Toothpaste
@dragonokiefly (862)
United States
May 28, 2007 5:37pm CST
My son pointed out that toothpaste is actually dangerous. I thought he was joking and trying to get out of brushing his teeth, so I headed for the bathroom and read the tube. Sure enough it says (paraphrased of course) if you swallow more than used to brush teeth seek medical attention or call poison control center immediately.
Over reacting of course but I can't believe I actually have to worry about my children being poisoned by toothpaste!
So does anyone know any way to brush your teeth without using this stuff that can cause you to be poisoned?
6 people like this
8 responses
@4cuteboys (4099)
• United States
28 May 07
Yeah, indeed I have heard this! I don't know why though, I thought it was the flouride. I know the pediatrician always stresses to me not to use much for my 2 year old. Strange isn't it? Always something to worry about!
3 people like this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
29 May 07
It is a wonder we as adults are even still alive! Whatever did our parents do without all these warnings? lol
2 people like this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
29 May 07
YUCK! According to the labels now-a-days you should have been poisoned and in he hospital having your stomach pumped lol.
1 person likes this
@4cuteboys (4099)
• United States
29 May 07
LMAO i know, and I went thru a phase when I was about 10, where I would swallow the toothpaste..gag
2 people like this
@totty1969 (1468)
• United States
28 May 07
I use baking soda and water. it doesn't taste all that great but it is healthy I think. At least I haven't heard anything bad about it.
3 people like this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
28 May 07
Thank you, I'll have to give it a try. Hopefully it isn't too bad and the kids won't mind it too much.
2 people like this
@josephperera (2906)
• Sri Lanka
29 May 07
I have been brushing my teeth for the past 50 years and never imagined of getting poisoned by toothpaste. We don't eat it anyway. However it is a known fact that fluoride should not be taken in large quantities. In Sri Lanka the natural water contains fluoride in some areas, and in these areas the people have decayed teeth. This is what too much fluoride does.
1 person likes this
@josephperera (2906)
• Sri Lanka
29 May 07
Sugar is an essential ingredient for the body. It give energy. But the wrong quantity can be a disaster. So what if your tap water contains sugar. Then you will have cut down the sugar in other things.
1 person likes this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
29 May 07
I didn't kow too much fluoride could cause tooth decay! I thought it was suppose to prevent it. I wonder why they make toothpaste with it if it is in the water also.
1 person likes this
@heavenschild (4777)
• Canada
29 May 07
I agree with Totty that Baking soda will work.
I guess that is why it is suggested that you use no more than a pea sized bit of toothpaste for children.
Thank-you for this very informative discussion!
2 people like this
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
18 Jun 07
I use Toms of Maine toothpaste. You can get it with or without flouride. I use the one without flouride.
It works really well!
1 person likes this
@dragonokiefly (862)
• United States
30 May 07
This site is great, Thanks so much!
1 person likes this
@Springlady (3986)
• United States
3 Aug 07
I believe it. Flouride is a dangerous chemical.
I use a natural toothpaste called Tom's of Maine that does not have flouride. There are many others out there that are all natural too.
@eden32 (3973)
• United States
19 Jun 07
It's the fluoride that is dangerous. Although in small amounts it does prevent tooth decay, over exposure causes a host of problems including rotting teeth. I switched to Tom's of Maine about a year ago after reading several articles on the over use of fluoride. They have several flavors without fluoride and you'll probably like one of them at least. If you live in an area that treats the water with fluoride, imo you are getting enough to prevent tooth decay, having it in your toothpaste to is potentially too much exposure.
Oh & NEVER buy tooth paste at "dollar stores". Those versions, even though the are recognizable names are intended for sale overseas-where there isn't fluoride in the water. The levels in those tooth pastes far exceed the safe limits established for the US.
