What's in your 'paste?

As promised, a simple and informative look at what's in the average toothpaste. Be aware that even mass-produced natural toothpastes can have less-offensive but still questionable ingredients... they aren't exempt. Being informed about what you're using is a big step in taking control of your well-being.

 

~ Sodium Fluoride (or fluoride): this is actually a toxic chemical that can be found in rat poison, and is not a mineral, nor is it essential for healthy teeth. Fluorine, however, is safe and useful in preventing tooth decay.

~SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate)/sulfates: this is a chemical... a detergent. It can be found in industrial cleaners, including the stuff that they use in car washes. It's also used in garages for cleaning mechanical parts and engines. In addition, clinical testing labs often use it to irritate the skin.

~FD&C dyes/lakes: these are artificial color additives. They are petroleum-based and are known carcinogens.

~Polyethylene: this is plastic.

~ Propylene glycol: an industrial chemical. It's commonly found in antifreeze, and it's primary use is to maintain moisture in the products it's added to.

~Sodium saccharin: an artificial ingredient used in place of sugar... and commonly found in rat poison.

~Triclosan: a carcinogenic agent and a pesticide. The EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) registers it as dangerous to both humans and the environment.

~Maltodextrine: this is basically sugar.

~DEA (diethanolamine): becomes a carcinogenic agent when mixed with certain preservatives. It has been known to cause tumors in lab animals.

 

So... am I saying you NEED to ditch your traditional toothpaste immediately? Nope... unless you're eating an entire tube a day. Then you might want to re-think your oral hygiene habits. But if any of the components of your current product make you uneasy, then switching might not be a bad thing. And I promised no soapboxes... with that said, I'll take a step toward it and pose this question: If sugar contributes to tooth decay, why is it added to toothpaste? (And now I take a step back).

So now that you're more aware of what's in the stuff on the shelf, let's take a look at Thistle Lane Natural's toothpaste:

~Bentonite clay: this is a naturally-found substance in nature. Clay. Pure and simple. It is chock-full of essential minerals and also has the ability to draw out toxins.

~Diatomaceous earth (food-grade): fossilized remains of marine phytoplankton. Found in nature, it is also a good source of natural silica, which is essential to bone health. It can also act as an antimicrobial and is safe for consumtion.

~Coconut oil: in it's purest form, it has antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal and antimicrobial properties. It's also a whole food.

~Purified water: Water. Purified. Self-explanatory!
~Essential oils: Pure essential oils are so beneficial. They aren't chemicals or synthetic, just extracted from nature. Many of them have healing properties, as well as antibacterial/antifungal/antiviral/antimicrobial benefits. For example. the combination of clove, cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon and thyme oils was used by grave robbers during the Black Plague. They concocted this little brew and in using it, avoided being infected by the plague. Commonly known today as "Thieves Oil" (branded by Young Living oil company), it's used in many natural and organic health care products.

~Stevia: a no-calorie sweetener used in place of sugar. Unlike many other sugar substitutes, it's not synthetic and is directly obtained from the stevia plant.

~Activated charcoal: draws out toxins from the body. Many emergency rooms keep a supply on hand to administer to patients after pumping the stomach in cases overdose or ingestion of toxic substances. It also has the power to whiten your teeth!

~Probiotic: the anti-antibiotic. Just as there is harmful bacteria, there is also good bacteria. That's what probiotics are... the good guys!

 

I should also add that TLN's natural toothpaste is safe for all ages, and very user-friendly. My oldest and I both have some sensory issues when it comes to texture, and while I'm an adult and can control my gag reflex a little better, my kids aren't so good at it. All three of my kiddos (and soon, my fourth) tolerate this toothpaste readily, with no gagging or tantrums. You'll find that TLN's toothpaste doesn't foam- again, good for the sensory-challenged individual. I wish I had known about this during my last two pregnancies, as a strong aversion to a mouthful of minty suds prevented me from properly caring for my teeth. You'll also find that a little bit goes a long way- you need only a half-pea-sized amount per brushing. You don't even need to spit, if you don't want to! The flavor is pleasant and mild, and none of the ingredients are harmful if they're ingested. Perfect for little tykes that either can't or won't spit into the sink. I feel better knowing that my three- and five-year-olds aren't swallowing something that's not safe, and for myself, it's a real time-saver to just brush, swallow and go. Not to mention, you get the added benefit of contributing to your gut health as well. Double-duty!

Still not convinced? Just can't give up your traditional 'paste? No problem... I respect that. I really do! But if you know someone who's ready to make the switch, send them on over and I'll set them up with some Thistle Lane Naturals!

New Look, New Name, New Products!

     Hello! green vanilla baby has morphed into Thistle Lane Naturals. While you can still order custom-made crocheted and knit things, there are new fun things available. Check out the Products page for more information on what's new in the line of natural health care, and the Upcycled page for this-n-that (I like to call it "repurposing my clutter".). Things are limited at this point because this is all quite new (not to mention I'm also full-time mommy to four and a housewife) but look for more products and options to become available.

     I'd like to briefly discuss oral health care. If you're like me, you probably don't care much for dental visits. Or dental offices. Or dentists. (Personal disclaimer: if you are a dentist or work for a dentist, I don't dislike you, I promise. You are good people!) And if you're like me, you might also have an interest in natural health. Maybe it's a niggling interest, or maybe you spend half your day researching the benefits of alternative and non-traditional healthcare. Or you might be in-between, hard-core, or just thinking about making some changes to the way you take care of yourself and your family or the products you use. Even a small change is an important one! Also, being unsure of swapping your traditional products and lifestyle for a more natural one can be scary. That's fine- no judgment here, I promise! One of the hardest things for me has been making the switch to non-traditional oral care. Let's face it... it's so easy to go to your nearest store and find any number of commercially-made toothpaste and mouthwash. So what's wrong with that?

     First of all, I like to think that if you can't pronounce an ingredient (for reasons other than that you're just not good at sounding stuff out), it's probably not *that* beneficial for you. Have you read the ingredient list on your commercial toothpaste? Do you know what each of those things are? Chances are, if you Googled each one, you might have second thoughts about putting it in your mouth again. If you're ok with it, then that's fine too. To each their own- like I said, no judgment. But if you're suddenly doubting the safety of your toothpaste, then maybe you're more ready to make the leap to a natural version than you thought.

     Next post: what's really in your toothpaste. Without getting on a soapbox or lecturing about the dangers of certain ingredients or crying "Conspiracy!", I'll touch on the commonly used things in most commercial pastes and what they do or don't do. Just a simple informative, without pointing fingers or demeaning anyone. This will be a guiding tool for you, to help you decide whether or not you're satisfied with your current oral health products. So stay tuned!!