Why we offer
so many toothpaste alternatives! |
 Two
ingredients in most major brand name
toothpastes are controversial from a
health standpoint. Those ingredients
are saccharin and fluoride. Saccharin
has been suspected as a carcinogen particularly
associated with bladder cancer. Cases
of high levels of fluoride ingestion
particularly among youth have led to
fluoridosis making dental enamel spotted
or brittle.
Saccharin
Saccharin,
a synthetic sweetener 400 times sweeter
than sugar is used in most major brand
name toothpastes on the market today.
In studies rats given very high doses
of saccharin developed bladder cancer,
so since 1981, the U.S. FDA required
saccharin to be labeled as a possible
carcinogen. Since then subsequent research
has demonstrated that saccharin caused
bladder cancer in rats through a mechanism
that was not present in human beings
which contradicts earlier findings.
As recently as 1998 the FDA agreed to
continue to list saccharin as a possible
carcinogen but only by a vote of four
to three. It is safe to say the jury
is still out on saccharin.
Fluoride
Fluoride
in toothpaste is less of an issue as
the quantity of fluoride is quite small
and toothpaste used properly is not
likely to be swallowed. In its pure
form, fluoride is toxic, but only in
doses and concentrations that far exceed
what is available in toothpaste. The
controversy surrounding fluoride is
mostly concerned with mass fluoridation
of municipal drinking water. This fluoridated
water is also showing up in processed
food and drinks such as baby food, juice
and soft drinks.
Fluoride levels which were originally
gauged on average water consumption
have been thrown out of skew by this
additional consumption from other processed
food and drink. In areas where the water
is fluoridated, it is important to keep
fluoride ingestion to a minimum, toothpaste
is not designed to be and should never
be swallowed.
All this being said...
You
have to make your own informed choices.
Avoiding saccharin will do you no harm,
however fluoride is a different decision.
The benefits must be weighed against
the potential harm. For most adults,
fluoridosis is not a problem.
Fluoride is currently the only toothpaste
ingredient recognized by health authorities
worldwide like the US Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) to prevent cavities.
The U.S. FDA recognizes three forms
of fluoride: sodium monofluorophosphate,
sodium fluoride, and stannous fluoride
and regulates the levels at which they
can be included in toothpaste formulations.
When formulated correctly and used as
directed, fluoride toothpaste will help
to safely and effectively prevent tooth
decay. Numerous clinical studies have
demonstrated fluorides effectiveness
in reducing cavities. Fluoride helps
diminish demineralization of tooth enamel
and even enhances the remineralization
of potential decay spots. |
| Natural Toothpastes without fluoride |
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Tea Tree oil is renowned for inhibiting the growth of mant types of bacteria... tooth decay among them. |
Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Toothpaste 142g
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Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Toothpaste 142g
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A
toothpaste for the whole family,
formulated with free calcium derived
from carrots, teeth's natural building
block and strengthener. Sodium Bicarbonate
(Baking Soda) is used to neutralize
harmful bacterial acids. Sea salt
maintains freshness and ph balance,
and Calcium Ascorbate (Vitamin C)
solubilized during brushing helps
maintain healthy gums. Available
in three natural flavours, Anise
(Licorice), Peppermint and Creme
de Mint. |
Nature's
Gate Natural Toothpaste
Anise flavour 131mL
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Nature's
Gate Natural Toothpaste
Creme de Mint flavour 131mL
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Nature's
Gate Natural Toothpaste
Peppermint flavour 131mL
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Boiron,
world famous for homeopathic remedies
has formulated toothpaste in three
flavours,
Chlorophylle, Anise (Licorice) and
Lemon. |
Boiron
Homéodent 2 homeopathic
Toothpaste Chlorophylle
Flavour 75mL
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Homeopathic
gel for kids, Passion fruit
flavour. 50mL
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Silca
Herb is a toothpaste that contains
herbal extracts with properties
that are known to strengthen the
gums. The 2-silca system gently
removes plaque, the main cause
of tooth decay and gum disease.
Carbamide acts to neutralize plaque
acids. Fluoride FREE.
Silca Herb
toothpaste mint flavour
100mL
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Jason
Toothpastes are saccharin and preservative
free. Boost your smile, fight bacteria
and promote healthy dental care
with a variety of toothpastes. |
Nutrismile All-Natural "C" Toothpaste 122g
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Healthy
Mouth Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste
122g
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Fluoride
Free Toothpaste Spearmint
flavour 170g
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Sea
Fresh Natural Mineral Tooth paste 170g
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BURT'S
Doctor Burt's Lav. Mint
Toothpaste 90.7g
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BURT'S Doctor Burt's Cinna Mint
Toothpaste 90.7g
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Let one of our pharmacists - Amanda Blazevic - help answer some of the more common questions people have about sunscreen, and sun protection in general.
Click here
to view the sequences of
QuickTime videos.
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