HARMFUL EFFECTS OF WET SAND IN TOOTHPASTE

Dr. Olumide Emmanuel

For many years, dental health experts have stressed the need for the brushing of teeth at least 2 times a day with the different kinds of formulations that are collectively known as toothpaste. These formulations, though may come in different brands, all commonly contain combination of chemical compounds that ‘supposedly’ perform the functions of 1) surfactant that removes oil molecules and dirt from mouth, 2) work for killing of germs and prevention of cavities in teeth, and 3) re-mineralization of tooth enamel.
However, new findings have revealed that many of these chemical compounds in toothpaste are harmful to you and among these compounds is hydrated silica that is included in many brands of toothpaste because of its abrasive effects. Hydrated silica is made from a crystallized compound found in quartz, sand, and flint. It has the ability to hold water hence also called wet sand. Scratching the surface of the tooth and mouth with an abrasive such as hydrated silica harms the mucous membrane and enamel and prevents re-mineralization, much like using sand to clean glass. Severe wear could eventually occur. Can you remember how many times you have developed sores in your mouth a situation called aphthous ulcer and wondering how you got them?

According to a professor emeritus of Environmental and Occupational Medicine, Dr. Samuel S. Epstein who is also Chairman of the Cancer Prevention Coalition and recipient of many awards including, The Alternative Nobel Prize in 1998, stated that “The amount of irritation caused by toothpaste is minimal but can induce sore mouth and gums, wearing of tooth enamel, sore tongue, and sloughing of mucous membrane.
Also, according to Dr. Warren Scherer of the New York University College of Dentistry as reported by The Naples Daily News, "products containing the ingredients silica and cellulose, in particular, should be avoided when gum disease, tooth decay, sensitivity and receding gums are present. While these ingredients can remove tartar and make teeth whiter in appearance, they may also do harm to dental health by altering the acidic balance of the mouth, gums and tongue. Even the promoters of Hydrated silica have admitted that it can easily be confused or adulterated with its toxic and carcinogenic counterpart called crystalline silica by the suppliers.

So, what is the better alternative? It is Baking soda.

Baking soda is Sodium bicarbonate, a chemical compound that appears as a fine white powder. It has many health-related uses including preparation of toothpaste. It is alkaline and works by releasing bubbles of carbon dioxide when it interacts with an acid and a liquid. It is non-abrasive and not harmful. It removes odor and leaves deposit behind on the enamel thereby making teeth whiter over time. Baking soda-based prepared toothpaste removes bad breath better than all other toothpaste containing hydrated silica and leaves you with no mouth ulcer.

You can start preparing better toothpaste at home easily and stop flushing your hard-earned money down the drain each time you brush with commercially prepared ones that contain harmful chemical compounds.

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