1. Health and Safety at Home
Toothpaste
Health and Safety at Home

2. Toothpaste
Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush as an accessory to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene: it serves as an abrasive that aids in removing the dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in suppressing halitosis, and delivers active ingredients (most commonly fluoride) to help prevent tooth and gum disease.
Toothpaste is not intended to be swallowed due to the fluoride content, but is generally not very harmful if accidentally swallowed in small amounts; however, one should seek medical attention after swallowing abnormally large amounts.

3. What is in Toothpaste?
In addition to 20–42% water, toothpastes are derived from a variety of components, the three main ones being abrasives, fluoride, and detergents. - Abrasives - Detergent (1-2%) - Binding agents (1%) - Humectants (10-30%) - Flavouring, sweetening and colouring agents (1-5%) - Preservatives ( %) - Fluoride and other therapeutic agents - Water

5. Types of toothpaste Cavity-fighting toothpaste Whitening toothpaste
Antibacterial toothpaste
Natural toothpaste
Toothpaste for sensitive teeth

6. Toothpaste color codes

7. Safety

8. Warning

9. Isn’t Fluoride Supposed to be Good for Your Teeth?
Fluorosis due to fluoride poisoning
In advanced cases of fluorosis, the enamel chips away. I’ve personally witnessed this problem.
In Brooklyn, NY, a boy died when he swallowed fluoride gel while sitting in a dentist chair.

10. Fluoride Toothpaste Poisons Your Brain
Fluoride Makes you Stupid
One of the ways that fluoride can reduce your I.Q. (Intelligence Quotient) is that it displaces essential iodine. If one has a lack of iodine in their brain, they are predisposed to cretinism, which is mental (and physical) retardation.
For more information on iodine, see my article Iodine and Hormone Balance.
Fluoride is also efficient at bringing aluminum into your brain, leading to Alzheimer’s disease. Drinking a fluoridated beverage from aluminum cans puts one in the fast lane for Alzheimer’s disease. You get two poisons at the same time.

11. A fluoride toothpaste
Here is the exact wording of the insert that comes with Colgate Cavity Protection toothpaste (a fluoride toothpaste): “WARNINGS: As with all fluoride toothpastes, keep out of the reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek professional assistance or contact a poison control center immediately.” * * Toothpaste/specifics

12. Other Things to Consider
Check the label, and read all the ingredients.
Avoid highly sweetened toothpaste, which can contribute to tooth decay.
If you are unsure, talk to your dentist about the oral hygiene products to use.
Beware of fake or cheap toothpastes containing toxic ingredients.

13. How Much Toothpaste Should You Use?
1)the "right amount" of toothpaste is the size of a pea. 2)even if you want the benefits of whiteners and flouride, it probably isn't necessary to use it more than once a day. 3) It is probably better to use all- natural products from the health food section, and to follow our rule: If you can't pronounce an ingredient, you probably don't want it in your mouth.
now recommending that a rice-sized amount be used on the gums of children as young as 12-to-14 months old:

14. Toothbrushes
has a small head so it's easier to move around inside your mouth
has soft bristles
fits comfortably in your hand
Most important is brushing your teeth properly at least twice a day.
Caring For Your Toothbrush
Do not share your toothbrush or use someone else’s toothbrush
After brushing, rinse your toothbrush thoroughly with tap water and allow to air-dry
Store standing upright. If it is near other toothbrushes, do not let the heads touch
Do not store in closed containers
Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or when the bristles look worn and bent

15. Brushing Techniques Brush your teeth for two to three minutes
Avoid hard scrubbing
Hold your toothbrush at a 45-degree angle and gently brush in short strokes from where the tooth and gum meet to the top of the tooth
Brush all outside and inside surfaces
Clean the pits and crevices on the chewing surface of your teeth with short sweeping strokes
Brush your tongue to remove bacteria and freshen your breath
Talk to your dentist about proper brushing techniques

16. Chemical-free toothpaste: easy to make, safe, cheap
Tooth powder recipe
3 parts baking soda (acts as both cleanser and sweetener)
1 part salt (acts as the abrasive)
To use:
Pour a coin-sized amount into your hand. Dip in your dampened toothbrush and scrub your teeth.
Toothpaste recipe
4 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon flavoring: essential oils like peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon bark; or vanilla, almond or peppermint extract
A few drops tap water
* Optional sweeteners: a pinch of stevia powder or a few tablespoons of glycerin

17. Free dental screenings
Ottawa Public Health
health/healthy-living/access-dental-care