As a health and nutrition counselor, I frequently receive questions concerning all kinds of health concerns. Recently, I had a question about improving dental health. I think using non-toxic mouthwash, toothpaste, and other supplements is very important. I thought this was something I would share with you.
My Answer:
Dental health is extremely important.
Every day, the average person exposes themselves to more than 100 chemicals from soaps, cosmetics, and other personal care products, like toothpaste or mouthwash. Many of these ingredients (chemicals) have been clinically researched and shown to cause serious health problems, including cancers.
In fact over 80,000+ chemicals used in body care products have never been properly tested for safety by federal regulatory agencies.
So, here is some basic information to get you started in the right direction:
Toothpaste:
If you read the boxes of some name-brand toothpastes and mouthwashes, you may see a warning to immediately call poison control if you swallow them.
The warnings are usually only on the box and not on the tube or bottle itself. We shouldn’t be putting any kind of poison in our mouths at all because the mouth is highly absorbent.
I buy brands that are free of poison and not harmful to my body. I use a toothpaste and mouthwash free of fluoride, alcohol or other toxins by Modere.
I use some other dental products, including a teeth whitener by Primal Life Organics.
There is a study that shows that toxins in toothpastes and shampoos, even if just used by the pregnant mother, cause hormonal imbalances and early puberty in children.
Do not share your toothpaste. It can spread germs when someone else’s toothbrush touches the opening on the tube.
Get a new toothbrush after any illness, or at least every two months. This will prevent the toothbrush from becoming too built up with germs.
Floss at least once a day to keep gums healthy and to remove bacteria from between teeth.
Use a tongue scraper to keep the tongue clean and fresh.
Tongue scrapers, which are available in most drugstores in various shapes and sizes, have been touted as a way to reduce bad breath. They are fairly inexpensive. I think they are something everyone should use.
To use it, you put the tongue scraper at the back of your tongue and gently bring it forward along your tongue, and then repeat. If you have a tongue that is coated with debris, bacteria and dead cells, then a tongue scraping may be helpful. It makes your mouth feel so much cleaner and fresher.
Mouthwash
Be careful what mouthwash you use.
Alcohol is used in many mouthwashes. “Mouthwashes with a content of 25 percent or higher have been implicated in mouth, tongue, and throat cancers.”(1)
Another ingredient to watch out for in mouthwash is potassium bromate. It is used in sports drinks, citrus flavored drinks, breads, crackers, baked goods, and mouthwashes.
Why should we look out for potassium bromate?
Our thyroid is our master gland. It is central to all of our body’s major functions. It influences our metabolism, digestion, energy, body temperature, skin, hair, sleep, mental acuity, nervous system, sexual organs, and hormonal system. In fact, it would be very difficult to find a system that is not influenced by the thyroid. The main nutrient that supports our thyroid is iodine.
What does this mean if we ingest potassium bromate? We have a certain amount of space for the iodine in our thyroid. When we ingest potassium bromate, it acts like iodine. It will take up the space for iodine and actually prevent your body from absorbing the iodine it needs. This contributes to iodine deficiency.(2)
Check the ingredient lists carefully and if it’s added under a certain percentage the FDA doesn’t require them to list it on the label. Something to be aware of in many products. If concerned, you may want to call the company and ask.
The mouthwash I use is made by Modere. It is the highest level approved mouthwash by the EWG.
How to use: rinse mouth with one tablespoon of mouthwash for 30 – 60 seconds or as needed.
Store at room temperature.Also, for my dental health, I use a product called liquid biocell.
It has shown in human, randomized clinical trials
to help in the development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums.
In addition to helping with development and maintenance of bones, cartilage, teeth and gums, Liquid Biocell has been shown to help in connective tissue formation and wound healing. It also helps to relieve joint pain associated with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, and helps in maintaining healthy skin.
Liquid biocell also helps the body to metabolize fats and proteins and is an antioxidant for the maintenance of good health.
To see more about this supplement I take, click here to see the website. You will need the code j220555 to put in to get a $10 discount on your first order.
I have been taking this supplement for over 2 years and I absolutely love it. I have found that it has helped myself and my clients in extraordinary ways.
Liquid biocell also thickens and helps alleviate dry skin.
Many athletes take it because it aids with endurance and recovery.
NSF Approved.
It has 7 International patents.
Liquid Biocell won the NIA award in Europe for best neutraceutical!
It is approved by Health Canada.
Amazing pet and equine blend available as well!
For more information go to:
www.organichealthylife.com
Thank you for all the questions!
Thanks for sharing, Nancy!
Another great thing for dental and oral hygiene is oil pulling. Have you tried it yet? I’ve been doing it for the past few years and I’m really amazing at the results.
Best wishes!
Hi! Thanks so much for your thoughts on that.I so appreciate your letting me know! Yes, I love oil pulling I do it myself. I”ve found continuity is important. I put oil pulling in my “cleanse chapter” in some of my books because i think it is so effective.
Thanks for your reply, Nancy! Great to hear that. Long live oil pulling! 🙂