We find fluoride in almost every toothpaste in the market. Do you know that fluoride is a toxin?  It is used to poison rats! The contents of a family-size tube of fluoridated toothpaste are enough to kill a 12.5 kg child.

Tooth decay is caused by poor dental hygiene and high consumption of refined sugar products. Fluoride does NOT stop tooth decay.

Dental fluorosis is a condition that results from the intake of too much fluoride during the period of tooth development, usually from birth to about 6-8 years of age. The severity of this condition ranges from very mild to severe, depending on the extent of fluoride exposure during the period of tooth development. Mild dental fluorosis is usually characterized by the appearance of small white areas in the enamel.

I did not research about toothpastes and had used one well-advertised household brand of children's toothpaste for Samuel for months.  The ingredients : SORBITOL, WATER, HYDRATED SILICA, GLYCERIN, SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE, AROMA, XANTHAN GUM, SODIUM SACCHARIN, CARBOMER, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM FLUORIDE, CI 42090. Contains FD&C BLUE NO 1.

It was only when a dentist friend told me one day that I should not be using any fluoridated toothpaste for my son that I really started doing deeper research.  To my horror, my son had been swallowing this yummy toothpaste including the detergent Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Sodium hydroxide and Sodium Fluoride. It never occurred to me to change his toothpaste because firstly, he enjoyed brushing his teeth as the toothpaste was delicious and secondly, this toothpaste manufacturer is well-known world-wide.

I have since switched to First Teeth Baby Toothpaste. These are the ingredients and information :

Active ingredients : Lactoferrin, Lysozyme, Lactoperoxidase (Enzymes are derived from milk and eggs)
Inactive ingredients: Glycerin, Purified Water, Xylitol, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Pectin, Xanthan Gum, Silica, Natural Apple Flavor, Natural Banana Flavor, Calcium Lactate, Aloe Vera.

100% Ingestible Baby Toothpaste. Recommended by Dentists and Pediatricians. Contains Milk Enzymes...The Best Natural Protection for Your Child's Teeth. Fluoride Free. For Ages 3 Months to 3 Years (or when they know how to spit). Real Apple-Banana Flavor. No Artificial Preservatives or Colors. Made in USA.

I do not find this toothpaste selling where I lived though. I have got to either import it or get friends to buy for me when they go for holidays.

If any of you are thinking of switching to safer toothpastes (the toothpaste goes into your mouth!), you may like to try Miessence's Toothpastes with the following ingredients :

ORGANIC ALOE VERA LEAF JUICE, PURIFIED WATER, SODIUM BICARBONATE, NON-GMO XANTHUM GUM. SEA SALT, ORGANIC LEMON ESSENTIAL OIL, ORGANIC LEMON MYRTLE ESSENTIAL OIL, STEVIA REBAUDIANA BERTONI.

It also come in Mint and Anise flavor. When I first tried this toothpaste, I really was not used to it because it did not foam (there's no detergents) like those I have been using for years. It also tasted rather salty. But after a while, I began to love it. I must say it is an acquired taste. There is a compromise, in terms of esthetics. But more importantly, I know that it is a safe and equally effective toothpaste.

Find out more on www.onegrp.com