The Truth About ‘Natural’ Dental Products DOES THE FDA REGULATE WHAT’S IN YOUR TOOTHPASTE?
If you’ve recently bought a new tube of toothpaste, roll of floss, or box of teeth-whitening strips, then you’ve probably noticed that the terms “natural” and “organic” are all the rage right now in the dental aisle. These products claim to be better for you and better for the environment by using whole, often plant-based, ingredients instead of synthetics and fluoride. But do the words “natural” and “organic” emblazoned on those boxes really mean anything? Unfortunately, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the answer is no. While the organic food industry operates under strict guidelines, the cosmetics industry — a category that includes makeup, shampoo, and toothpaste without fluoride, according to the FDA — has no such regulations or standardized definitions for the terms they can use. Even more alarming, cosmetic products aren’t even subject to federal oversight to ensure their safety. As the FDA puts it, “Cosmetic products and ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval authority, with the exception of color additives. Cosmetic firms are responsible for substantiating the safety of their products and ingredients before marketing.” One thing to note is that toothpaste with fluoride
is considered a “cosmetic/ drug,” not purely a cosmetic, so it’s subject to more oversight than fluoride-free options when it comes to safety.
With all of this in mind, do not take the terms “natural” and “organic” on your dental products at face value. When you’re picking out a new toothpaste, always read the ingredient list. If a toothpaste really is made with natural ingredients, then it won’t list chemicals like parabens, propylene glycol, triclosan, artificial colors, or artificial sweeteners. Instead, look for recognizable ingredients like charcoal, aloe vera, green tea, chamomile, and coconut oil. You can also do a quick Google search for the company to read more about their ethics and scope out product reviews. Even more importantly, if you really have your heart set on a natural, fluoride-free toothpaste and want to make sure it will be safe and effective, then take it with you the next time you go to the dentist. They’ll be able to tell you whether you’ve made a good choice, and they’ll recommend what to look for the next time you shop!
SMILE-FRIENDLY RECIPES
BRAIN BREAK!
Inspired by FoodNetwork.com
BEET, GOAT CHEESE, AND ARUGULA SALAD
This crowd-pleasing dish is sure to be the biggest hit at your next gathering. And it’s good for you, too!
Ingredients
• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar • 3 tbsp shallots, thinly sliced • 1 tbsp honey • 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil • Salt and pepper to taste • 6 beets, peeled and quartered • 6 cups fresh arugula
• 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped • 1/4 cup dried cranberries or cherries • 1/2 avocado, cubed • 2 oz crumbled goat cheese
Directions
1. Heat oven to 450 F and line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. 2. In a medium bowl, combine vinegar, shallots, and honey. 3. Gradually whisk olive oil into the mixture and season with salt and pepper. 4. In a small bowl, toss the beets in dressing until they are coated. 5. Place coated beets on baking sheet and roast them for 12 minutes. Set the beets aside and allow them to cool. 6. In a large bowl, toss arugula, walnuts, and berries with the remaining vinaigrette. Season with salt and pepper. 7. Top salad with beets, avocado, and goat cheese.
BUNNY DAISY EARTH EASTER
EGGS FOOL GARDEN PASSOVER
POLLEN PRANK RAMADAN TAXES
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