Rethinking Your Toothpaste: A Closer Look

The current reality in the Western world is grim; children as young as 3 years old are experiencing blackened teeth, root canals, and crowns. It's alarming! Nutrition greatly affects dental health. We've been taught to brush our teeth twice a day with toothpaste. But is that really necessary?

I once had a patient who grew up in Ethiopia. How did she clean her teeth? With the inner bark of a tree. And what did she eat? Her morning began with natural physical activity like herding sheep. Her daily diet was based on sprouted grains (wheat, spelt) in the late morning; lunch was similar or included sprouted legumes; and in the evening, if there was something to eat, she drank a glass of milk from grass-fed cows or ate seasonal fruit. Who said you need more than that in a day? She did not see dentists or doctors until she came to Israel in her later years and changed her lifestyle, which led to a decline in her health. Clearly, her basic diet prevented diseases and dental issues, so it might be wise to switch to a basic diet. However, I don’t expect you to brush your teeth with bark. So, what should you use?

Most conventional toothpastes, while excellent at keeping teeth white, contain artificial additives like food colorings, sweeteners, and petroleum compounds. They may also include substances suspected of causing severe illnesses and plastic "whitening" agents that are unhealthy. Here are some substances to watch out for in conventional toothpastes:

Glycerin - Found in almost every toothpaste on the market, it creates a paste-like texture but can leave a coating on teeth, preventing them from restoring their mineral coating and closing cavities.

Fluoride – Supposedly prevents cavities and decay but can be highly toxic to the body.

Titanium Dioxide - Suspected carcinogen.

Chemical Artificial Sweeteners - Like sorbitol and saccharin, commonly found in various toothpastes.

Today, there's a wide range of natural toothpastes available that don't contain these substances. You can also find recipes online for homemade natural toothpastes using ingredients like clay, baking soda, and coconut oil.

To book a home workshop with the naturopath Ruth Liat Pelts (for free), call 073-2221290