Things to Consider When Choosing Your Toothpaste

It is a very smart idea to know what exactly you are putting into your body. It has become common practice to carefully study food labels to know exactly what it is you are eating or drinking. And you should be just as critical when it comes to the toothpaste you use. You should be brushing your teeth at least twice a day, which means you are coming into contact with toothpaste fairly frequently. This constant contact makes it vital that you understand what you are using to clean your teeth and gums.

Some types of toothpaste contain ingredients that are undeniably bad for you. Toothpaste is supposed to help clean and protect your teeth. It should not be doing more harm than good. There are certain ingredients that are always bad for you no matter what else is in the toothpaste. FD&C blue dye No. 2 is found in many toothpastes, and the Center for Science in the Public Interest warns that it could be related to learning and behavioral issues and severe allergic reactions.

Sodium lauryl sulfate has been found to cause skin corrosion, irritation, and canker sores. In lab rats, the ingredient was found to cause depression, diarrhea, and death. Triclosan has been found to cause negative effects on thyroid and estrogen levels. Saccharin and aspartame are both artificial sweeteners, and they are both listed on the Center for Science in the Public Interest’s list of additives to avoid. In addition to brushing every day, you should also schedule appointments with your dentist for a routine dental cleaning and examination.