Triclosan.  What is it, and why is it getting so much attention lately?  Triclosan is the chemical used in many antibacterial products, from kitchen utensils to children’s toys.  And now, it seems, your toothpaste.  At least, it’s in your toothpaste if you use Colgate Total.  So why does it matter?  Animal studies have linked triclosan to cancer cell growth, underdeveloped fetal bones, hormone disruption, and dermatitis.  The chemical was originally used in hospital scrubs in the 1970s, and it’s use has since increased to include products of just about anything one can imagine (see our DIY recipes to avoid chemicals).

Even more worrying is the link between triclosan and dioxins.  Dioxins are pollutants found mostly in meat and dairy and are linked to tumor growth, immunotoxicity, and endocrine disruption.  Dioxins are such a concern that the FDA regulates meat and dairy products to limit dioxin exposure.  Triclosan has been shown to interact with chlorine (found in tap water!) to create dioxins.

Bloomberg News reports that studies showing the hazards of triclosan are so convincing that some retailers, including WalMart, are going so far as to pressure manufacturers to remove it from their products, while the European Union banned its use in product that come into contact with food, and the state of Minnesota has also recently passed legislation banning its use in certain products.

If you want clean teeth without the carcinogens and hormone disruptors, there is good news.  Many toothpastes do not contain triclosan, including Swanson’s Toothpaste, Tom’s of Maine, Jason’s Natural Toothpaste, Desert Essence, and Nature’s Gate.  Or you can make your own.  If you want an antibacterial toothpaste that is super powerful and not linked to cancer or other nasty outcomes, consider this recipe with tea tree oil.  Tea tree oil is powerfully antibacterial and antifungal.

• 3 teaspoons calcium powder
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 drops tea tree oil
• 5 or 6 drops rosemary essential oil
• 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• Xylitol to taste (optional)

Mix your powders together first.  Then add the tea tree and rosemary oils and stir well.  Finally mix in the coconut oil thoroughly to get it to the consistency and texture of toothpaste.  Tea tree oil has a strong and not very pleasant taste.  If you wish, you can add xylitol gradually until you get a taste you like.  Store in an airtight container and simply dip your toothbrush.  This recipe is natural, but please don’t swallow it.  Tea tree oil is not meant to be used internally.

Xylitol has added antibacterial and cavity fighting power and is very sweet.  Tea tree oil and rosemary are both potent antibacterials.  Baking soda is mildly abrasive to get your teeth clean.  The calcium helps to promote remineralization of teeth.

Reference: http://besttoothpaste.net