Health and Safety at Home Toothpaste Health and Safety at Home

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.

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 (0.05-0.50%) - Fluoride and other therapeutic agents - Water

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

Toothpaste color codes

Safety

Warning

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. http://outoftheboxremedies.net/2013/03/13/fluoride-toothpaste-poisons-your-brain/

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.

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.” * *http://www.colgateprofessional.com/products/Colgate-Cavity-Protection- Toothpaste/specifics

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.

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:

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

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

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

Free dental screenings Ottawa Public Health http://ottawa.ca/en/residents/public- health/healthy-living/access-dental-care https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=156&v=6_ByDyAH0FQ