Today I decided to check out the ingredients in Toothpaste as I have been hearing for so long from colleagues that the large brands are full of nasty stuff – what does it contain?

The following ingredients list was taken from the largest brand of toothpaste’s packaging:

Hydrated Silica - Hydrated silica is a form of silicon dioxide (reference Wikipedia) Silicon dioxide and silica gel are insecticides and acaracides, used in controlling insects, mites and ticks in a variety of indoor and outdoor sites. Silicon dioxide dust is applied with a hand-held or power duster to stored grain, other food, feed and ornamentals; in food handling areas; and on pets

and their living/sleeping quarters. Silica gel dust or pressurized liquid is applied by hand-held power duster, aerosol can or injection into cracks and crevices. Silica gel is used to control target pests in stored grain crops, food handling areas, hospitals, sewage systems, and on animals/pets and their living quarters. Available studies demonstrate that silicon dioxide and silica gel have moderate to low acute toxicity. These pesticides have been placed in

Toxicity Category III for acute oral and dermal effects (Toxicity Category I indicating the highest degree of toxicity, and IV the lowest). (reference EPA)

Sorbitol  Sorbitol, also known as glucitol, is a sugar alcohol that the human body metabolizes slowly. (reference Wikipedia) Sorbitol can have a laxative effect and is not recommended for consumption by children and those with sensitive digestion symptoms or a gastro-intestinal condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Sorbitol can cause diarrhea, bloating and gas unless it's consumed in small quantities. It may also cause abdominal pain in some cases. (another common consumption source is chewing gum)

Glycerin  Glycerol (or glycerine, glycerin) is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol was historically used as an anti-freeze for automotive applications before being replaced by ethylene glycol, which has a lower freezing point. It is also a byproduct of the production of biodiesel via transesterification. A Kent (UK) company has claimed that glycerol can be used as an alternative to diesel. (reference Wikipedia)

Sodium Tripolyphosphate  Sodium triphosphate (STP, sometimes STPP or sodium tripolyphosphate or TPP,^[1]) is an inorganic compound with formula Na₅P₃O₁₀. It is the sodium salt of the polyphosphate penta-anion, which is the conjugate base of triphosphoric acid. The majority of STPP is consumed as a component of commercial detergents. It serves as a "builder," industrial jargon for a water softener. STPP is a preservative for seafood, meats, poultry, and animal feeds.^[5] It is common in food production as E number E451. In foods, STPP is used to retain moisture. (reference Wikipedia)

Sodium Lauryl Sulphate Sodium laureth sulfate, or sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES), is a detergent and surfactant. Although SLES is considered safe at the concentrations used in cosmetic products, it is an irritant similar to other detergents, with the irritation increasing with concentration.^[2] SLES has been shown to produce eye or skin irritation in experimental animals and in some human test subjects.^[2] The related surfactant SLS is a known irritant,^[3][4] and research suggests that SLES can also cause irritation after extended exposure in some people. Some products containing SLES have been found to also contain low^[vague] levels of 1,4-dioxane, with the recommendation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that these levels be monitored.^[7] The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies 1,4-dioxane to be a probable human carcinogen. (reference Wikipedia)

PVM/MA Polyvinylmethylether maleic anhydride there is not much transferable information on this except it is used in the dying of fabric, the slow realease coating on drugs and denture adhesive. Poly= many, Vinyl= Synthetic resin or plastic consisting of polyvinyl chloride or a related polymer, used esp. for wallpapers and other covering materials.

Methyl ether= Methyl ether (Chem.), a light, volatile ether CH3.O.CH3, obtained by the etherification of methyl alcohol; -- called also methyl oxide or dimethyl ether. A univalent hydrocarbon radical, CH3-, not existing alone but regarded as an essential residue of methane.

Maleic= a colorless crystalline, unsaturated compound, C ₄ H ₂ O ₃ , that is soluble in acetone and hydrolyzes in water: used in the production of polyester resins, pesticides, and fumaric and tartaric acids. (reference onlineDictionary)

Copolymer In chemistry, a polymer is a chain of molecules made by linking many small molecules together. Polymers come in different varieties, one kind being the copolymer. A copolymer is made when two different types of molecules are joined in the same polymer chain. So no exact description is available!

Flavour No number so no idea which one

Titanium Dioxide this is an ingredient for which no long-term safety testing on humans has ever been conducted. In fact, according to the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety, titanium dioxide may be a human carcinogen. As explained on the CCOHS website: (http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html)

Titanium dioxide has recently been classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as an IARC Group 2B carcinogen ''possibly carcinogen to humans''. Titanium dioxide accounts for 70% of the total production volume of pigments worldwide. It is widely used to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, plastics, papers, inks, foods, and toothpastes. It is also used in cosmetic and skin care products, and it is present in almost every sunblock, where it helps protect the skin from ultraviolet light

Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate Tetrasodium phosphate is produced by the reaction of furnace-grade phosphoric acid with sodium carbonate to form disodium phosphate, which is then heated to 450 °C to form tetrasodium phosphate. (ref Wikipedia) Used as an ingredient in toilet bowl cleaner (reference US department of Health & Human Services) Effects on Humans: Exposure to tetrasodium pyrophosphate causes irritation in humans. It is an alkaline chemical and acute exposures have resulted in mild to moderate irritation of the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and respiratory passages [ACGIH 1991; Sittig 1991]. (Reference United States Department of Labor)

Carrageenans or carrageenins are a family of linear sulfated polysaccharides that are extracted from red seaweeds. Carrageenan is a vegetarian and vegan alternative to gelatin.

add to this list Sodium Saccharin, Gum & Sodium Fluoride. The sample purchased from K-Mart and manufactured in Thailand.

We use this – our kids use this – our dentists recommend this! 

There are alternatives!