Toothpaste tubes and plastic toothpaste dispensers end up in landfills. Fluoride isn’t that great for our water sources, and most toothpastes are really just concentrated baking soda and flavourings.
So why do we buy toothpaste? Is because we don’t like the taste of baking soda that much? We feel we must obey the laws of marketing, when they say you must use toothpaste to fight cavities?
Why Do We Need Toothpaste?
Toothpaste works like an aggregate, or scouring agent, to help the toothbrush scrub food and mineral particles out from between your teeth. While brushing daily helps get rid of bacteria and plaques that can lead to decay, the toothpaste itself is not a vital part of the act of brushing itself.
The additive of fluoride has helped reduce cavities. However, the Canadian Dental Association is cautious about possible excessive swallowing of toothpaste, which “may result in dental fluorosis” in young children.
Is There Such a Thing as Too Much Fluoride?
Fluoridation of drinking water is a controversial topic in Canada, where some chemists and physicians’ feel that fluoridation is either unnecessary or dangerous to health. Dr. Gerard F. Judd, a retired professor of Purdue University, feels that if fluoride exists already in drinking water, using fluoride in toothpaste is excessive, and could lead to a condition called brittle teeth.
In June of 2008, Health Canada’s Web site posted the results of a commissioned panel about the use of fluoride and its possible effects on our health. Among the results in the report:
- To decrease slightly the amount of fluoride that can be added to municipal drinking water
- To encourage the availability and use of low-fluoride toothpaste by children, and
- To suggest to makers of infant formula to reduce levels of fluoride in their products.
While the report states that there is “no compelling evidence” that links fluoride to long-term health problems, there are alternatives available, should you be among the doubters.
If you are simply avoiding toothpaste for frugal reasons, there is a way to stay healthy and still keep your plastic tubes out of landfills.
How to Make Your Own Toothpaste
The ingredients are surprisingly easy to get a hold of: You’ll likely find them in your kitchen cupboard or your pantry.
- Alum free Baking Soda - not to be confused with Baking Powder
- Iodized sea salt
- Peppermint extract (optional)
- Mix equal parts baking soda with salt; add a few drops of peppermint extract only if you really dislike the taste of baking soda.
- Moisten your toothbrush and dip your brush in the powder.
- Brush as you would normally with toothpaste.
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