The mouth is highly permeable, and toothpaste can work its way into the bloodstream and central nervous system quite easily. For many years, fluoride was thought to be the single, most important ingredient in commercial toothpaste to prevent tooth decay.
In fact, fluoride is toxic and can do serious damage like other poisons, such as arsenic and lead. It suppresses thyroid function and over many years can lead to fluorosis, a crippling bone condition. It has been suggested that high amounts can be a contributing factor to Alzheimer's disease and this stuff is in virtually every kind of toothpaste being sold today.
What else is in toothpaste? There are artificial sweeteners, usually saccharin. Sodium lauryl sulfate is in normal toothpaste as well, which is the same foaming agent that is put into shampoo. There are many other weird, unpronounceable ingredients that will do more harm than good. Fortunately, there is a safer alternative.
Is Natural Toothpaste Easy to Make?
The ingredients needed to make natural toothpaste can be found in the nearest supermarket. Baking soda is one of them, an entirely natural and harmless substance. Salt is another element in natural toothpaste. Here is a way to make a paste that will do the same job as what's inside a tube of Colgate but without any obscure chemicals that will accumulate in the body. Here are the required ingredients:
- One half cup of sodium bicarbonate
- Sea salt
- Water
- One quarter cup of hydrogen peroxide
- Peppermint oil
- Glycerin
Mixing Instructions
- Get a mixing bowl and put the baking soda in it with one third of a teaspoon of salt. This will add some flavour and the salt will act as an abrasive agent. Then, blend in the hydrogen peroxide and mix this up well.
- Combine four teaspoons of glycerin with the baking soda and salt, and mix it up with water until a thick paste is formed. Glycerin will help to add consistency to the toothpaste and prevent it from drying out. It's also a natural sweetener.
- Finally, use the peppermint oil to add flavour. Ten drops will be enough to give the toothpaste a pleasant taste. Use orange, cinnamon, vanilla, lemon or whatever is most appealing.
Making natural toothpaste will save money in the long run. Store it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. It's easy to make, takes little time and there are no artificial colours or flavours.
References:
The Fluoride Deception by Christopher Bryant, Seven Stories Press, 2004
Politically Incorrect Nutrition: Finding Reality in the Mire of Food Industry Propaganda by Michael Barbee, Vital Health Publishing, 2004
Scott Hayden - Since joining Suite101 in early 2007, I've contributed articles about travel, history and health. My speciality is writing about workplace ...
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