In today’s world, the quest for healthier and more sustainable living has never been more prevalent. Among the various aspects of our daily routine, dental care is often overlooked when considering eco-friendly and non-toxic choices. This article aims to shed light on the importance of avoiding harmful substances in dental care and how a holistic approach can benefit both personal health and the environment.
Harmful substances in traditional dental care
Commonly used harmful substances
Traditional dental care products often contain a variety of chemicals and substances that may be harmful to your health and the environment.
Some commonly used ingredients to be aware of include:
- Fluoride: While fluoride is known to prevent cavities, excessive exposure can lead to dental fluorosis and other health concerns. Opt for a fluoride-free, remineralizing toothpaste with hydroxyapatite instead.
- Triclosan: An antimicrobial agent found in some toothpaste that can disrupt hormone functions and contribute to antibiotic resistance.
- Parabens: Preservatives used in dental products that can act as endocrine disruptors.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent that can irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
Mouthwash ingredients to avoid
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Alcohol
Conventional mouthwashes contain about 26% alcohol, in the form of ethanol. This is actually a higher percentage than what’s found in beer, and the alcohol is what causes drying of the mouth.
A dry mouth can then lead to worsened bad breath, sloughing of the skin on the inside of your cheeks, and an overly acidic pH in your mouth—all of which interfere with remineralization. -
Chlorine dioxide
Defined by the CDC as a “hazardous gas,” chlorine dioxide is a bleaching agent and antibacterial compound used in mouthwash to help whiten teeth. It’s also used to treat public water supplies in very small doses.
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Chlorhexidine
Chlorhexidine is the main ingredient in mouthwash that serves as an antiseptic to kill bacteria. Unfortunately, it’s also a major allergen. The most common reaction to chlorhexidine is contact dermatitis, but, in rare cases, some people can go into anaphylactic shock when exposed to it.
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Saccharin
To avoid using refined sugar, mouthwashes will sometimes include saccharin as a substitute sweetener. The health risks of this ingredient are unclear — some sources suggest it’s a potential cancer risk, while others suggest it has no traceable health drawbacks.
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Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde can cause irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat, even at low levels for short periods. Longer exposure or higher doses can cause coughing or choking. Severe exposure can cause death from throat swelling or from chemical burns to the lungs.
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Cocamidopropyl Betaine
CAPB, also known as coco amido propyl betaine, is known for creating thick, luxurious-feeling formulas and lathering well in cold water. It is often used in “no tear formulas” due to its gentler nature compared to sulfates. It may cause contact dermatitis allergic reactions. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates it as a “moderate hazard” as an ingredient.
Environmental and personal health impact
The use of these substances not only poses risks to personal health but also has significant environmental repercussions. For instance, triclosan and fluoride can contaminate water supplies, affecting aquatic life and ecosystems. SLS and parabens contribute to pollution and have long-term detrimental effects on wildlife.
The rise of holistic dental care
What is holistic dental care?
Holistic dental care, or biological dentistry, focuses on treating oral health issues by considering the whole body and using biocompatible, non-toxic products. This approach emphasizes prevention, education, and sustainable practices to maintain optimal dental health.
Benefits of holistic dental care
- Healthier ingredients: Natural dental care products avoid harmful chemicals, thereby reducing the risk of side effects and allergies. Biodentistry takes it a step further by using biocompatible materials for treatments that won’t disrupt your body’s functioning (i.e. the use of ceramic implants vs titanium implants).
- Whole-body health: Holistic dental care promotes overall well-being by addressing the root causes of dental issues and health issues, such as mouth breathing, heavy metal toxicity, chronic inflammation, diet, and lifestyle.
- Eco-friendly: By choosing biodegradable and sustainable products, you contribute to reducing environmental impact.
A holistic guide to dental care
Tips for selecting eco-friendly oral care products
- Discuss with your practitioner which natural minerals, vitamins and supplements will help build and maintain strong teeth, and which ingredients can be harmful to your oral microbiome.
- Read labels carefully: Opt for products free from harmful chemicals like fluoride, triclosan, parabens, and SLS.
- Choose natural ingredients: Look for toothpaste and mouthwash with natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, and essential oils.
- Sustainable packaging: Select products with recyclable or biodegradable packaging to minimize environmental impact.
The role of diet and lifestyle in holistic dental health
- Balanced diet: Consume a diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium, phosphorus, and vitamins D3 and K2, which are crucial for dental health.
- Hydration: Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth moist and wash away food particles and bacteria.
- Regular exercise: Engage in physical activities to improve circulation and overall health, which can positively impact oral health.
- Go outside! Get some daily sun exposure (at least 30 minutes for a good dose of vitamin D) and combine it with grounding (or earthing). By standing barefoot on the earth and allowing the sun’s rays to touch our skin, we drain all our negative energy and and replace it with the earth’s healing energy. We activate our body’s natural healing abilities and align ourselves with the rhythms of nature.