Let’s talk toothpaste.  We have been taught that brushing our teeth is essential to good personal hygiene, so we do it twice a day without even thinking about it.  Something else we’ve forgotten to think about is just what is in our toothpaste: sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and synthetic colors and fragrances.

SLS is often contaminated with 1,4-dioxane, a carcinogen.  Moreover, it is a harsh surfactant – it wreaks havoc on your mucus membranes.  Ever feel like the inside of your mouth is peeling after you brush?  SLS is to blame.

Triclosan was once used only is ER’s and OR’s, and for good reason, to kill almost every germ in its path.  Now this germ-killer is used in everything, even lipstick, deodorant, and toothpaste.  Some experts say that the overuse of triclosan can lead to super-bugs.  Makes sense to me.

Synthetic fragrances and colors: do we really need them in our toothpaste when mother nature does it best with mint?

Another hotly debated ingredient in conventional toothpaste is fluoride.  The Environmental Working Group published a really helpful article that sums it up here.  Basically, Fluoride is necessary to prevent tooth decay, but there is such thing as too much, especially for pregnant women and children.  In my humble opinion, fluoride belongs on your teeth, not in your body, so I have a heavy-duty household water filter in my home and I use fluoridated toothpaste.

On to the recommendations:

TOM’S OF MAINE BOTANICALLY BRIGHT SLS-FREE TOOTHPASTE

This toothpaste still gently foams without the use of SLS.  It tastes great and leaves my mouth feeling clean.  Tom’s offers many clean options, but watch out for the ones that are not SLS-free.  Read your labels!  Cost: about $6.  Purchase it here or Whole Foods.

JASON POWERSMILE WHITENING ANTI-CAVITY TOOTHPASTE

Jason also makes great toothpaste; there are lots of SLS-free and Fluoride-free options and flavors to choose from.  It foams well, tastes good, and leaves my mouth feeling clean.  Cost: about $7.  Purchase it here or Whole Foods.

Both of these companies make great options for kids as well.  Does anyone else have a recommendation for a clean children’s toothpaste?

So many of you have been asking about sunscreen.  I have been busy sampling and compiling and I can’t wait to share it all with you on Thursday and Friday!