Toothpaste is used to assist in good dental hygiene. Toothpaste manufacturers claim that it can reduce plaque, remove tarter, and clean and protect the teeth. Most of the cleaning action from brushing the teeth actually occurs from the abrasive back and forth action of the toothbrush. The first recorded toothpaste in 4th century Egypt was based on urine and included salt, pepper, iris flowers and mint leaves. Fortunately, toothpaste has come a long way since then. Toothpaste ingredients have changed, but there are some concerns over the toxicity of some of the chemicals used.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring chemical found in the earth. It is found in small amounts in the air, water and in some plants. Just because it is a naturally occurring component of the environment does not mean it is good for humans to ingest. A study by B.K. Drummond and M.E.J. Curzon, published in the 1985 issue of the "Journal of Dental Research," on the ingestion of toothpastes by children, found that the fluoride was absorbed into the body through the mouth from brushing with fluoride toothpastes. The conclusion was that parents should closely monitor the use of fluoride toothpaste in their children. The EPA considers fluoride a toxin.
Exposure to high levels (30 times the amount found in fluoridated water) of fluoride can cause skeletal fluorosis causing joint pain, limited range of joint movement and more brittle bones with a higher rate of fracture. Much of the concern over fluoride in toothpaste arises from the combination of higher amounts of fluoride in water, fluoride products used to protect tooth enamel and naturally occurring fluorides in plants for an overall increase of total ingested fluoride.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a surfactant (detergent) that makes the toothpaste foam up when brushing. The U.S. National Institutes of Health recommends using other ingredients in toothpaste because of the side effects of sodium lauryl sulfate. The incidence of aphthous ulcers (canker sores) was higher with the use of toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is used as a preservative and a sweetener in toothpaste. It is a non-nutritive sweetener and can have a laxative effect. Sorbitol draws water into the large intestine and stimulates bowel movements.
Tin
Tin is toxic when ingested into the human body. It can cause stomach ache, anemia, liver and kidney problems. Mild exposure to tin can cause skin and eye irritation and large doses can be lethal, according to the Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry. Tin combines with other molecules to form organic compounds such as chlorine and sulfur. Inorganic tin compounds such as stannous chloride, stannous sulfide and stannic oxide are used in toothpaste.
