We all want to keep healthy teeth, but did you know that the mouth absorbs all of the chemicals you put into it? Some of the information coming out about what we absorb under the tongue and other mucous membranes that includes the uvula (tiny finger-like thing that hangs down in the back of your mouth is alarming to the nth degree.
To add to all of the "forever chemicals" which some floss contains, now we have the ubiquitous Mr. B.G. coming out with a new and dastardly idea that's sure to eventually pare the population down even more. Since the general populace is not buying some of his other ideas, he came out with a new wrinkle that will put his mRNA toxins into floss. The better to get into your blood stream between the teeth you will floss with.
So, let's explore what we put into our mouths, other than food. The Lead Safe Mama is a team who have been "conducting independent, community-funded, scientific testing of consumer goods since 2009." Their labs also test for food, supplements, personal-care products for such toxins as Lead, Mercury, Cadmium and Arsenic. If you would like more information than I will be able to give you here, consider going to this site and scrolling down to an article updated July 21, 2025. tamararubin.com
They share that they have had over 1.3 million readers on their website. They have a number of areas that lead to more information. Requests come to them from people like you and me to see what to test next. Most of their information is free of charge.
You may wonder who Tamara Rubin is. She has had multiple-federal-awards-for her work in preventing lead poisoning in children. "Two of her four sons were acutely lead-poisoned in 2005." She has many other areas of outreach including making documentary films. Check her site LeadSafeMama.com for more information
They tested 60 toothpastes and tooth-powders. She listed these: lead, fluoride, cadmium, mercury and arsenic free. Dr. Brown's Baby Toothpaste ranked the best. If it's safe for children, it can be safe for you as well. Don't let pride stand in your way of getting healthy or maintaining your health.
Here is more information from a different source: thecookingfacts.com Fluoride was the most used chemical in tooth pastes. High fluoride levels can lower children's IQ and cause thyroid gland malfunction. Little ones may swallow toothpaste with its toxins, which can then affect their bodies in challenging ways. Fluoride in particular can damage developing brains.
Triclosan is in a number of tooth products. It can disrupt hormones, especially the thyroid and reproductive hormones. This is a reason to always read labels. But, I'll have to say they have become clever at masking what's in them.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate causes toothpaste to foam. That makes it more tempting for children to swallow it. It can irritate skin, mouth ulcers or sensitive ulcers. Manufacturers hide the name behind these words: Sodium salt, sodium dodecyl sulfate, sulfuric acid and aquarex methyl among other chemicals.
Propylene glycol keeps toothpaste moist. Some people are allergic to this chemical causing them to have skin rashes.
Artificial Sweeteners and Flavoring chemicals may contain saccharin, but many hide aspartame, a known toxic agent, especially to the brain and nervous systems. It's been linked to headaches and dizziness. Of more concern is the question that it may increase the risk of cancer. Saccharin has been known to cause cancer in animal studies. In humans it can cause coughing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Parabens act as preservatives, but can cause hormone disruption and some people get skin reactions from Parabens.
Diethanolamine (DEA) thickens toothpaste, but is a questionable health risk. Environmental Working Group (EWG) cites this as an "irritant, human respiratory toxin and carcinogen. It's also in some cosmetics. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/718373-DIETHANOLAMINE/
Titanium Dioxide give toothpaste the bright, white look. It can be carcinogenic.
Artificial coloring may mess with children's brain and nervous systems. It's not good for teens or adults either. Some colors have been banned, however, the ban may not take place for a year or more. Manufacturers can choose to omit negative chemicals on their labels because of a law that gave them license to do this.
Carrageenan is a thickening agent. It can causes intestinal problems. https://experiencelife.lifetime.life and https://behuppy.com/blogs/news/toxins-in-toothpaste-15-toxic-ingredients-in-dental-care-to-avoid
What about mouthwash? Alcohol is in many of them. It can kill good bacteria as well as harmful. It can dry the mouth, cause gum disease, cracked lips and mouth sores. Some contain cocamidoopropyl betaine which thickens mouthwash. This is a known environmental toxin.
Hydroxyapatite is the form of calcium the body recognizes and it helps make your teeth strong and hard. Dr. Christine Coughlin DDS recommends this form of toothpaste to her patients. https://thrivedentist.com/oral-care/toothpaste-the-best-and-worst-ingredients.
So, lets look at dental floss. Hayden Expanding Floss was declared the safest dental floss of 2025. The next in line was DrTung's Smart Floss. It also expands and has no PTFE or PFAS hidden inside as some do. Tied with the above, was REACH Ultraclean Dental Floss. If interested, go to oneclearwinner.com
Another problem is the addition of toxins by people who do not have a medical degree but are influential with hidden agendas. It's becoming increasingly important to read labels. However, on some the print is so tiny that you could take a magnifying glass with you to the store. A rule of thumb for me, is if I can't phonetically sound out a chemical name, I automatically omit that product. I've seen a lot of chemicals come and go, but some people have strong belief systems to lessen the numbers of people on the planet. If they have a vested interest in any products such as the Apeal that seems to be mostly been hidden now, I don't personally trust their motives no matter how broad the smiles and length of floss held in front of the mouth.
For many of us, praying over our food becomes a necessity. It does take work to stay healthy and that is no theory.
Nancy L. Pidutti, PhD (NHH), nurse, journalist, 5 time author and long time Chaplain
