(NaturalNews) One of the fastest ways to absorb anything into the body is through the mouth. This is why certain drugs such as heart medication nitroglycerin and some pain relief drugs are administered under the tongue. Because of this, you should be aware that potentially toxic ingredients in your toothpaste and mouthwash could also be absorbed into your body.

Unfortunately, your dentist may think he or she knows what to recommend for you, but chances are that is not the case.

The following is a list of some potentially toxic ingredients in dental and other personal care products and of the reasons for concern that your dentist probably does not realize:

1.Fluoride - FDA warning on toothpaste/mouthwash containing fluoride reads: "WARNING, keep out of reach of children under the age of 6. If more than used for normal brushing is swallowed, contact your physician or local Poison Control Center immediately."

Children`s toothpaste often has flavors that taste like candy or bubblegum which may tempt children to swallow it. This can be a problem since the warning states that even small amounts of fluoride swallowed can cause serious health risks.

Toxic dosage of toothpaste with fluoride can cause death. For example, death could result if a 2 year old swallows 42 percent of a tube of fluoride toothpaste, a 4 year old swallows 56 percent of a tube of fluoride toothpaste or a 6 year old swallows 70 percent of the contents of a fluoride toothpaste tube.

2.Triclosan - This antibiotic/antimicrobial agent is used in many products including dishwashing soap, hand soap, deodorants, toothpaste and mouthwash. In August 2009 the Canadian Medical Association requested Canada Health to ban triclosan use in personal care products due to development of bacterial resistance. In 2006 and 2009, studies demonstrated triclosan exposure significantly impacts thyroid hormone concentrations. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports frequent use of antibiotics could lead to growth of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics. We all know of the rise in `superbugs` that are resistant to most antibiotics and have resulted in deaths.

3.Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - Using toothpaste without sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) may reduce the frequency of canker sores (aphthous ulcers). Researchers speculate that SLS dries out the protective mucous lining in the mouth...making it vulnerable to irritants that lead to canker sores. SLS is a detergent that is in almost all toothpastes, dishwashing soaps and body washes.

4.Abrasives - Tooth sensitivity is caused by many factors. A term used for certain types of tooth sensitivity is known as `abfractions` and may be caused by abrasive toothpaste. Some toothpaste including teeth whitening pastes and tartar control brands may contain stronger abrasives. A test available, but not used by most brands is called the RDA rating. This determines the abrasiveness of toothpaste to dentin, the middle layer of teeth. Unless the RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) of a brand is known, the consumer or dentist may not know if tooth abrasion was caused on some level by the toothpaste used.

5.Artificial sweeteners - The FDA has vacillated over the years about the safety of artificial sweeteners such as saccharin. Canada Health has still not approved saccharin as safe.

6.Botanical ingredients - Drugs come from plants, and many herbs including the popular tea tree oil have side effects and drug interactions. NIH along with MedlinePlus website have an excellent source to check herbal ingredients for their false vs true indications and potentially harmful side effects; you can find which ones pregnant women and children should specially avoid: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/...

Sources:
"Secret Gateway to Health" Author: Flora Stay, D.D.S. (Morgan James Publishing Group)
Environmental Working Group: www.ewg.org
Skin Deep database: www.cosmeticdatabase.com

About the author

Dr. Flora Stay is the founder of Cleure (fusion of Clean & Pure)(www.cleure.com),the trusted company for safe personal care and cosmetic products. Call or visit her website now for a FREE e-book "Product Labels: a cautionary tale" and FREE samples of emu oil at http://www.cleure.com 888-883-4276