Why I Threw Out My Toothpaste

A few weeks ago I talked about my experiment with clean products for hair, skin, and home. Today I want to tell you why I threw out my toothpaste. Have you ever read what's in a tube of Crest or Colgate?! If not, you should take a look, as you're cleaning your mouth with disgusting chemicals. I was shocked when I looked closely at the box my Crest anti-cavity toothpaste came in:

There are several versions of Crest (the Proctor & Gamble company is particularly cryptic about providing these lists of ingredients). 

The classic "cavity protection" formula includes: 
- sorbitol and sodium saccharin (sweetener and base) 
- cellulose gum (thickener) 
- water (as hydrated silica) 
- sodium lauryl sulfate (soap) 
- trisodium phosphate (surfactant) 
- sodium phosphate 
- sodium fluoride (cavity fighter) 
- titanium dioxide (opaque white pigment) 
- FD&C Blue 1 (color) 
- natural and artificial flavor (from mint) 

I can tell you that saccharin, sodium lauryl sulfate, trisodium phosphate, sodium phosphate, sodium fluoride, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue 1, and artificial flavors are all no no's on my list. I mean what the heck is cellulose gum anyways? My general rule is if I don't know what it is, it can't be good for me. And this is just for the "regular" toothpaste. YIKES! I can't even imagine what ingredients are in the whitening, fresh breath, or any of the "tastier" varieties. 

You see, when I turned 30, an amazing thing happened. I had gum disease. There I said it. I was brushing and flossing at least three times a day, every day, and every time I went to the dentist, it got worse and worse. I couldn't figure it out. So, I decided to do some research and came across this glorious website.* They provided me with information I needed to hear and put my fears aside that I wasn't alone. So, on a whim I bought the OraWellness HealThy Mouth Blend to try. It came with a Bass toothbrush and a chart. I spent some time diagramming where my problem areas were, watched the video and learned the proper brushing technique, and started down the path to a healthier mouth that day. Now, I use this organic blend on my floss, as a freshening gargle, and as a "toothpaste." 

Now it's been almost three years since I first started this journey and my mouth is happier and healthier than it's been in a long time. I even received the best compliment from my dental hygienist this year: "I don't know what you're doing differently, but it's definitely working." So, I told her about throwing away my toothpaste and let me tell you, the look on her face was one of shock and surprise.

Another valuable resource I came across was this remineralizing tooth powder recipe.* Let me tell you, Katie - Wellness Mama knows what she's talking about, as this stuff really works. Now my gums don't bleed, are whiter, healthier, and never feel loose. Of course my healthy paleo diet helps to support all of these positive things as well, so together they are super awesome! I am so glad I threw out my toothpaste and I hope some of you will take this gigantic step and do the same.

*Neither OraWellness nor Wellness Mama have given me their products for free. I have bought and used them of my own free will and discovered that they have worked wonders for me and just wanted to share this important information with you as well.