Most of us use toothpaste everyday without a care in the world. Some of us have been using the same toothpaste since we were kids, most likely because that's what you have become accustom to while others have been swayed by the millions of "bright smile" commercials.

When is the last time you read the ingredients list on your toothpaste? Many of us don't because buying toothpaste is like second nature, it is just one of those necessities that you ARE going to buy. Well today I challenge you to go and read the ingredients in your toothpaste. The average commercial brand contains at least 3 harmful ingredients and while brushing your teeth once won't expose you to "harmful levels" possibly using it for a great part of your life will.

So here are 3 harmful ingredients found in toothpaste:

1. Triclosan. Triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that is know to be an endocrine disruptor and cause skin irritations. The CDC states that "Triclosan is a chemical with antibacterial properties. For more than 30 years, it has been used in consumer products such as detergents, soaps, skin cleansers, deodorants, lotions, creams, toothpastes, and dishwashing liquids. Triclosan can be added to other materials, such as textiles, to make them resistant to bacterial growth."

2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). SLS has been known to cause skin irritations and have the potential to worsen mouth ulcers.

3. Parabens. Parabens are used as preservatives in many products like toothpaste and other cosmetics. In many studies, it has been associated with being a hormone disruptor.

This list only consists of 3 however there are plenty more. I would encourage you to always READ YOUR LABELS before you purchase products therefore you can make an informed decision to use less harmful products.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoy this type of content, subscribe to the email list.

Resources for this blog:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Madesafe.org