The Impact of Toothpaste on Our Physiology
By Azeem Syed
The global toothpaste market is on its way to reach $12.6 BILLION by 2015 according to a September 14th, 2012 press release by Global Industry Analysts, INC. Who would have thought a pea sized amount used twice daily can relate to $12.6 Billion in global GDP (gross domestic product.) Now let’s think about that for a second. Let’s put aside the common repertoire of brushing your teeth twice daily with chemicals that can rapidly decline your health and look at the financial incentive behind this product. Europe, garnering the single largest global share, dominates the Toothpaste market, as stated by the new market research report. Asia-Pacific and US follow the lead as the next largest markets for toothpaste worldwide. Increase in toothpaste sales in Europe can be ascribed to the domestic industry’s success in segmenting the market to meet individual consumer requirements. In addition, government intervention and growth in Central and Eastern European countries such as Russia and Spain has also spearheaded Europe’s leadership ahead of other countries such as the US and Japan. In terms of growth, Asia-Pacific propelled by regions including Australia, China and India, is forecast to expand at the overall highest compounded rate for the period 2007-2015. The Whitening segment captures the largest share of the global toothpaste market, trailed by the Regular and Tartar Control segments. With respect to fastest growing product segment, the Multi-benefit market is slated to take the lead through 2015.
The global toothpaste market consists of several large and medium international and domestic players competing fiercely in the highly crowded marketplace. There is a large presence of both branded and private label companies. Major players seek to position their products on the basis of value addition, functionality, price premium and most importantly, in my opinion packaging. Leading market corporations include Church & Dwight, Colgate-Palmolive Company, Colgate-Palmolive Gmbh, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, Gaba Holding AG, GlaxoSmithKline, Henkel AG & Co. KgaA, Johnson and Johnson, Procter & Gamble Company, Unilever N.V., and Hindustan Unilever Limited.
You see, every part of this globe has a few hands all over the toothpaste market and yet we continue to overlook this product. Most toothpaste out there, carries a warning label (in fine print) and yet we continue to give our children (in fact we encourage it on them) this poisonous product.
Modern toothpaste is a heavy mix of chemicals and synthetics to clean, polish, and maintain healthy teeth and gums. But are those ingredients safe, or even necessary? Many people these days try to live a healthier lifestyle. Ideally we should want to. They reduce their bad fat intake, reduce refined sugar, replace it with stevia from a sweet herbal plant from Paraguay, cane sugar or Xylitol, an all-natural sweetener (monkfruit, etc.), derived from corncobs and birch trees, a proven cavity fighter and appears to be safe for use by those with diabetes and hypoglycemia. Try to avoid heavily processed foods with artificial colors, sweeteners and chemicals such as aspartame, neotame, sodium saccharin, splenda, MSG (Monosodium glutamate, there are more than 50 names for it inclusive "natural flavor", research shows it is a neurotoxin damaging the nervous system and brain, linked to hormonal imbalances, weight gain, obesity (which has become a epidemic worldwide) and a variety of other health problems. Eat more certified organic vegetables and fruit grown without herbicide and pesticide spraying, chemical fertilizer or radiation, and even clean your home with non-toxic products.
But have you given any thoughts to what you are swishing around your mouth at least twice a day? It seems that toothpaste is almost as old as teeth and early population used abrasives like crushed oyster shells, bone and eggshells mixed with flavoring and powered charcoal. Later essential oils of peppermint, spearmint or cinnamon made brushing more pleasant and helped kill bacteria and germs at the same time. Most commercial toothpastes have ingredients such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate), fluoride, PVMMA copolymer, sodium laureth sulphate, sodium saccharin, artificial color etc. Let’s find out what the ingredients really are:
Diethylene Glycol (DEG)
It is a non-ionic surfactant used in shampoo, toothpaste and cleansing preparations. Ethylene glycol groups are carcinogenic, mutagenic, causing adverse reactions or are toxic, absorb through the skin easily, and are hazardous if used on large areas of the body, ingestion can be fatal.
FD & C Blue No. 1 & 2
These dyes are artificial colorings often found in familiar toothpaste brands and a wide variety of other products. Recent studies indicate that they can trigger a wide number of behavioral, comprehension and health issues and they may cause severe allergic reactions, asthma, headaches, nausea, fatigue, nervousness and cancer. They are derived from crude oil, synthesized from petroleum. These dyes may be absorbed within seconds through the skin on the lips, or through mucous membrane in the mouth. The mucosal lining inside the mouth has an absorption efficiency of more than 91% and these carcinogens get into your blood, your brain, and your cells in no time at all, especially when you consider most people use dental care products two to three times a day!
Often used to dye pastes blue, most coal tar derivative are potential carcinogens, cause allergic reactions, toxic and has been known to produce malignant tumors at the site of injection and by ingestion in rats.
Hydrated Silica
Hydrated Silica is made from crystallized compound found in quartz, sand and flint. It is used as an abrasive and tooth whitener, which damages the enamel on your teeth. Tooth enamel re-mineralizes daily from the store of ionic calcium and phosphorus in our saliva. Scratching the surface of the tooth with an abrasive like hydrated silica harms the enamel and prevents re-mineralization, much like using sand paper to clean glass. Severe wear may eventually occur. While these ingredients could abolish tartar and make teeth whiter in appearance, they also might do harm to dental health by altering the alkaline/ acidic balance of the mouth, gums and tongue. Health hazards from chemicals and toxins in our oral hygiene products are the most deceiving of all the health hazards we face today.
PVMMA Copolymer
A thickener, dispensing agent and stabilizer, it gives a soapy feel, highly irritating to eyes, skin and mucous membrane.
Propylene Glycol (PG)
Petrochemical absorbs quickly into the skin and irritates it. It is used in many personal care products as humectants, surfactants and solvents. Also used in anti-freeze, it has been shown to cause liver abnormalities and kidney damage in laboratory animals. It may also cause delayed allergic reactions, acne, and contact dermatitis. According to B Hawk Industries, “Eating or drinking large amounts of this matter will result in severe Nervous System Depression.”
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
This is a detergent, humectants (moisturizer), emulsifier and foaming agent. Do not get deceived if it says on the label "derived from coconut." It is a combination of Lauryl alcohol and mineral sodium sulphate, followed by neutralization with sodium carbonate. It is found also in car wash soap, engine degreasers, garage floor cleaners, shampoos, and shaving foams. It degenerates cell membranes and can change genetic information in cells (mutagenic) and can damage the immune system. It is reported to cause eye irritation, skin rashes, hair loss, dandruff and allergic reactions. It penetrates into your eyes, brain, liver and remains there long term.
Sodium Laureth Sulphate
This is an ionic, negatively charged surfactant, a compound which reduces the surface tension in liquid, between water and another liquid, or between a liquid and a solid, classified as a wetting agent. It has ether (an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups) added and is therefore irritating and toxic.
Sodium Saccharine
Artificial sweetener, potential carcinogenic, currently evaluated by the National Toxicology Program, mutagenic, toxic or causes adverse reactions. Tests in the 1980’s in rats developed bladder cancer, even the FDA list it as a possible carcinogen.
Triclosan
Used as antimicrobial to prevent growth of harmful bacteria. It is also called an anti-bacterial, anti-virus and anti-fungal and is used in a huge variety of household goods, personal care products such as anti-bacterial soaps, liquid hand soaps, toothpaste, deodorants, processed food, clothing, dish soap, detergent, floor wash, counter and disinfecting sprays, glass cleaners, mouthwash, laundry soaps, lotions, moisturizers, children's toys and cleaning supplies. Studies at the Institute of Odontology, Huddigen, Sweden, Virginia Tech University, Blacksburg, USA and University of Victoria, Canada have shown Triclosan may promote the emergence of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics, creates allergy and asthma in children, can interfere with thyroid hormones (according to APP Pharmaceuticals $26.9 million worth Levothyroxine prescriptions were sold in 2010) and is a health hazard to humans in general and to wildlife as well. The American Medical Association suggests that consumers should check product ingredients for triclosan, tricocarban, quaternary ammonium and microban.
Flouride
The very sight of this word gets me worked up. It’s found in our water, our toothpaste, children’s food items, baked products, beverages, and RAT POISON. Although increase awareness in the last few years has halted adding this ingredient in rat poison throughout the United States, it still remains a primary ingredient in most rat poisons overseas. According to a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) database of Selected Beverages and Foods the intended goal of Fluoridation is 1 milligram of fluoride per day. It’s confounding to see how the government entities can openly get away by using words like this publicly! Let’s look at how this affects our physiology.
Fluoride is derived from hydrofluoric acid, made by reacting Sulphuric acid with fluorspar, a hazardous chemical. Despite fluoride being prescribed by allopathic doctors for over 50 years, the US FDA has never approved any fluoride product designed for ingestion safe or effective since fluoride is a cumulative poison. Additionally, a 1991 study stated that fluoride has been shown NOT to reduce cavities and scientists are linking it to dental fluorosis, arthritis, allergic reactions and about 10,000 avoidable deaths every year from cancer (Federal Cancer Institute). On average, only 50% of the fluoride we ingest each day is excreted through the kidneys. The remainder accumulates in our bones, pineal gland, and other tissues. If the kidneys are damaged, fluoride accumulation will increase, and with It the likelihood of further harm. Researchers have linked fluoride to cancer, but no one was listening! Fluoride is especially dangerous for young children who tend to swallow it after brushing their teeth. Many types of toothpaste contain enough fluoride in a 120 ml (that’s only 4 ounces) tube to poison a young child that could even be fatal.
On some toothpaste labels, it says, “If a large amount is swallowed call poison control Center.” That is why many toothpaste manufacturers include a warning on their labels, “not for children under the age of 6 years.” Fluoride can corrode the tooth enamel, when swallowed can lead to Chrohn’s disease which also can be fatal. It does not reduce cavities and scientists are linking it to dental deformity, arthritis, and allergic reactions. A report indicated that fluorosis (fluoride poisoning) can result in darkened or mottled teeth (spotted/colored), erosion of enamel, compromised bone structure and a host of other problems including learning disabilities, kidney disease and brain lesions. You may view this article in the January 2002 issue of Alternative medicine, “Hidden Fluoride in Our Food.” I can go on and on, pages after pages on this subject matter of fluoride. However, the intent of this small write up is to create awareness and inspire you, to further your research on this toxic ingredient found profoundly in our everyday diet.
Some recent research that I’ve conducted helps us potentially detoxify our bodies of fluoride. I’d like to state again, by no means do I practice medicine professionally or have the credentials to practice medicine legally. I am simply a student of knowledge and aspire to gain a wealth of knowledge. Please do proper research and consult with your general physician before making any changes to your diet.
Removing Fluoride from our Bodies
The use of liver cleansers can be very effective in eliminating fluorides and other toxins. There are two basic types of liver cleanse protocols, both of which can be performed easily at home in one to two weeks. One protocol focuses primarily on the liver itself, while the second type of protocol also cleanses the gall bladder. The gall bladder is connected directly with liver function. Instructions for both kinds of liver cleansing, as well as liver cleanse products; can be found online with simple searches.
Boron is a good fluoride remover and it has been proven effective in studies around the world. An easy and inexpensive source of boron can be found in common borax, which is available at most supermarkets. Borax has a history of anecdotal success for detoxing sodium fluoride.
Borax should be taken in very small quantities in pure water. As little as 1/32 to 1/4 of a teaspoon of borax in one liter of water consumed in small quantities throughout the day has been found to be safe and effective. About 1/8 of a teaspoon with a pinch of sea salt has been found to be particularly effective. Food grade sodium borate may be substituted for common borax.
Iodine has been clinically proven to increase the removal of fluoride from the body via the urine. Notably, most diets are deficient in this vital mineral. Seaweed foods and iodine supplements that combine iodine and potassium iodide are recommended most. Eliminating fluoride with iodine depletes calcium, thus it is recommended that one also take an effective calcium/magnesium supplement. Lecithin is recommended as an adjunct to using iodine.
The pulp, bark, and leaves from the tamarind tree can be used to make teas, extracts and tinctures that will help eliminate fluorides through the urine. Tamarind was originally native to Africa but migrated into India and Southeast Asia, and it has been used medicinally in Ayurvedic Medicine.
Fluoride stored in fatty tissues can be released and eliminated with the help of dry saunas. The X Sport gym by my home gets to about 110 degrees or so. Since they can be strong enough to cause some side effects or an occasional healing crisis, it is advisable to keep water intake high to protect the kidneys. As is the case with iodine, it is also advisable to take a highly absorbable calcium/magnesium (at least 350mg daily) supplement.
Vitamin C in abundance is a great addition to any fluoride removal program. I’ve found freshly squeezed orange juice to do the trick on this one. Natural sources of vitamin C are much better than ascorbic acid. Consume as much as you can tolerate daily.
Though it has not been proven conclusively, many believe that melatonin helps remove fluoride by increasing decalcification of the pineal gland. Our Pineal Gland is a very crucial part of our nervous system and if I had to compare it to something it would be the radio antenna of a television. Unfortunately most people's pineal glands are heavily calcified. So much so that they show up as a lump of calcium during an MRI. Over the span of my 2 plus years of research, I’ve found melatonin to be critical in many parts of our everyday life. Your body is programmed to produce this naturally and we need to aid this in any way possible. I will get in to sleep habits, etc. in another research and explain further inshALLAH. In addition to melatonin supplementation, plenty of daytime physical activity and/or exercise, a healthy diet, not overeating and meditation/relaxation exercises all contribute to higher melatonin production from the pineal gland.
Apple pectin is yet another effective item to use to eliminate fluoride. Most culinary experts use this to make jam, and other delicacies. From a medicinal standpoint however, this plays a key role in fluoride detox. Other useful items include zeolite minerals, turmeric, cayenne, parsley, chlorella and cilantro. This information is vastly available throughout the web.
Even though dangerous man-made fluoride is exceedingly difficult to avoid entirely, by making the right choices and taking simple steps we can all greatly reduce our exposure to fluoride and eliminate much of what we do have in our bodies.
The ingredients we just looked at are just a few of the most dangerous, hazardous chemical ingredients you will find in many commercial type of toothpastes, but there are other harmful ingredients found in toothpastes that create health problems. Therefore, "READ CAREFULLY ALL INGREDIENTS ON THE LABELS". Often times I’ll go to a supermarket with my wife and pickup various items just to read the labels, etcetera. After I get through the 1st & 2nd line, I swear the rest of the ingredients start to look like Swahili. If you can't pronounce the name of the ingredients, it is most likely a harmful chemical! Take a note of it, come home, do so research & don’t buy the product.
There are a large number of toothpastes available on the market, and the majority of them contain a variety of different harmful chemicals we discussed earlier. We brush and floss our teeth to remove sticky plaque, food particles and bacteria anywhere from 1- 3 times a day. My concern is two groups of people in general: young children (they don’t know any better and our ignorance should not be the cause of their potentially bad health) and those who suffer from chemical sensitivity as a result of exposure to environmental and household chemicals. We have the right and the responsibility to be aware of the potential hazard that may be lurking in your personal care products.
Alternatives?
Neem toothpaste based on Ayurveda medicine is one solution. The Neem tree from India has been called a miraculous healing herb and people in Asia and Africa have been using Neem twigs as tooth brushes for centuries preventing tooth decay and gum disease. The twigs contain ingredients helping with oral hygiene. Give your oral health a lift with Neem toothpaste with the following ingredients: distilled water, calcium carbonate, vegetable glycerine, neem extract, xylitol (I have more research to conduct on this sugar substitute but it definitively a better alternative than other substitutes the market currently encourages including Splenda), xanthan gum, stevia, organic grapefruit seed extract, Japanese matcha tea, decylpolyglucose (mild non-ionic surfactant composed of sugar (glucose) derived from corn starch and fatty alcohol (decanol) derived from coconuts), essential oils of anise, alternative essential oils of peppermint/spearmint. It’s a healthier alternative and the natives in India use it for digestive problems, skin disorders, dental uses, and as an anti-cancer product. The University of Pittsburgh medical Center notes that traditional uses for neem leaf include treating intestinal parasites and viral infections. These days, typically if you go to your doctor and complain of a viral issue they likely will tell you to, ‘ride it out.’ What the heck is that suppose to mean? SubhanALLAH, Allah has given us a plant to fight off viral infections.
Next one on the list is my personal favorite, the MISWAK. Here’s why. The Miswaak is a teeth cleanser made from the Savador Persica tree (Arak in Arabic). It has a reputation for great medicinal benefits. A 2003 scientific study comparing the use of Miswaak with ordinary toothbrushes concluded that the results clearly were in favor of the users who had been using the Miswaak (Wikipedia). Some benefits of using Miswaak are as follows: strengthens and stops bleeding gums, kills gum disease-causing bacteria, fights germs and bacteria, fights plaque effectively, fights against caries, removes bad breath, leaves the mouth fresh and fragrant, whitens teeth, eliminates toothache, and stops decay that has already set in. The list goes on. All the properties that modern toothpaste manufacturers advertise using harsh chemicals and millions of dollars advertising, the Miswaak does naturally. The proof is in the pudding. Miswaak clearly outshines everyone for less than $0.50/a month. Overall, I’ve found this alternative to be widely available not only in the states but overseas as well.
Lastly, there are a few toothpastes in the market for sale with minimal chemicals and no fluoride. Some products you may want to look into (my personal favorites) is Burt’s Bees Natural Toothpaste-Whitening without Fluoride. This product is currently used by my wife and I would advocate the use of this as oppose to “traditional” toothpaste. However, not over Miswaak. Another one, widely sold at major supermarkets in the Chicago Land area is “Tom’s of Maine” Fluoride free toothpaste. I’ve taken the liberty to give this one a try as well. The overall rating I would give it is satisfactory.
In closing, its entirely up to us to do good to our health and well being. I hope this write up finds you well and helps someone take a step in the right direction. Happy smiles!