672: Toothpaste | Skeptical Sunday

Tooth Powder

Tooth powder, an alternative to traditional toothpaste, has both benefits and drawbacks. David C. Smalley explains that tooth powder is more effective at removing stains and plaque, and can be made at home with simple ingredients 1. However, it lacks cavity protection and the American Dental Association's (ADA) seal of acceptance. Jordan Harbinger notes that glycerin in toothpaste can inhibit remineralization and attract plaque, making tooth powder a potentially healthier option 2.

Powder is more effective at removing stains and plaque, and it can be easily made at home with just a couple of simple ingredients.

--- David C. Smalley

Despite these benefits, the lack of ADA approval raises concerns about its overall efficacy and safety.

   

Natural Toothpaste

Natural toothpaste options are gaining popularity, but they come with their own set of challenges. David C. Smalley points out that ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are used for foaming but don't actually clean teeth and can become toxic during manufacturing 3. Jordan Harbinger shares his discomfort with non-foaming natural toothpaste, which feels less effective despite being safer 3.

It's the liquids that do it. Because what he says is these things, even though they taste good and they're liquid, they dry your mouth out.

--- David C. Smalley

The transition to natural toothpaste may require getting used to different textures and consistencies, but it offers a safer alternative to traditional products.

   

Homemade Solutions

Homemade toothpaste solutions offer a customizable and potentially safer alternative to commercial products. David C. Smalley discusses the skepticism around traditional toothpaste ingredients like fluoride and polyethylene glycol, which is also found in antifreeze 4. He suggests that avoiding fluoride in children's toothpaste could be beneficial, as kids often swallow it. Jordan Harbinger highlights that glycerin in toothpaste can coat teeth and attract plaque, making homemade options appealing 2.

He said that you may want to avoid fluoride in their toothpaste until they really understand the concept of, you know, not swallowing any, because he says most kids swallow, you know, good portions of their toothpaste.

--- David C. Smalley

Creating your own toothpaste allows for control over ingredients, potentially reducing exposure to harmful substances.