Vegan toothpaste is starting to make a big impact in the UK.
On average a family living in the UK will typically throw away at least one tube of toothpaste each month.
So exactly how long do these plastic tubes take to breakdown in the landfills where the tubes end up?
Some scientists admit that these durable tubes will take at least 100 years and perhaps up to a staggering 500 years to fully break down.
As well as the waste elements people are also starting to wonder what their store bought toothpaste is made from.
What could be worse than finding out that not only are these tubes not recyclable, the toothpaste gel itself is often known to contain harmful toxins and chemicals.
As a result, many individuals and families across the UK and beyond are switching to organic vegan toothpaste instead.
Vegan Friendly Toothpaste
Sadly, many of our personal care products, like toothpaste, contain harmful ingredients that can be toxic.
Many of these toothpaste brands also still use animal byproducts or unethically sourced oils and other ingredients.
Fortunately, as more people are educating themselves about how to lessen their personal impact on our long-suffering planet, new companies are starting to spring up to offer a better alternative.
More consumers are seeking out vegan made toothpastes available from a number of sustainable manufacturers that also are ditching those plastic tubes in favor of naturally biodegradable packaging instead.
Why Choose a Vegan Toothpaste?
Since vegan brands of toothpaste rely on all natural and organic ingredients using only plant based ingredients.
This kind of toothpaste is better for the environment, avoid any unnecessary animal testing and usually comes in biodegradable packaging.
Ingredients to Look Out For
Almost all of the store bought brands of toothpaste today contain fluoride and many other known toxins like sulfate.
Alcohol is often added, and this substance can irritate tender gums and create a stinging sensation.
Some toxic ingredients common in toothpaste include:
- Fluoride – a toxic mineral in too much exposure
- Triclosan – pesticide often used in soaps until banned
- Aspartame – sugar substitute
- Parabens – known carcinogens
- Saccharine – sugar substitute used as flavoring in toothpaste actually a chemical made from crude oil
- Propylene Glycol – used in antifreeze and other chemical compounds
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – produces foaming action in toothpaste and soaps
Younger children, older seniors and those with a lowered immune system or underlying chronic health issues often are most at risk for adverse side effects from simply brushing their teeth.
More individuals with sensitive teeth and gums are turning to gentle vegan sensitive toothpaste that works great without the stinging and bleeding gums.
With or Without Fluoride?
People are usually surprised when they realize how harmful too much exposure to fluoride can be.
Since the 1960’s, many cities around the world began adding fluoride to the public water supply.
In addition, most toothpaste manufacturers began to add fluoride to their product at the same time.
This kind of fluoride inclusion has been hotly debated for decades.
Now, more individuals are taking note of the potential risks of ingesting or absorbing too much fluoride and the harm that could occur.
More families are opting to buy vegan fluoride free toothpaste rather than take the chance of developing cancer due to fluoride or some other ailment.
Cruelty Free Toothpaste
Many animal lovers are committed to only buying and using cruelty free sensitive toothpaste brands and other natural based personal care products.
Since the ingredients in these toothpaste brands are free of animal testing and the use of animal byproducts, it only makes sense to switch brands.
Vegan Mouthwash
Most of us have all seen those commercials and magazine ads promoting the need for a very strong mouthwash to ward off bad breath, gum disease and other ailments.
These marketing ploys attempt to make us all paranoid thinking that we must buy and use their products or face social embarrassment and isolation due to stinky breath.
The problem with this is that many mouthwashes sold in stores are full of harmful and toxic ingredients that include carcinogens, alcohol and more.
Many consumers are turning to a more natural based mouthwash that is safe, effective and won’t harm the environment.
Vegan Mouthwash, What’s the Difference?
Mouthwash that is labeled vegan means that the product contains only plant based ingredients and not animal byproducts.
Most governmental agencies require manufacturers that use animal byproducts to test their product first on vulnerable animals.
Ingredients to Look For
Consumers wanting to avoid contributing to cruel animal testing should purchase only cruelty free mouthwash that is vegan and/or organic.
The things that may be in other mouthwashes are truly frightening.
Here are just some common mouthwash ingredients:
- Alcohol – causes gum/mouth irritation & stings
- Sodium Benzoate – preservative known to cause allergies
- Benzoic acid – another preservative known to cause hyperactivity in kids
- Secret Fragrance Aromas & Flavors made from toxic chemicals – linked to fertility problems, irritations and more
- Sodium Fluoride – known carcinogen
Vegan Dental Floss
Along with vegan based toothpaste and mouthwash, consumers can find natural dental floss as well.
Most dental floss is made from petroleum products like nylon.
Add a waxy coating and artificial strong flavors made from toxic chemicals, and it’s easy to determine this floss is bad news.
Why Is Vegan Floss a Great Choice?
Buying vegan floss can cut down on gum irritation and avoid ingestion of harmful chemicals too.
These natural products are better for planet earth as well.
Why Choose Eco Friendly Dental Care
Many people are choosing eco friendly dental care practices.
These dentists are likely to use vegan toothpaste and other dental products that are better for health and the environment.
Conclusion
Switching to vegan cruelty free toothpaste that is made of natural and wholesome ingredients are also a safer choice for people of all ages.
Ditto for natural mouthwash and dental floss.
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