You probably find it difficult for your children not to ingest some of their toothpaste, especially as it has been made to be tasty to encourage brushing. But what could it be doing to their bodies?

In 1992 a randomised double-blind study was conducted in which healthy male volunteers were given either sodium fluoride or sodium monofluorophosphate (MFP) tablets (both common ingredients in toothpaste) for seven days.

Before the trial, both sets of volunteers had their stomach linings assessed. This was repeated again at the end of the trial.

Those in the MFP group showed no significant changes but seven out of ten in the Sodium Fluoride group had significant stomach lesions, including acute haemorrhages and free blood in their stomachs. (Gastroenterology 1992; 30: 252-4)

In the US, every box of toothpaste, by law has to display the warning shown above. It makes you realise just how toxic toothpaste must be if such a small amount swallowed requires urgent medical attention. This puts a lot of responsibility on the parent to supervise toothbrushing. The question is: If the same formula is used in our toothpaste as is used in the US, why do our governments not issue the same warning? Has your dentist or hygienist ever warned you of the dangers, not only to your children but to yourself, too? Probably not.



What is Sodium Fluoride?

Sodium Fluoride is a hazardous waste by-product from the aluminium smelting process. It can also be derived from the pollution scrubbers of the phosphate fertiliser industry. This by-product is too toxic to be dumped in the environment and it is classified as a poison. It is found in toothpastes in concentrations of up to 1500 parts per million (ppm).

In 1998, Dr A K Susheela of the India Institute of Medical Sciences in New Delhi, presented a report of her research entitled "Scientific Evidence On Adverse Effects Of Fluoride" to MPs in Westminster. She discovered that "fluoride from these toothpastes enters the circulation within minutes". As fluoride is more toxic than lead and slightly less toxic than arsenic, that is a worrying find.

Interestingly, Proctor and Gamble, the manufacturers of a well-known brand of toothpaste, were reported to have admitted that a family size tube of their toothpaste contained enough sodium fluoride to kill a 20 to 30lb child if ingested. Do you keep your toothpaste out of your child's reach?

World renowned toxicologist, Dr Samuel Epstein states that "the use of fluoride in toothpaste is controversial because of suggestive evidence of carcinogenicity"

It seems irresponsible that governments and dentists refuse to accept the research of numerous scientists from across the world that fluoride is harmful to human health. The evidence for the effectiveness of fluoride in preventing tooth decay is also widely disputed yet the public are being denied this information. Your dentist and hygienist are probably unaware of these studies because their main sources of information come from their professional associations and journals which are heavily funded by toothpaste manufacturers.

Is there a safe alternative to fluoride?

Anthium Dioxide, also known as chlorine dioxide, has been used for years as a safe water treatment. It has a very high bacterial kill rate and can be used for long-term treatment and maintenance of bad breath. Chlorine dioxide is not the same as chlorine, the difference being that it does not produce chlorinated by-products or carcinogens as a result of disinfecting. It can kill bacteria, spores, and viruses, fungi, cysts and protozoa, safely.

Anthium Dioxide is used in the toothpastes and mouthwash produced by Neways International with wonderful results. To see a range of dental care products, click




What can you do?

If you want your children to have strong, healthy teeth and gums without damaging their overall health, then there are some simple steps to take.

1) Reduce their intake of sugar, only allowing sweets occasionally and preferably with other food

2) Encourage your child to eat fruits and vegetables, to keep up their vitamin and mineral levels. If that is a problem, nutritional supplements should be taken to prevent deficiencies that lead to gum disease. See Nutritional Support.

3) Reduce the acid attack from fruit juices and never let your children go to bed with a bottle/cup of juice.

4) Ensure that they clean their teeth at least twice a day, using a non-fluoridated toothpaste which also does not contain Sodium Lauryl Sulphate.


5) Visit the dentist six-monthly for check-ups but refuse to allow your dentist to put a sealant containing fluoride on your child's teeth.

6) If your child needs a filling, refuse to allow mercury amalgam to be used. Instead ask for a composite resin (not glass iomer) as this contains no toxic material. This advice goes for you, too, should you ever need a filling or replacement filling.

For more information see our recommended list of books by clicking here

Fluoride

When did your children last brush their teeth with rat poison?

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