December 21, 2005

By: Sophie Griffin
Website: http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com

Natural Whitening Toothpastes – Brushing Without Questionable Ingredients

Mint is a common flavor in bleaching toothpastes, but most people aren’t aware that their toothpaste tastes so appealing due to an artificial sweetener. Many of the most familiar brands of toothpastes include the ingredient, saccharine, which is a crystalline substance 500 times sweeter than sugar and used as a calorie-free sweetener. Saccharin is used in many consumable products as well, but clinical studies in research labs on animals have raised questions about the substance’s safety in humans. Other ingredients used in toothpastes for a number of reasons are also questionable in regards to how safe they are for human use and have sparked a new interest in natural whitening toothpastes.

Natural whitening toothpaste can be just as effective as toothpastes with debatable ingredients and can also offer desirable results like whitening and tartar control. Before the availability of natural toothpaste, the only alternative to popular toothpaste at grocery or drug stores were baking soda combinations and often did not taste very good. Natural toothpaste may not have sugar or a sweetener as an ingredient, but natural toothpaste will offer consumers natural flavors like cinnamon, mint and spearmint that are just as palatable.

Recently, one of the most surprising ingredients in toothpaste to have its safety questioned is fluoride. The American Dental Association wholeheartedly supports the use of fluoride, but studies have shown that fluoride may cause adverse affects to other parts of the body including bones and can harm tooth-shaping cells. For those individuals who would like to whiten his or her teeth, the bleaching agent known as lye, which is a strong solution of sodium or potassium hydroxide, is recognized by the Food and Drug Administration as a poisonous substance.

Consumers can find natural toothpastes that whiten and that have been approved by the American Dental Association. Tom’s of Maine manufactures a natural ingredient toothpaste that is proud to display the seal of the American Dental Association. Tom’s of Maine also offers a whitening toothpaste for natural cleansing and whitening. For those who are concerned with the health of their teeth and their bodies, choosing natural toothpaste is a healthy choice.

Author Notes:

Sophie Griffin contributes and publishes news editorial to http://www.teeth-whitening-smiles.com.  She has recently graduated from college, and is now studying as a dental hygenists. Sophie plans to continue her career in dental sales, specializing in whitening and cosmetic dentistry.