Toothpastes are special. They’re the very first product each of us interacts with every day. But sleepyheads that we are at that time, we hardly think deep about what is creating that perfect feeling of the foam cleaning our teeth. Maybe some of you have checked out the ingredients before purchasing. Maybe some of you wonder whether these ingredients are all safe for us. And whether they’re all safe for our children. It’s good if you’re double checking because chances are that it is not! There are ingredients being used in toothpastes worldwide and in India, that have been subject of much debate and remain questionable to this date. This article gives you a detailed guide to answer your doubts.
Special Toothpaste for Kids, Why?
Several store-bought toothpaste brands have harmful ingredients that might impact the health of an individual – specifically children – after prolonged and regular use. And since toothpastes are products inherently meant for a life-long regular use, one has to look at these very seriously. Most of the brands that claim themselves to be the best toothpaste for kids, most likely, contain any or every one of the following ingredients – sodium saccharin, fluoride, triclosan, glycerine, sodium lauryl sulfate and food dyes.
Sodium saccharin, sorbitol, and other kinds of sweeteners are meant to enhance the taste of the toothpaste. There is almost no proven benefit of these ingredients and it may instead harm the oral health of the children. Ingesting this substance (which occasionally happens when brushing), has been linked to, weight gain, allergic reactions and even more severe risks like diabetes and cancer.
Fluoride is the most harmful of all the ingredients. Many researchers have found that intaking fluoride during childhood can lead to dental fluorosis, eventual damage to bones and muscles, thyroid in adulthood, neurological problems that might reduce the cognitive ability of the child and cardiovascular diseases in the future.
Recently, Triclosan, when used by children on a regular basis, has been found to cause heart problems in them when they reach their 40s. It being reviewed rigorously to establish its safety by the FDA, who claim that it may cause possible disruption to hormone regulation in the body of young children and adults. Sodium lauryl sulphate, and other surfactants, which help the toothpaste to lather, can increase mouth ulcers and sores, while food dyes may cause allergic reactions and other health problems.
Many young children tend to swallow a bit of the toothpaste they are using. In other cases, it may still enter through the food pipe. So, while choosing children’s toothpaste, one needs to be very careful as you may be, unknowingly, harming the health of your child, and predisposing your child to some health issues in the future.
Natural Toothpastes Benefits
When you make a natural kids’ toothpaste at home, there are several benefits that come along. Apart from the fact that it is chemical free, you can check and control what goes into it. You can add on natural flavours, like mint, that your child likes, instead of the harsh exaggerated flavours of the chemical toothpaste. You add on nutrients and minerals that are advantageous to your kid’s health. Your children’s toothpaste will be safe for use, and you would be cutting down one harmful habit to safeguard your child against future diseases like thyroid, diabetes and even cancer. You also won’t be putting in colour dyes. Although it may not look as appealing as the store-bought ones, at least you will be ensured that such dangerous substances as dyes are not being used on your child. You can even make a toothpaste that is the best for your kids – since you know their needs the best.
Even if you do not want to make toothpaste by yourself, you still have the option of selecting the best natural toothpaste for kids from the ones we mention in this article, by weighing the pros and cons.
Ingredients
If you plan to buy an organic kids’ toothpaste from the store, here are some of the ingredients you may find
1. Calcium Carbonate
This is what chalks are made of. In the case of children’s toothpaste, they are safe. This is a good ingredient to provide the mild abrasiveness required to clean the teeth.
2. Aqua
This is the water content. Forming anywhere between 20-42% of the total content, it provides moisture to the toothpaste and prevents it from drying out.
3. Xylitol
Sorbitol and xylitol are not related but perform a similar function. Xylitol has been found to have certain benefits, like fighting bacteria and preventing tooth decay. A natural sweetener, it is an alternative to the artificial sugar in your children’s toothpaste.
4. Silica
Made by grinding a hard rock called quartz, silica has mixed reviews when it comes to benefits. On the one, handsome people are sceptical that it will erode the enamel, owing to its harshness, on the other hand, others contend that it is in small amounts, and is less dangerous than a hard toothbrush.
5. Carrageenan
A thickener like gelatine, it is derived from red seaweed. It is of two kinds – degraded carrageenan that may lead to cancer, and the undegraded carrageenan – one used in most toothpaste – that is edible and certified as safe by the FDA.
How to Make Natural Toothpaste
What’s better and safer than making something at home for your own child? We suggest the following recipe.
Ingredients
- Coconut oil – ½ cup
- Baking soda – 2-3 tablespoon
- Stevia powder – 2-4 grams
- Cinnamon/Orange/Peppermint essential oil – 20 drops
Recipe
- Heat up the coconut oil so that it melts.
- Turn of the heat and mix in the rest of the ingredients.
- Stir continuously while it cools down. Make sure the baking soda does not separate.
- Pour it into a container of your choice and let it cool completely.
- For using this organic kids’ toothpaste, let your children scrap the concoction gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush, or use a spoon to place a small amount on the bristles.
Now that you know how to make, at home, the best toothpaste for kids, you may begin to swap your chemical toothpaste with this. It tastes great and leads to much lesser plaque build-up. Time to give natural toothpaste for kids a try, now!
Also read:Â List of Top 6 Best Toothpaste Brands in India.
