Few of us know about the benefits and harms of fluoride contained in toothpaste, and how it affects the health of the entire human body.
Today, stores offer a wide selection of products with alternative elements that are effective and harmless for cleaning the mouth and teeth.
So what name should you choose for a toothpaste and why should you give up fluoride?
Davids natural toothpastes
The Davids brand only has two toothpastes, but all of them are made with the maximum use of the gifts of nature in the USA. Calcium carbonate is obtained from natural limestone mined in Pennsylvania. It, as the brand’s official website promises, is used as a soft abrasive and prevents the appearance of plaque. The mint for the brand is grown in several American states at once - it goes through a steam distillation process, after which the essential oil becomes the basis for the aroma of Davids pastes. The pastes do not contain sulfates and fluoride (the labels on the packaging literally scream about this), are not tested on animals and are bottled in metal tubes that can be recycled.
The product's name
The officially accepted name of the additive is sodium lauryl sulfate. International synonym: Sodium Laurylsulfate.
Other names:
- E 487 (E–487) - number in the European codification of additives;
- sodium salt of lauryl sulfonic acid;
- sodium dodecyl sulfate, commonly found on drug packaging;
- sodium alkyl ethoxy sulfate;
- sodium sulfoethoxylate;
- sodium salt of fatty alcohol sulfoethoxylate;
- LSN;
- SLS.
Sodium lauryl sulfate on packaging of cosmetic and household products may be designated under the following trade names:
- Tainolin AS-95N;
- Texapon;
- Sulfa;
- Emal;
- Marlinat;
- Hansanol;
- Spolapon.
Organic Lebon pastes
The Lebon brand is a love story between the art and science of natural cosmetics. Its founders are a married couple: art critic and professional photographer Stephanie and her pharmacist and dermatologist husband Richard. Lebon toothpastes contain organic green tea and aloe vera, which prevent the growth of bacteria and plaque, protecting teeth and gums. A separate line of Whitening whitening pastes contains papaya extract - it gently removes plaque without causing damage to the enamel. The brand is based in France, and their products smell as if the aromatic compositions were collected in the perfume laboratories of Grasse - there are aromas of yuzu and ylang-ylang, orange blossom and mint, rooibos tea and pineapple.
What's the harm?
Fluorine is part of more complex elements called fluorides, which are found in soil, water and vegetation.
Fluorides are considered toxic elements, thanks to this property they successfully defeat bacteria and harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity.
Fluoride resists the development of caries, but at the same time it has an aggressive effect on the dental shell itself, slowly killing beneficial bacteria in the mouth.
Fluoride has the following negative effects:
- in large quantities it is toxic to the body;
- increases the risk of bone tissue diseases and fluorosis;
- limits the normal absorption of iodine;
- accumulates in the thyroid gland;
- adversely affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
Excess fluoride and frequent use of “wrong” pastes lead to the accumulation of this element in the body. To avoid this, dentists recommend using such pastes once a week, and residents of some regions of Russia, where fluoride levels in water exceed the norm, completely abandon them.
An increased fluoride content in drinking water, that is, an indicator equal to 1.1 mg/l and higher, is observed in the following regions of Russia:
- Western part of Siberia;
- Mordovia;
- Ural region;
- Tambov;
- Nizhny Novgorod Region;
- Leningrad region;
- Tver and Moscow regions.
The following video will supplement the information about the dangers of fluoride on the human body:
Weleda, salt toothpaste
Weleda is a world-famous manufacturer of organic cosmetics that has also encroached on the territory of dental care. Their paste, of course, does not contain surfactants or fluoride, or any synthetic dyes or preservatives. The main component is sea salt, which stimulates salivation and increases the cleansing ability of the remaining ingredients. Among them: myrrh extract and chestnut bark to tone and strengthen gums, mint essential oil for fresh breath and soft abrasive particles to cleanse teeth.
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Children's products
Children's teeth require careful care and protection, so hygiene products for children need to be selected especially carefully.
PRESIDENT Baby
This Italian brand is ideal for children from the appearance of their first teeth to three or four years of age. A distinctive feature is a pleasant raspberry taste.
Provides enamel strengthening and caries prevention, normalizes acid balance, and is harmless if accidentally swallowed. The advantage is a rich composition, the disadvantage is the high price.
You can buy this Italian product for 110 rubles (30 ml tube).
Gel with calendula “Weleda”
The product consists of plant components: calendula extract, algae, mint, oils and refreshing elements.
The gel helps remove plaque and soothe inflammation of the gums, but is not aimed at preventing caries. This fact and the high cost are significant disadvantages.
It is recommended to use the gel alternating with other oral hygiene products containing calcium.
The main advantages of the gel are anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
You can buy the gel for 250 – 300 rubles (volume 50 ml).
Disney Baby from JSC Svoboda
Disney Baby is produced in Russia in two flavors - banana and strawberry. Suitable for children from birth, does not contain allergens, is harmless if swallowed.
A variety of active ingredients in the form of silicon dioxide, calcium gluconate, xylitol, plant extracts (chamomile and sage) guarantee high-quality oral hygiene for children.
Helps soothe gums during teething. Has bright colorful packaging with Disney characters; cost - from 90 rubles (62 g) .
SPLAT Juicy Set
This Russian product is produced specifically for children and adults, and includes a set consisting of three products of different tastes.
They contain an easily digestible form of calcium, which quickly restores damaged enamel.
The components of the product also prevent stomatitis, caries, and inflammation. The set includes the following flavors: kiwi and strawberry, chocolate flavor and peach aroma.
Price – from 250 rubles for 3 pastes of 35 ml each.
SPLAT Junior
Suitable for children under 5 years old, has a delicate taste and is safe to swallow. The enzymes and vitamins included in the composition are aimed at removing contaminants, bacterial protection, and also take into account the characteristics of baby teeth.
Calcium compounds promote the formation of healthy enamel. An important advantage of the product is the function of protection against stomatitis, as well as a calming effect on inflammation, which is especially important during teething.
For the convenience of parents, each package contains a finger brush specifically for babies.
The cost of the product is from 150 rubles (50 ml).
ROCS – PRO Baby
The product is aimed at caring for children’s very first baby teeth and consists almost exclusively of natural ingredients. Due to its low abrasiveness, it very gently cleanses the enamel without causing irritation or damaging the gums.
Calcium glycerophosphate is responsible for mineralization, and xylitol fights bacteria, normalizing microflora.
The product is quite expensive compared to a similar, but higher quality Italian product of the PRESIDENT brand for children.
Cost – from 210 rubles per tube of 45 ml.
ROCS baby – fragrant chamomile
The paste is based on active substances - chamomile extract, which protects against acid xylitol, as well as soothing seaweed.
The abrasiveness index RDA 19 gently and carefully cleanses enamel from plaque, eliminates acids, and ensures the prevention of caries. For children up to three years old.
The disadvantage is the complete absence of calcium in the composition, which means that the product only cleanses, but does not strengthen. Plus - pleasant taste, harmless when swallowed.
Cost 45 ml - from 170 rubles.
ROCS kids – Barberry
This product is designed for preschool children (3 years - 7 years). The components take into account the characteristics of baby teeth and their weak coating.
Calcium glycerophosphate is responsible for the formation and strengthening of the surface, and xylitol is responsible for the correct acid balance.
The components provide not only gentle cleansing, but also anti-caries protection, as well as a refreshing effect. Children like the original taste, but the cost of the paste is high.
Production takes place in Russia; you can purchase a 45 ml package from 190 rubles.
Let's find out the advantages and disadvantages of using the Curaprox toothbrush. In this review we will talk about manufacturers of whitening powders.
And here: https://dentist-pro.ru/krasota-i-uxod/narashhivanie/sposoby-protivopokazaniya-ceny.html - it tells not only about the cost of teeth extensions, but also about the features of the procedure itself.
Fluoride-free toothpastes Kiss My Face
Despite the name, the Kiss My Face brand has products not only for facial care, but also for hair, body and three lines for the oral cavity: for children, with fluoride and without fluoride. All fluoride-free toothpastes, which are now so exciting for the organically minded public, contain olive, tea tree and aloe vera oils with the addition, of course, of mint. The rest of the formula varies depending on the function of the paste - some are designed for sensitive mouths, while others are for whitening.
Sodium lauryl sulfate: what is known about this substance?
Sodium lauryl sulfate is surrounded by myths. Some consider it the most dangerous among cosmetic components. Some people don’t even pay attention to its presence in the composition. But before taking one side or the other, it is worth understanding the issue in more detail.
It is important to understand what sodium lauryl sulfate is, where it is used and what its real harm is.
1) What products contain sodium lauryl sulfate?
You can often find the abbreviation SLS among inexpensive products in household chemicals and cosmetics stores. This is an abbreviation of three English words: sodium lauryl sulfate, which, in fact, are translated as “sodium lauryl sulfate”.
What kind of substance is this? It is a white powder that forms a persistent foam when in contact with water. Therefore, it is actively used in cosmetology, pharmacology and industry.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is added to the formula of most detergents and cleaning products that we use to care for ourselves and to keep our home clean.
Inexpensive detergents contain sodium lauryl sulfate
Sodium lauryl sulfate is added to detergents not only as a foam-forming component, but also as a cleaner that easily cuts through grease.
Solid fat deposits turn into small drops, which are subsequently easily washed off with water.
2) What is the harm of the component to the human body?
Sodium lauryl sulfate is not the most beneficial substance for the human body. Moreover, abuse of drugs containing it can harm you.
| № | How it harms | Explanation |
| 1. | Allergy | More than 2% of the world's population is allergic to sodium lauryl sulfate. Sometimes it develops gradually as the substance accumulates in your body. |
| 2. | Negative effects on the skin | If you have any dermatological problems, then you absolutely cannot use drugs with sodium lauryl sulfate, otherwise you will aggravate your condition. And healthy skin will dry out and flake. |
| 3. | Pollutes water | You rinse out the shampoo or dishwashing detergent. Foam gets into drains and poisons groundwater, deteriorating the quality of tap water. In addition, sodium lauryl sulfate is toxic to fish. |
At the same time, scientists have proven that sodium lauryl sulfate can penetrate the skin only at high concentrations, which even manufacturers of budget detergents do not allow.
Important: One of the most persistent myths about sodium lauryl sulfate is that it causes cancer. But there are no studies proving that it actually provokes the development of cancer cells.
3) How to protect yourself from exposure to sodium lauryl sulfate?
Today, the choice of household chemicals and cosmetics in stores is huge, so there is no need to use drugs with sodium lauryl sulfate.
It is important to understand that industry does not live alone. There are safer analogues of this substance.
| Name | Description | Finished product price |
| Sodium salts of fatty acids | This is the basis of toilet and laundry soap. They do not dry out the skin too much and can be used even by people with allergies. | from 20 rub. |
| Different types of waxes | For example, bee, jojoba, emulsion, etc. This component is of plant origin and is therefore considered safe. | from 400 rub. |
| Soap nuts | A 100% natural product, which is now in great demand among organic lovers. | from 150 rub. |
| Hydrocolloids | These are polymers of natural origin: agar, gelatin, pectin, etc. They are used as thickeners and as cleaners. | from 300 rub. |
| Special surfactants | For example, silicone or betaine. They do not irritate sensitive skin. | from 150 rub. |
Soap nuts are an excellent alternative to household chemicals.
If for some reason you cannot completely eliminate the use of such drugs, follow simple rules:
- Alternate between cheap products with SLS and expensive ones without it. This way you minimize harm.
- Make sure you are not allergic to sodium lauryl sulfate. Because if it exists, then saving at the expense of health is stupid.
- Use rubber gloves when washing dishes or doing laundry by hand to protect your skin.
Auromere, Ayurvedic toothpaste without mint
Suddenly, mint (and with it menthol and eucalyptus) fell out of favor with the Ayurvedic brand Auromere - they produce a paste where, instead of mint, licorice root is responsible for the freshness and taste. They describe the paste formula as “gentle but effective.” 24 components of natural origin, approved by the teachings of Ayurveda, are responsible for effectiveness. For example, neem, which, judging by the description, treats everything, including vegetative-vascular dystonia, but in the paste acts as a gum protector. Or miswak - an extract of the root of the El Salvador tree. Since ancient times, sticks from this root have been used to clean teeth, and it is added to Auromere paste in the form of an extract to prevent the formation of caries.
