Many people see oral care as a daily routine and do not associate it further with health. You brush your teeth to prevent cavities and for fresh breath. But did you know that your oral health has a direct impact on your overall health? And that the toothpaste you use plays an important role in this?

The link between oral health and your overall health

Your mouth is the gateway to the rest of your body. Scientific research has shown that poor oral health can be linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even cognitive decline.* Bacteria from inflamed gums can enter your bloodstream and cause inflammatory reactions in other parts of your body. Healthy teeth and gums are therefore not only important for your smile, but also for the rest of your body.

What's in your toothpaste?

Many traditional toothpastes contain ingredients that do not contribute to a healthy mouth. Take, for example, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that you may also know from shampoos and cleaning products. Although it creates a nice foam, SLS can irritate your oral mucosa and disrupt the natural balance of your mouth. This can lead to dry mouth, sores, and even an increased risk of inflammation.

Other controversial ingredients include titanium dioxide, a commonly used whitening agent for toothpaste (no whitening effect for your teeth) which is under fire due to possible harmful effects and is even linked to cancer. It's not without reason that titanium dioxide is banned in food.

Another ingredient: triclosan, an antibacterial substance that can be an endocrine disruptor and contributes to antibiotic resistance. Parabens are found in various toothpastes; parabens can also have hormone-disrupting effects and lead to allergic reactions. Finally, some toothpastes still contain microplastics, which are not biodegradable, cannot be/are poorly broken down in your body, and end up in the environment.

Although fluoride is recommended to prevent tooth decay, some people choose to brush fluoride-free. It is then important to choose a toothpaste with an active ingredient that actually contributes to the protection and build-up of your enamel, such as nano-hydroxyapatite.

Conscious choices for a healthy mouth

Health starts with awareness. Which products do you use and what ingredients do they contain? By critically examining the ingredients in, among other things, your toothpaste, you can make better choices for your health. A natural toothpaste without harmful substances not only helps keep your teeth and gums healthy, but also supports your overall health.

At ReBloom Care, we choose toothpastes without SLS, parabens, titanium dioxide, microplastics, and other harmful and unnecessary additives. Whether you choose fluoride or an alternative active ingredient – making a conscious choice is the first step towards a healthier mouth and your overall health.

Source: *https://www.newscientist.nl/nieuws/tandvleesontsteking-bevordert-hart-en-vaatziekten/ & https://www.tvpo.nl/parodontitis-verhoogt-de-kans-op-hart-en-vaatziekten/ & https://mijn.bsl.nl/parodontitis-als-risicofactor-voor-diabetes-type-2-en-hart-en-va/590218?