Would you brush your teeth with laundry detergent?

I'm fairly sure you are screaming "not a chance" in your head....but the ugly truth is...YOU ALREADY ARE!

Yes it's true...unless you are aware and reading labels, you and your family are brushing your teeth with laundry detergent, shampoo, dish soap...take your pick.
If the words Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) SLES, SLS, ALS and sodium pareth sulfate are on the label, these are surfactants that are used in many cosmetic, personal and other cleaning products for their cleansing and emulsifying properties. By the way...these are the products that are generally thought to be the cause of mouth/canker sores. They behave similarly to soap, but can be used for anything from degreasing commercial garage floors to baby shampoo. Actually anything containing sodium laur-anything is best to avoid. They all like to claim they are safe, small amounts are allowable...but they base that on their one product. No one takes into consideration the amount being used is much higher due to a multiple daily combined usage...it adds up!

So again I ask...would you brush your teeth with laundry detergent (or shampoo)? How about Drano? (sodium hydroxide, lye) Yep, it's in many toothpastes as well. Why? You shout in revulsion! It's a cheap Ph balancer...sodium hydroxide--it's so strong, the amount you'd need to do the job wouldn't change the consistency of the toothpaste.

READ.the.LABELS ! It's the only thing you can do to protect yourself from excessive chemical exposure.

You might consider making your own natural toothpaste. It's easier than you think, and has the added benefit of control over ingredients.
Here is a simple basic recipe:

3 Tbsp coconut oil
3 Tbsp baking soda
20-25 drops peppermint essential oil (or experiment: use clove, cinnamon, orange, spearmint oils)
1 packet stevia (to taste)
2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)

Put the coconut oil and baking soda in a bowl and mash up with a fork until blended. Add peppermint oil (or other), stevia and optional vegetable glycerine (smoothness) and contine mashing until desired toothpaste consistencey.
You'll be surprised how clean, fresh and smooth your teeth feel. (no, there is no fluoride)<sigh> don't you get enough of that questionable substance in your drinking water? But that's a post for another day....EPA Scientists oppose water fluoridation
I put mine in one of these wonderful silicon "squeezy travel bottles. I use these for shampoo etc. as well. Makes you wonder "why" they make any other kind of travel bottle (hard plastic etc.) which wastes product because you can never get all of it out...

A Google search to buy online, or check the travel size product section of your local drugstore. I like the convenient 3 oz sizes (carry on approved)

XO
Mom