GROSS, DISGUSTING…TOOTHPASTE? That’s Right. EW.

Now don’t think I’m bat shit crazy here…K?

Today I want to discuss toothpaste.

YOU KNOW, THE STUFF THAT GOES INTO YOUR MOUTH EVERY.SINGLE.DAY.

Is it weird that I want to discuss this?

I KNOW, I know, you’re probably thinking DAMN this girl needs to get a life.

But no, I assure you, I’m not a psychopath— there’s actually valid claims to my toothpaste weirdness.

Basically I try to pick & choose my battles with chemicals…CAREFULLY.

…& well, toothpaste is ONE I prefer to fight.

Firstly, it’s UM, like in your mouth everyday. If you’re an overachiever, it’s in your mouth THREE TIMES A DAY.

AND there’s gross shit in most drugstore brands.

So after a bunch of online research ( LIKE A BUNCH, call me Doogie Howser M.D. ), I found an interesting list of what the fuck is hiding in your basic toothpaste…& it’s just nasty. SICK, EW. Especially because you put it your mouth everyday…I’ll quote the list:

1. Fluoride

The dangers of fluoride, especially when it is ingested, are becoming increasingly well-known. This byproduct of manufacturing certain metals has been found to have neurotoxic properties, and is linked to raising blood sugar.

Even if you’re not eating it, accidentally swallowing fluoride toothpaste is linked to stomach pain, dizziness, vomiting, headaches and skin rashes.

2. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)

This is the ingredient added to many toothpastes–– and a range of other personal care products – to make them foamy. Along with foam, SLS is linked to skin and eye irritation, genetic mutations, hormonal imbalances and cancers.

3. Triclosan

Triclosan is a common ingredient added to toothpastes for its antibacterial properties. However, this ingredient, which originated as a pesticide, has been linked to allergies and hormonal disruption, and is thought to be contributing to the epidemic of antibiotic resistance.

4. Propylene glycol

Also an ingredient found in antifreeze, propylene glycol is added to some toothpastes to act as a surfactant ( lowers the surface tension between two substances ). Chronic exposure to propylene glycol is linked to liver, kidney and neurological issues.

5. Microbeads

You know those pretty little flecks housed within some toothpaste gels? Those are microbeads, and they not only pollute lake sediment, dentists have found them lodged in people’s gums. A microbead stuck in your gum line can lead to irritation, infection, and even, eventually, periodontal disease.

6. Diethanolamine ( DEA )

DEA is a chemical compound that, like sodium lauryl sulfate, causes personal care products to foam. Unfortunately, DEA has also been linked to skin irritation, hormonal disruption, and a potentially higher risk of certain cancers, including those of the kidney and liver.

7. Artificial colorings

Artificial colorings are often petroleum based, and include other industrial chemicals. Many common color combinations have been linked by research to hyperactivity in children, & a risk of severe allergic reactions. Some have been linked to cancers in lab animal tests.

8. Artificial or natural flavors

If you see the terms “artificial flavors” or “natural flavors” on a label, these could be virtually anything. In the case of artificial flavors, they could be derived from a number of chemical ingredients.

Natural flavors are not as natural as you may think–– raspberry flavor, for example, is a highly processed derivative of the secretions of the anal scent glands of beavers… really.

9. Hydrated silica

This ingredient is added to some whitening toothpastes, to give it a “scrub” quality to remove stains. Unfortunately, this can also wear down tooth enamel, which can lead to a host of dental issues.

10. Sodium saccharin

This compound is the solid state of the artificial sweetener known as saccharin. Artificial sweeteners have serious potential dangers, and some early animal studies on saccharin linked the compound to bladder cancer.

JUST EW, EW, EW.

I found this recipe recently & it’s SO quick if you just leave the stuff by your sink.

EASY, AT-HOME ALL NATURAL TOOTHPASTE

2 tablespoons coconut oil
2 tablespoons baking soda
5 drops pure tea tree oil

I have a little cute pink jar of raw coconut oil, a blue jar of baking soda, & my tiny bottle of tea tree oil ready to rock. Just mix it together. Sometimes I’m a lazy-ass & will just dip my drugstore toothbrush into all three.

According to this source, “coconut oil and tea tree oil offer potent antibacterial properties, while baking soda helps to neutralize acid, whiten teeth, and remove plaque and stains.”

This toothpaste recipe is GREAT…if I have time. If I’m traveling OR just slammed, I use Jason’s ‘Sea Fresh All-Natural Toothpaste. To whiten my teeth, I’ll throw on a Crest Whitestripes ( I know not the best ) OR use all-natural charcoal toothpaste ( remember this post? ). No one’s paying  me to say this, this is just what I like. If you have a better option, PLEASE leave it below.

As for a toothbrush, I like just a basic bitch clear toothbrush from the drugstore OR a super gnarly electronic toothbrush ( OBSESSED WITH THIS ONE ). Depends on my mood, LOL. You guys know I had jaw surgery recently so sometimes my mouth is tender, sometimes it’s not. So yes, I have a toothbrush mood.

My last weird, random tip is LIME.

YES OH YES. LIME.

I eat limes ( lemons too ) ALL, ALL the time because they make your breath smell good. BYE ODOR. A little bartender trick for you. Try it, your BF will be getting all kinds of feels.

Does anyone else have any toothpaste/dental recommendations? I feel like you guys always come up with insane advice.

Also, I’m a day late & a dollar short announcing the $1500 beauty giveaway ( <<< do NOT miss entering this one! ) AND the Gary Vee book giveaway. Give me until tonight, promise. It’s on my to-do list ; ).

Anyway, check out the toothpaste for yourself. I mean maybe it’s just me (???) but personally I’m not a fan of brushing my teeth with secretions of the anal scent glands of beavers………?

Chat tomorrow, lauryn x

+ more teeth whitening tippity tips here.

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