The market for natural products has skyrocketed over the past few years. In response to the demand for healthier foods, body care products and household cleaning products, grocery stores across the country now have aisles dedicated to organic and natural products. What’s driving the change? One important reason is the increase in public information regarding the dangers of ingesting chemicals.

Unfortunately, more that 80,000 chemicals available in the U.S. have not been fully tested for their potential toxic effects on human health and the environment. Consequently, the effects of these chemicals are not fully understood. For example, triclosan is used in personal care products such as toothpaste, shampoo, soap and cosmetics for its ability to retard bacterial growth. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to allow the use of triclosan, while it is actively engaged in a scientific and regulatory review of the chemical.1 In addition, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) currently regulates triclosan as a pesticide, and is only now staging a comprehensive review of the ongoing research of its adverse endocrine effects. If scientific evidence supports negative health consequences for human use, the EPA says it will change current regulations.2 The larger question is how long before we really know if it is safe to use.

Consumer demand continues to change the marketplace. Earlier this year, Johnson & Johnson became the first major manufacturer to remove chemicals such as formaldehyde, parabens, triclosan and phthalates from all baby products. Johnson & Johnson spokeswoman, Samantha Lucas, said the company needed to be “responsive to our consumers because it’s really about their peace of mind.”3

The peace of mind natural toothpaste provides

For consumers looking for the peace of mind that chemical-free products provide, an all natural toothpaste may be the right choice for several reasons:

Natural toothpaste is usually gentler on teeth and gums.

In addition to triclosan, many conventional types of toothpaste contain an additive known as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), an inexpensive and effective foaming agent. Some medical studies have linked SLS to an increased risk of developing canker sores and to aggravated levels of gum disease. A study performed at the University of Oslo reported that symptoms of gum disease resolved 40 times faster when SLS-free toothpaste was used.4

Natural toothpaste can benefit people with challenging medical conditions.

Cancer patients frequently experience mouth sores from chemotherapy. This is caused by a decrease in the body’s ability to replace the cells of the mucous lining at a normal rate. Both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetics are more susceptible than non-diabetics to developing serious gum disease that can lead to tooth loss, as are people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In all cases, the harsh additives found in conventional toothpastes exacerbate the conditions that make it more difficult for people living with these medical conditions to maintain optimal oral health.

Dental Herb Company’s Tooth & Gums Essentials Toothpaste® is a professional strength toothpaste formulated with green tea extract to gently clean teeth, reduce oral bacteria and freshen breath. Essentials Toothpaste is triclosan-free and SLS-free. Its precisely calculated proportions of pure essential oils work synergistically with alcohol-free extracts of organically grown herbs to reduce oral bacteria, promote healing and maintain healthy teeth and gums.

Dental Herb Company has a unique line of Truly Natural® oral care products, made from the highest quality essential oils and organic herbal extracts that work together to provide exceptional cleansing as well as therapeutic benefits. Our holistic approach to oral care is based on decades of research.

Herbs and their beneficial properties have been safely and effectively used in oral care for thousands of years. At Dental Herb Company we know how powerful botanicals are in minimizing harmful oral bacteria, combating bad breath, and promoting healthy teeth and gums. Using natural dental products is an easy way to minimize everyday exposure to toxins—and provide peace of mind.

References:

  1. “Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know.” Fda.gov. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. Web. <http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm>.
  2. “Triclosan Facts.” EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. <http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm>.
  3. Kay, Jane. “Johnson & Johnson Removes Some Chemicals from Baby Shampoo, Other Products.” Scientificamerican.com. Scientific American Mind, 6 May 2013. Web. <http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=johnson-and-johnson-removes-some-chemicals-from-baby-shampoo-other-products>.
  4. Herlofson, BB, and P. Barkvoll. “Desquamative Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on Oral Mucosa. A Preliminary Study.” Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7825393>.