Today I am sharing my very favorite oral care line after many, many trial-and-error products. I just could NOT find a toothpaste I loved that really whitened my teeth, freshened breath, and was safe for nursing and pregnancy, too. My kids were the hardest to please….they HATED all the safer toothpaste brands and wanted some good ole’ bubblegum-flavored toothpaste! Hah! I have to say I spent more money on trying out toothpastes than I would like to admit.
So what’s the deal with toothpaste anyways? There are a few camps–I am not anti-fluoride completely, although some people are. I let the dentist use fluoride treatment on our kids, and their is plenty of fluoride in the water we drink daily, too. We don’t choose personally to use fluoride in our daily oral care, though, and here are a few reasons why: The main reason fluoride is included in many toothpastes is because it is supposed to help remineralize teeth in order to help prevent cavities. But it’s not without its risks.
In fact, if you go look on the labels of conventional toothpastes, you’re likely to find a label that reads, “WARNING,” that says in case of swallowing toothpaste, please call Poison Control. Why should a product we use for our teeth be able to potentially poison us in the process? This definitely caught my attention, especially thinking about my kids eating it daily (and yes–they eat it sometimes!)
The reason why many fluoride toothpastes have this warning is that fluoride can accumulate and build up in the body when consumed daily over time. Fluoride is also included in our water in the U.S., which can contribute to our exposure as well.
Fluoride is a neurotoxin, meaning it can affect the nervous system. In fact, pregnant women exposed to higher levels of fluoride may have children with poorer cognitive functions. Read more here about that study. Other risks associated with too much fluoride exposure include thyroid dysfunction, conditions affecting the joints and bones, such as osteoarthritis, bone cancer, and temporomandibular joint disorder (TMJ), and reproductive issues, such as lower fertility and early puberty in girls (Medical News Today).
In regards to remineralizing teeth with a fluoride toothpaste, Dr. Brite co-founder and veteran dentist, Dr. Pooneh Ramezani, DDS, says, “New research has shown that the amount of fluoride in fluoridated toothpastes and the length of time that you brush your teeth or your children’s teeth is not enough for the fluoride to have significant re-mineralization effects on the enamel of the teeth. The actual mechanical removal of plaque-causing bacteria with a toothbrush is more beneficial than using a fluoridated toothpaste."
When you are at the dentist every six months, a high concentration of fluoride is applied to your teeth using a mouthguard device to help aid in the remineralization of teeth. After a few minutes, your hygienist sucks away this fluoride solution with a high-powered suction vacuum so that you don’t accidentally ingest fluoride. This process helps prevent tooth decay and also prevents from ingestion on a daily basis.
Here are a few other ingredients you want to avoid in toothpastes:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate: SLS is a chemical that provides the foaming action in countless brands of toothpastes, soaps, shampoos, detergents, and more. The Environmental Working Group sites nearly 16,000 studies in the PubMed science library showing links between SLS and the following health concerns: skin and eye irritation, organ and reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and more.
Triclosan: Triclosan was first registered with the EPA in 1969 as a pesticide, and yet it is found in thousands of common products that transfer it to the human body. It has been detected in the urine of three-quarters of the American population. It has been linked to endocrine and thyroid disruption, inflammatory responses, allergies, muscle function impairment, and more.
Propelene Glycol: Propylene glycol is linked to cancer, reproductive damage, and extreme skin irritation, and is often used in toothpastes to give them a smooth texture.
Artificial Preservatives, Sweeteners, and Colors/Dyes: Linked to ADHD, parabens mimic estrogen and are linked to cancer. Saccharin has neurotoxic effects in some people who consume it in low-calorie or sugar-free foods.
Carrageenan: Derived from seaweed, is a common thickening agent in toothpaste. Animal studies suggest that it leads to intestinal inflammation and colon tumors. It’s probably fine in toothpaste for adults, but I’d avoid it in products used by swallowing-prone kids. Check your food labels for this too; it’s everywhere, including "natural" tootpastes.
So now let’s chat about the fun stuff–this AMAZING toothpaste and whitening pen! Y’ALL. I cannot tell you how much me, my hubs, AND my kids (!!!) love Dr. Brite. We use the mint and my kids use the berrylicious and LOVE it–and they have been hard to please.
Here are the active ingredients and the science behind them (from the Dr. Brite website)
Vitamin C: Shown to be effective for gingivitis prevention and in one study, a toothpaste containing vitamin C improved gum health (by reducing gingival index scores) compared to a toothpaste without vitamin C. Vitamin C also plays a role in keeping gums healthy and helping wounds heal. It also helps in reducing pregnancy gingivitis and is a great antioxidant combating the effects of pollution on gum health.
Organic Aloe Vera: Its moisturizing, antibacterial, and anti-fungal effects show, in some clinical studies, that it is more efficacious in mouth rinse formulations than chlorhexidine.
Organic Coconut Oil: Has antimicrobial, anti-plaque, and moisturizing effects. In one clinical study, coconut oil showed significant antimicrobial activity against S. Mutans, which is the number one bacteria that causes dental caries (cavities). Another study shows that coconut oil significantly reduces plaque build-up.
Activated Charcoal: Is a powerful adsorbent. It helps get rid of bad breath while also aiding in whitening teeth naturally.
Organic NeemExtract: Has antimicrobial properties. Has shown in multiple in-vitro (lab studies) and in clinical studies to help prevent cavities and improve gingival health.
Organic Tulsi Essential Oil: Has healing properties for the gums and antimicrobial properties against S. Mutans therefore can help prevent cavities as well.
My very, very fave has been the whitening pen. Raise your hand if you have had sensitive teeth while using whitening strips or products in the past–SO MANY of us! This will not do that, plus it’s safe to use even if you are nursing or pregnant! I’ve seen great results with the peroxide whitening pen, and it’s so easy to use. I use Gel Brite to get bright and Stay Brite to keep them from getting yellow again. Then every few weeks, I use Get Brite again for a little boost. Safe, food-grade hydrogen peroxide and coconut oil work in harmony to gently whiten teeth fast and lift deep-set stains without causing sensitivity. WINNING! Seriously, I cannot recommend Dr. Brite enough; if you’ve been looking for safe but effective oral care products, start here!
Check out all of the Dr. Brite products using my link, and get 10% off your first order and Free Shipping over $35! SHOP HERE.
Here are a few other options of safer brands as well:
Magic Mud is another brand that people are loving as well. You can find them on Amazon too!
Schmidts is another brand that people like with LOTS of different flavor options! Available at Amazon and Target!
Young Living also has thieves toothpaste that people love….it has a very distinct taste, but if you love thieves(cinnamon type flavor) you will love this! You can become a wholesale member(24% discount) under my link to purchase any Young Living Essential Oils products.
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