In most cases, the first thing people will notice is your smile and the teeth behind your smile. Naturally, good oral hygiene and twice daily brushing are the prime factors in maintaining a smile that is bright and white. But, while toothpaste is beneficial in creating the smile you want, most are unaware of the toxic chemicals contained in many name-brand toothpaste products. A majority of these ingredients can have a harmful effect on your mouth, body and the environment in general.

Many commercially manufactured toothpastes contain ingredients such as bleach, peroxide, sodium lauryl sulfate which causes cell damage, sodium laureth sulfate, an irritant, fluoride which is a cancer causing agent, petroleum based dyes, preservatives, sodium fluoride, used in rat poison, propylene glycol, used in anti-freeze and artificial sweeteners and flavors.

This is by no means a complete ingredient list and, if swallowed, can be seriously harmful over time.

This list does not contain one healthy ingredient that was designed for the human body. And, in fact, these ingredients can be absorbed through your mouth, move into your blood stream and cause an excess toxin build up in your heart, liver, tissue and kidneys.

Man-made products often use synthetic chemicals during the manufacturing phase and toothpaste is no exception. Often coal tar and petrochemicals are used to create that great taste and pleasant refreshing after brushing odor you experience.

Most manufacturers will argue the safety of regulated and standardized ingredients and flavors and will contend they are safer than the ingredients nature can provide. But, are you really under the impression that crude oil or rat poison is really healthy for any individual much less a family member?

The environment suffers from man-made toothpaste as well. The most commonly utilized preservatives, in both toothpaste, cosmetics and personal hygiene products include formaldehyde and EDTA or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Both of these ingredients are well known ecological pollutants. Another common ingredient includes triclosan which is used to control tartar buildup and bacteria. When triclosan is combined with other common ingredients harmful dioxins are created and these are also considered hazardous environmental contaminants.

Toothpaste using nature's ingredients work as effectively as drugstore brands and are safer than synthetic toothpaste for both man and planet. Look for products that use natural ingredients like baking soda, aloe vera, zinc oxide, for tarter control, Peelu or silica, whiteners, and oils for flavoring such as peppermint, orange or cinnamon oil. If you happen to have a fragrance sensitivity, scent-free products are also available.

The most important step you can take when choosing a toothpaste, or any product really, is read the label. Be sure you understand what the ingredients are and what they are used for. Look for products that are natural and safe for each member of your family. Product warning labels are there for a reason, take a minute and actually read it, you might be surprised.