Talks Imperfect

“ Not All Toothpaste Are Created Equal ”

The evolution of today’s commercial toothpaste did not appear in sudden full-blown competition to home-made recipes. In fact, it has come a long way, first from as long ago as 5000 BC when the Egyptians were making toothpowder of ashes of burnt selected items including egg shells, ox hooves and myrrh to the Greeks and the Romans who improved the formula by adding crushed bones, oyster shells and flavoring agents.

Over the centuries, humanity experienced miscellaneous recipes of toothpowder derived from lead to brick dust to crushed earthenware. Later concoctions included bicarbonate of soda, borax powder and sugar, this one slogged to make the taste palatable. On the whole, very abrasive substances continued to be used even during the 18th century. The toothpowder was transformed into toothpaste when glycerin was added to improve its palatability and marketability.

Fast forward, despite data gaps, the 20^th  century saw a major milestone in toothpaste development. Studies revealed that fluoride in small amounts can make teeth more resistant to the acid that leads to cavities. As a result, many types of toothpaste were reformulated to include fluoride . According to these studies, dental caries is an infectious, transmissible disease in which bacterial by-products (i.e., acids) dissolve the hard surfaces of teeth. If left unchecked, the bacteria can penetrate the dissolved surface, attack the underlying dentin, and reach the soft pulp tissue. This can result in loss of tooth structure, pain, and tooth loss, which can lead to acute systemic infection. The presence of fluoride helps to improve enamel structure and inhibits the activity of cariogenic bacteria (meaning those which contribute to the advancement of caries).  

But scientists, dentists and other health professionals are not unanimous in their stance on fluoridation . While there seems a consensus that small amounts will do no harm and maximize their effects in reducing dental caries, as long as fluoride is applied in strict protocols, recent studies indicate the need to cut back on the use of fluoride  especially through ingestion. And suggest that its beneficial effects are achieved through topical use only. When water fluoridation was implemented in the US in 1940s, the optimum level was set at approximately 1 ppm (equal to 1 mg/l). 

However, fluoride does not come from the water supply alone. Apart from toothpastes, fluoride is also found in beverages, processed food, fresh fruits and vegetables, vitamins and mineral supplements. According to the University  of Iowa study, 71% of 300 soft drinks contained fluoride. If we do our math, we know we are on a high road to fluoride toxicity . It is now estimated that there is an excess accumulation of fluoride in teeth and bones in proportion to the level and duration of fluoride intake. In general, our fluoride intake is estimated at 8 mg/day, eight times the optimum levels. Some toothpaste protocols recommend using 5000ppm for adolescents and adults over 16 years of age.

What are the dangers associated with toxicity of fluoride? It needs to be said that fluoride is non biodegradable, which means it cannot be broken down in the environment by natural process. If ingested, it accumulates in teeth and bones and, if in excess, can lead to a toxic condition called fluorosis. One can have dental fluorosis , which prevents the normal maturation of the enamel; and skeletal fluorosis  or bone changes characterized by osteosclerosis. And, in rare cases, too much of this toxic element   in the body can result in dense but weak bones, bone spurs on the spine, and crippling due to calcification of ligaments.

Another danger indicates a causal link between fluoride/fluoridation and cancer especially the link between thyroid disease and fluoridation, and its effect on   iodine deficiency. As pointed out in a report by Mary Shomon (2003), there’s a strong correlate between fluoridation and thyroid disease. Excess of fluoride in the body is also believed to partly contribute to the near epidemic levels of hypothyroidism  in the United States. Some experts and researchers believe that it is the case since fluoride which has been used for decades as an anti-thyroid medication to treat hyperthyroidism can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Of the over 150 symptoms and associations of hypothyroidism, almost all are also symptoms of fluoride poisoning.

Fluoridation of water supply has another grave health implication when fluoride compounds combine with water additives such as aluminium compounds, frequently added to water supply to serve as clarifying agents. On its own, aluminium cannot be directly absorbed by the body. But when fluoride is present to form aluminum-fluoride, aluminium is easily absorbed. This is a deadly combination according to many scientific literature (e.g., Isaacson, 1992; Brain Res. 1998: NIEHS, 2000; Fan, 2007) as it can cause severe kidney damage and lesions to the brain similar to those found in Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  

Notwithstanding the harmful effects of fluoridation, toothpastes have still the most overt use of fluoride because of the topical benefits in the prevention of tooth decay. Although the body can absorb a milligram of fluoride in as little as two brushings, which implies health danger for the user, there is very little instruction on the use of fluoridated toothpastes across the planet. Only recently have alerts appeared from medical newsletters and professional networks about the danger of accidental swallowing of fluoridated toothpastes and rinses, and the need to put only a pea-sized amount on the toothbrushes of young children. Even so, the protocol on fluoridated toothpaste for children’s dental care remains clearly undefined. Without supervision, children are more likely to swallow fluoridated toothpastes and rinses, thus raising the possibilities of unimaginable health hazards we adults have no idea could exist.

I find this development an unfailing demonstration of how little we have evolved in our knowledge of toothpaste from the abrasive recipes concocted by our primeval ancestors to meeting our current dental care needs.  

What more can be said?   Except that there are still fewer alternative (non-fluoridated) toothpastes and rinses in the marketplace today, without toxic additives including saccharin or artificial sweetener and detergent. Tom’s of Maine  is one of the few that goes for both non-fluoridated (all natural) and fluoridated dental care that can cater for two types of clients.

Giant brands in fiercely competitive markets have proved that they can keep their place in a multi-billion dollar industry by hook or crook and if fluoridated keywords lose their appeal, they are always certain of a perfect landing somewhere.

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