A daily, habitual gesture that you do not pay much attention to: brush your teeth with a toothpaste. And that's the problem, the industrial toothpaste. It's part of your life but it can also ruin it. Pay attention to this carcinogenic product and adopt a natural toothpaste Do It Yourself!
Did you know that toothpastes purchased in stores are very toxic? Most trademarks contain harmful chemicals such as fluoride, glycerin, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl sulphate and triclosan. Fluoride is a by-product of aluminum manufacturing. It can also be found in rat poison and industrial pesticides. Scary!
The composition and harms of industrial dentifrices
Although the components are relatively unclear, here is the list of common "ingredients" of our industrial toothpastes:
The abrasive agents (15 to 50%) clean the enamelled surfaces by a mechanical action thus intended to remove a bacterial film on the surface of the dental plaque. They are micro-granules such as calcium carbonate and silica.
Humidifying agents constitute 10 to 30% of the dentifrice and are used to give a fluid consistency and avoid hardening in contact with the air limiting drying.
The thickeners represent 0.5% to 2% of the toothpaste. They confer and optimize the toothpaste its consistency. It can be noted the presence of xanthan gum (food additive), clay, silica gel and carrageenan E407 (marine algae).
Preservatives: they constitute 0.2% of the toothpaste and provide protection against contamination and proliferation of microorganisms (antibacterial effect)
PH stabilizers represent 1% of the toothpaste. The pH of toothpastes is between 5.5 and 10.5.
Foaming agents that promote cleaning.
Dyes: usually titanium dioxide (or E171 in the diet) to improve the whiteness of the pasta.
Aromas: Less than 1% of the formula.
The active ingredients have a cosmetic function and complementary functions such as caries prevention.
Finally, water dissolves all these different agents. Water represents about 20% of the toothpaste.
Colgate Total has recently been associated with cancer and many other health risks. The National Institute of Agronomic Research has published a study on titanium dioxide. It reveals that this dye crosses the immune barriers in the intestines and spreads in the blood. Fluoride is also at the heart of the debates with its inclusion in Europe on the list of priority hazardous substances. It is an endocrine disruptor causing harmful effects on the hormonal system.
Make your own toothpaste
Fortunately, you can make your own toothpaste with just a few ingredients available in your kitchen. This homemade toothpaste helps heal cavities, sore gums and whiten teeth.
Peppermint essential oil reduces anaerobic bacteria that, if they proliferate, can cause gingivitis.
Baking soda removes stains from the teeth. It releases free radicals that attack stains on teeth and has a whitening action.
Coconut oil has antimicrobial properties. A study published in 1972 already revealed that lauric acid was one of the most effective fatty acids to stop bacterial growth. In addition, research has shown that extraction of coconut oil in the mouth can reduce plaque buildup.
Ingredients :
- 3 tablespoons of coconut oil
- 3 tablespoons of baking soda
- 10 drops of pure peppermint essential oil
- 1 teaspoon of stevia
Preparation :
Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Pour the mixture into a jar and then seal it until use.
