Everyday of our lives the majority of us get up in the morning, eat breakfast, take a shower, and brush our teeth before heading out to work. When we are finished with work and come back home, we eat our dinner and maybe watch some television. Then, it is off to bed, but not before we brush our teeth or gargle some mouthwash if we practice daily oral hygiene. In the rush of our daily lives do we ever stop to think what we are cleaning our teeth and gums with? More than likely we don’t because it is a routine to which we have grown accustomed.
Just for moment, let us stop and study what we are cleaning our teeth and gums with as well as what we are using to freshen our breath. A list of ingredients and even warning labels can be found on all items that are used as traditional breath fresheners. The most common ingredients found in traditional breath fresheners include:
- Sodium fluoride
- Dyes
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Triclosan
- Hydrated Silica
- Alcohol
- Sugar
These ingredients may sound harmless; however, if consumed and/or swallowed in large quantities they could kill a person, especially children. These ingredients also have the ability to harm the body over a period of time.
The first ingredient found in all toothpaste is sodium fluoride. Sodium fluoride is also a very common ingredient which is found in rat poison.
Traditional breath fresheners also contain enormous amounts of dyes. The dyes are an artificial coloring that gives the traditional breath freshener its color. These dyes are made from coal tar oil which means we are actually putting a petroleum product in our mouths. These dyes have also been known to cause severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, fatigue, lack of concentration, nausea, nervousness, and even cancer.
SLS is the most harmful ingredient found in traditional breath fresheners such as toothpaste. SLS is a foaming agent. When toothpaste is used the SLS works by foaming up which gives the indication to the user that the toothpaste is working. Studies show that SLS can be quite corrosive and harmful to the skin.
Triclosan is a substance found in many traditional breath fresheners such as toothpaste. Triclosan is a pesticide and is known for its antibacterial properties. Some researchers believe that triclosan may cause cancer in humans.
Hydrated silica, another common ingredient found in traditional breath fresheners such as toothpaste, is known as a whitening substance; however, hydrated silica is very abrasive and damages tooth enamel. Hydrated silica is made from a crystallized substance that is found in flint, quartz, and sand.
Traditional breath fresheners also contain an abundant amount of sugar and alcohol. Alcohol is a huge component of mouthwash. Traditional mouthwash normally contains twenty-five percent or more alcohol. This may seem like nothing; however, if large amounts are swallowed the results could be deadly especially in children. Another substantial ingredient in traditional breath fresheners is sugar. If it didn’t taste so good most people wouldn’t use it. Sugar actually contributes to harmful bacteria in the mouth causing oral health problems.
Now that we know the ingredients of traditional breath fresheners, they might not seem as harmless as we thought originally.
