high) SilicaMany greenwashing brands are using it. Silica is controversial when it is in powder form for its inhalation risks, particularly affecting the lungs and respiratory system, and hydrated silica can be too rough and abrasive. It can strip away your enamel and dentin, creating sensitivity and leading to gum recession. Harsh abrasives in toothpaste can lead to tooth sensitivity, especially if you brush too hard. Choose a soft-bristled toothbrush.

❌ Propanediol: Enhanced skin absorption, Endocrine disruption, and Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs) (high)

❌ Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil: Irritant (eyes, skin, or lungs)

❌ Soy: Conventional soy is not an organic ingredient, which means you are getting pesticides.

Carrageenan: The International Agency for Research on Cancer and the National Research Council of the US have both determined that carrageenan is a carcinogen.

Phenoxyethanol: is a preservative, and it can have adverse effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems, linked to allergic contact uritica and dermatitis. Classified as toxic or harmful. Made by the reaction of corrosive phenol with carcinogen ethylene oxide.

Exposure to phenoxyethanol has been linked to reactions ranging from eczema[2] to severe, life-threatening allergic reactions.[3] Infant oral exposure to phenoxyethanol can acutely affect nervous system function.[4]

Avoid Hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) Toothpaste 

It is not FDA-approved. Nano Hydroxyapatite is banned in Europe UE.

On February 11, 2022, the European Commission notified the World Trade Organisation (WTO) of the future ban of nano Hydroxyapatite due to concerns that it may be genotoxic (damage the DNA).

Nano Hydroxyapatite (nHAp) is prohibited from being used in European cosmetic products. The EC committee concludes that hydroxyapatite is unsafe by adopting a cosmetic regulation that bans its use in cosmetic products due to its potential risk of toxicity.

History

Synthetic HAP-containing toothpastes were first developed by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) for astronauts who, in the absence of gravity, were losing mineral content in their bones and teeth[8]. In 1970, the Japanese company Sangi LTD purchased the rights to synthetic HAP from NASA and launched the first-ever HAP toothpaste

Hydroxyapatite types

Hydroxyapatite toothpastes contain hydroxyapatite particles in

  • Micro Hydroxyapatite form

  • Nanocrystalline Hydroxyapatite form

HAP Crystal Shapes 

Studies show Effects of the physical properties of nano-sized hydroxyapatite crystals on cellular toxicity in renal epithelial cells:

The cytotoxicity of the four kinds of HAP crystals was ranked as follows: H-Sphere > H-Needle > H-Rod > H-Plate. The cytotoxicity of each crystal was positively correlated with low absolute zeta potential, conduciveness to internalized morphology, large specific surface area and aspect ratio, and small particle size. These results indicated that nano-HAP could damage HK-2 cells, and the physical properties of HAP crystals play a vital effect in their cytotoxicity.

Also, companies using N-HAP don’t differentiate or disclose particle size or shape, and it’s not always apparent if nanoparticles are being used. 

 

Nano Hydroxyapatite not recommended: synthetic and toxic 

Toothpaste using nano-Ha has particle sizes between 20-80 nanometers (nm).

The main benefit of nano-HAp is that it’s likely more able to prevent sensitive teeth than micro-HAp.

Micro Hydroxyapatite  

The larger particle sizes can apply more pressure on various areas of your face or body. However, this can lead to irritation and discomfort if you have sensitive skin and should be avoided if possible!

It’s likely more able to create sensitivity in your teeth than nano-HAp.

 

 

Nano-hydroxyapatite is a synthetic form of hydroxyapatite modified with a nano-scale crystalline structure. Proponents of nano-hydroxyapatite (NAHA), also known as calcium phosphate, is the main substance in your teeth, making up 97% of enamel and 70% of dentin. It is considered a safe fluoride alternative. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) cannot conclude on the safety of hydroxyapatite.

SCCS

SCCS 2023: “Based on the data provided, the SCCS considers hydroxyapatite (nano) safe when used at concentrations up to 10% in toothpaste and up to 0.465% in mouthwash. This safety evaluation only applies to the hydroxyapatite (nano) with the following characteristics: – composed of rod-shaped particles of which at least 95.8% (in particle number) have an aspect ratio of less than 3, and the remaining 4.2% have an aspect ratio not exceeding 4.9; – the particles are not coated or surface modified.”

 

 

“Does the SCCS have any further scientific concerns with regard to the use of hydroxyapatite (nano) in oral cosmetic products? This Opinion is not applicable to hydroxyapatite (nano) composed of needle-shaped particles. Although the use of hydroxyapatite (nano) is indicated also for breath spray, no data were provided to allow assessment of consumer safety from inhalation exposure. Therefore, this Opinion is not applicable to sprayable products that might lead to exposure of the consumer’s lungs to nanoparticles by inhalation.”

Since this is a review applicable in Europe only, it is very challenging to check if they are actually using concentrations up to 10% in toothpaste and up to 0.465% in mouthwash, and check the size and shapes of hydroxyapatite used in oral care products, I recommend to avoid it.

 

In addition to lung inflammation, NAHA was found to create free radical damage in the liver. Hydroxyapatite was also found to damage kidney tissue in animal studies. One study found NAHA damaged human DNA in vitro studies. The available information indicates that nano-hydroxyapatite in needle-shaped form is of concern in relation to potential toxicity. Therefore, needle-shaped nano-hydroxyapatite should not be used in cosmetic products.

“The Commission has concerns on the use of Hydroxyapatite in nano form because of the potential for nanoparticles to be absorbed dermal or across a mucous membrane and to enter cells.” Hydroxyapatite (nano) is fully synthetic and inorganic.

“However, it was concluded that in many cases, the studies were not performed according to the OECD or the EU guidelines and that important information on the nature of the particles (as outlined below) was missing. Therefore, no definite conclusions on safety could be reached, and the Opinion was inconclusive. The Opinion, however, highlighted that needle-shaped HAP-nano ‘is of concern in relation to potential toxicity [and] should not be used in cosmetic products’.”

“the SCCS has concluded that the evidence, both that provided in the submission and that available in the scientific literature, is insufficient to allow drawing a conclusion on the safety of nanohydroxyapatite when used in oral cosmetic products.”

“The studies investigated inflammatory responses of HAP-nano in rats’ gastric or renal tissue following oral uptake.” “The authors reported…a decline in stomach antioxidant enzymes, reduction in glutathione level, induction in lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide, as well as interference with various pro-inflammatory gene products, were observed. Moreover, HAPnano administration was associated with intense histological changes in kidney architecture and immunoreactivity.

 

Conclusion:

I don’t recommend using something synthetic that has not been properly tested since it ends up in the digestive system. I recommend an all-organic toothpaste made WITH ONLY natural ingredients and NO synthetic ingredients, a dental probiotic for cavity prevention, and also natural mouthwash for extra cleaning, flossing, and oil pulling. 

 

That’s why you need to read the label carefully! ​Check your toothpaste: If it contains fluoride, hydroxyapatite, or other not recommended ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate, carrageenan, flavors, and titanium dioxide, it is time to replace your toothpaste with a safer one! By choosing organic, you are sure that only natural and safe ingredients are in your mouth! 👄

The Best Organic Toothpaste 

🌿 We want the best toothpaste since we need to put it in our mouths! By choosing organic, you are sure that only natural and safe ingredients are in your mouth! 👄

On this page, you can find the best organic, natural, and safest toothpaste brands on the market!

  • ✅ Fluoride-free
  • ✅ Hydroxyapatite-free
  • ✅ Titanium dioxide-free
  • ✅ Carrageenan-free
  • ✅ Chemical free: Artificial flavor-free, SLS-free…
  • ✅ California Proposition 65 Warning-free.
  • ✅ Gluten-free, Corn-free, Soy-free, GMO-free

 

NOTE

  • If you are shopping for glutamate-free toothpaste, I recommend it without natural flavors as well. Essential oils are the best!

  • If you have acid reflux (GERD), I don’t recommend minty flavors

Now you are ready to shop for my favorite toothpaste brands. 🌸

🌿There is also a page for recommended kids’ toothpaste brands.

 

Shop with my links to support my research!💖

 

California Proposition 65 Warning!!CA Prop 65 Warning Symbol

 

I was surprised AND shocked when I discovered the California Proposition 65 Warning on this natural Weleda Children toothpaste.

What is the California Proposition 65 Warning?

The California Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment provides the public with information on chemicalsproducts, and locations often associated with Proposition 65 warnings. 

 

These warnings inform Californians about their exposures to chemicals that cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm

This warning is available ONLY for California Consumers.

Proposition 65 requires businesses to provide warnings to Californians about significant exposures to chemicals. This enables Californians to make informed decisions about their exposures to these chemicals.

How about Organic products?

Even products made with natural or certified organic ingredients can carry the warning.

The challenge is to find Organic and without prop 65 warning. That’s why we need to check for California Proposition 65 Warning before buying a product, even it is considered natural or organic!

This is what California’s Proposition 65 Warning looks like for California residents: