NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / December 13, 2020 / There has been a massive growth in the natural beauty space over the last few years as more people are becoming concerned about the chemicals and dangerous additives in the products they use on their skin and in their hair. But what about the products we put INSIDE our body? If you don't want those harmful substances ON your skin, why would you allow them IN your mouth and in your oral care products?
Not only is your mouth the entrance point to the body for nutrition, it is also used to talk, to smile, to communicate and to kiss. This is why Klēn Products are following in the footsteps of clean beauty and transforming the oral care space.
Many oral care products taste good, but are full of chemicals, abrasives, and other harmful ingredients. Klēn products are rid of these chemical additives and abrasives which makes them safe to use.
Let's take a look at some of the common harmful ingredients found in some of the current leading toothpaste and mouthwash brands:
Fluoride
Fluoride is a chemical added to prevent cavities by aiding the remineralizing of tooth structure. All fluoride-containing products come with the following FDA warning: According to the Fluoride Action Network, even small amounts of fluoride can cause acute toxicity, characterized by nausea, vomiting, and headaches in its earliest stages. But the most shocking news about fluoride is probably the fact that no over-the-counter toothpaste formula contains enough of the substance to actually remineralize teeth, and manufacturers can't add more because of FDA regulation.
Triclosan
Found most often in anti-bacterial products, triclosan supplements many toothpaste brands. Unfortunately, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) classifies triclosan as a pesticide, stating it poses a risk to both human health and the environment. Scientists categorize triclosan as a chlorophenol, which is a type of chemical suspected of causing cancer in humans.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate
Added as a detergent and cleansing agent, sodium laurel sulfate and its cousin sodium laureth sulfate pose a wide range of potential health risks. On its own, sodium laurel sulfate can damage eyes, irritate skin and lead to labored breathing. According to the American College of Toxicology, sodium laurel sulfate may stay within the body for up to five days, accumulating in the heart, liver, lungs and brain.
Propylene Glycol
An active component in antifreeze, propylene glycol acts as a wetting agent and surfactant in toothpaste. The Material Safety Data Sheets for propylene glycol warn that the chemical can be rapidly absorbed through the skin, with prolonged contact leading to brain, liver and kidney abnormalities.
DEA
Consumers find DEA in products that foam, including toothpaste. DEA disrupts hormones and forms cancer-causing nitrates. According to Dr. Samuel Epstein, professor of environmental health at University of Illinois, repeated skin exposure to DEA can lead to increased risk of liver and kidney cancers.
Saccharin
An artificial sweetener, has been linked to bladder cancer, brain tumors and lymphoma in rodents.
Titanium Dioxide (TiO2)
Titanium dioxide is an inorganic chemical compound added as a colorant to make toothpaste white. While most studies have concluded that titanium dioxide is safe for topical use on skin since it isn't absorbed, there haven't been studies to determine if it is absorbed by the mucous membranes in the mouth. It's also important to note that titanium dioxide doesn't provide any oral benefit; it's simply part of a marketing tactic to appeal to those who like brilliantly white toothpaste.
Abrasive ingredients
Abrasive ingredients are added to toothpaste to help "scrub" biofilm from the teeth. Toothpaste only needs to be mildly abrasive to be effective. Some of the abrasives used, such as hydrated silica, are too rough. These ingredients can strip away the enamel and dentin, creating sensitivity and leading to gum recession. Whitening toothpaste brands don't chemically whiten teeth, they whiten by abrasive particles scratching off stains.
Parabens
Parabens are chemicals used as preservatives to extend the shelf life of the toothpaste. The FDA is still reviewing and evaluating published studies on the safety of parabens. Known to disrupt hormones, parabens are used in most cosmetic products and even in most grocery items. Even if the levels in these individual products are considered "safe," the accumulation in our bodies could cause problems, including a possible increase in the risk of breast cancer.
Aspartame
Aspartame is an artificial sweetener used as a flavoring agent. When aspartame is ingested, one of the chemicals in the compound is broken down into methanol, an alcohol. Our bodies cannot properly digest it in this form. It can travel through the blood and may be converted into formaldehyde. As this builds up in the body, the damage caused can include headaches, dizziness, weakness, memory loss, and gastrointestinal distress. A 2014 study also determined that aspartame is a possible carcinogen.
As you can see, there are several products found in most over the counter toothpaste brands that are not good for you. Yes, they make the toothpaste taste good, look good and foam up while brushing but at what cost?
The goal of Klēn Products was to create an oral care brand that tastes good but also uses safe and natural ingredients. Klēn toothpaste and mouth rinse products contain essential oils like peppermint leaf oil for flavor and to combat bad breath. They also contain aloe to help heal gum inflammation and xylitol is used to help prevent cavities. The use of natural additives like bentonite clay allows them to be abrasive without being harmful.
The next time you brush your teeth or rinse your mouth, pay attention to the products you are using and remember that there are healthier alternatives. For more information about Klēn and to see their entire line of products you can visit www.klenproducts.com.
