babyurbeautiful

Our water is normally fluoridated and fluoride is contained within many toothpastes.

There has been much discussion recently about the dangers of fluoride.

However, the NHS says that fluoride actually protects teeth in the following way: "Fluoride disrupts the process of tooth decay by: changing the structure of developing enamel, making it more resistant to acid attack - these structural changes occur if a child consumes fluoride during the period when enamel develops (mainly up to seven years of age) encouraging better quality enamel to form that is more resistant to acid attack reducing plaque bacteria’s ability to produce acid, which is the cause of tooth decay". (See www.nhs.uk/conditions/Fluoride/Pages/Introduction.aspx) They provide a link to the benefits of fluoridation on the British Flouridation Society website here: http://www.bfsweb.org/facts/dental_benefits/facts_.htm

In contrast the website http://fluoridealert.org/articles/50-reasons/ quotes research papers that show that
"fluoride is not an essential nutrient. No disease, not even tooth decay, is caused by a 'fluoride deficiency.'(NRC 1993; Institute of Medicine 1997, NRC 2006). Not a single biological process has been shown to require fluoride. On the contrary there is extensive evidence that fluoride can interfere with many important biological processes. Fluoride interferes with numerous enzymes (Waldbott 1978). In combination with aluminum, fluoride interferes with G-proteins (Bigay 1985, 1987). Such interactions give aluminum-fluoride complexes the potential to interfere with signals from growth factors, hormones and neurotransmitters (Strunecka & Patocka 1999; Li 2003). More and more studies indicate that fluoride can interfere with biochemistry in fundamental ways (Barbier 2010)."

So, are you willing to take the risk? I have decided no, with my children and myself, and have therefore been looking for fluoride free alternatives. Here are the ones I tried:
 
Green People Toothpaste
from www.greenpeople.co.uk

 

Adult Toothpaste:
£3.50 for 50ml
Comes in fennel, mint, minty cool, or citrus and aloe vera flavours and is fluoride and SLS-free, and free from artificial sweeteners.  Formulated with organic essential oils, Vitamin C and Myrrh, they offer natural protection against bacterial growth, one of the main causes of gum disease. Green People's natural toothpastes contain soothing ingredients that are gentle on sensitive gums.


Children's Toothpaste 
£3.50 for 50ml
Come in two flavours: mandarin and aloe vera or mint and aloe vera. These certified organic toothpaste for children are gentle enough to be used on babies' gums even before their first tooth emerges to reduce the discomfort of teething.

My comments:
When you are used to using a foaming toothpaste which leaves your teeth feeling tinglingly clean, this toothpaste is quite hard to get used to because it is very sticky and doesn't lather up in your mouth like regular toothpaste. I used mint flavour but also couldn't really taste the mint. My 22 month old loves the fruity kids paste though, and it has really helped to get her to brush her teeth which she didn't before, and with no worries about her swallowing something poisonous. It seems to work well too. After a week my teeth still felt clean. 

Greenpeople products are also 100% cruelty free and not tested on animals, and most pastes are fully vegan like me.


Aloedent Toothpaste
£3.95 for 100ml
available from www.beautynaturals.com or selected supermarkets


 
AloeDent's range is fluoride and SLS free dental care. Aloe Vera alongside Tea Tree Oil  helps in the fight against bacteria. The triple action formula toothpaste contains:

• Aloe Vera - helps soothe gums
• Tea Tree Oil - natural antiseptic
• Silica - for natural whitening
• Co Q10 - helps keep gums healthy
• Peppermint & Menthol - natural flavour.

My comments: 
This paste lathers up like a normal toothpaste, and has a pleasant taste. It is a clear gel and I tend to use quite a lot to clean my whole mouth. I notice that sometimes my teeth don't feel as 'clean' as they used to with regular toothpaste, maybe a little furry?

Forever Bright® Toothgel
£5.75 for 130g 
from www.foreverliving.com


This is a non-fluoride formula, that contains aloe vera and bee propolis. It is designed to nourish, strengthen and protect teeth and gums whilst fighting plaque and whitening without bleaching agents. It has a mint flavour.

My comments:  
This is nice to use as it lathers up and makes teeth feel very clean and breath feel fresh and minty, with the reassurance that it is fluoride free. However, it does contain SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) which is a negative point (for more info on possible effects of SLS see this informative article: (www.greenpeople.co.uk/info_features_sls.aspx )

DrOrganic Mouthwash
£5.69 for 500ml
from Holland and Barrett www.hollandandbarrett.com


This mouthwash combines the soothing properties of Organic Aloe Vera with Icelandic moss, Tea tree and Grapefruit and Gotu Kola with a mint flavour for fresh breath.

My comments:  
This mouthwash has a very strong taste but it does the job without fluoride, alcohol and other nasty chemicals.


CB

There is much debate about whether deodorants/anti-perspirants are safe to use, since it was suggested that there could be a link to breast cancer. There have a been studies and the evidence does not confirm a link (see the Cancer Research site info on  this here). However, the ingredients in question are aluminium based or parabens.

(Anti-perspirants block the pores from sweating, whereas deodorants prevent odour by using fragrance as well as reducing the levels of underarm bacteria.)

Now, I decided to stop using deodorant/anti-perspirants during breastfeeding in case any of these nasties filter into the breast milk. I am now 18 weeks pregnant with my second baby, and still breastfeeding my first, so I imagine it will be a good while before I go back to conventional anti-perspirants (if at all).

Now, I seem to sweat a lot more during pregnancy and breastfeeding, (apparently down to the crazy hormones), so that combined with my extra keen sense of smell means that I can smell myself and it makes me feel sick! Oh dear! A solution is required!

So I decided to test some 'natural' deodorants, to save me and everyone else around me:

Green People Aloe Vera Deodorant, £7.95 for 75ml



Top of my list, this deodorant contains no aluminium, parabens, alcohol or artificial fragrances, and contains soothing aloe vera.

I am a fan of Green People produtcs because they combine natural ingredients with the science to make them actually work. They use Zinc ricinoleate together with a solution of Ammonium alum in their range of roll-on deodorants. They state on their website that whilst Ammonium alum does contain some aluminium, it is bonded into a molecule that is physically too large to penetrate the skin. Zinc ricinoleate is the zinc salt of ricinoleic acid, extracted from the seeds of the castor oil plant. Zinc ricinoleate does not inhibit normal perspiration, and will not interfere with the natural flora of the skin. Instead, it ‘fixes’ the odours produced by bacterial decomposition in sweat so that they cannot be released into the atmosphere and cause the characteristic sweaty smell. (See the Green People site for more details here).

It seems to work well. No strong scent. Nice and natural. Roll-on so takes a few minutes to dry. No noticeable marks left on my clothes.

This product is 89% certified organic and contains fairly traded ingredients.

Green People Rosemary Deodorant, £7.95 for 75ml



Again no nasties as per the aloe vera version. This is for more sensitive skin. Also a roll-on so allow drying time.


I found this scent more herbal/medicinal, so I personally preferred the aloe vera one, but both worked equally well.

Aubrey Organics E Plus High C Deodorant- £7.49 for 85ml
www.aubreyorganicsuk.co.uk



Aubrey Organics produce a range of all-natural skincare products. Using herbal, plant extracts and natural vitamins in all their products with no petrochemicals or artificial colours or fragrances. They also support the Cruelty Free campaign against animal testing. This product is Vegan too (yay!).

This deodorant is made with certified organic ingredients: natural vitamin E, organic aloe and other skin soothers such as lavender and witch hazel. Does contain alcohol though.

I'm afraid I sweated through this one and had slightly sticky armpits after a few hours (however the test may have been unfair since it was during the heatwave- a really hot day!). Smells lovely though with essential oils, and I didn't actually smell bad so it must have done something! It's a roll-on so takes a few minutes to dry. No noticeable marks left on my clothes.

Pitrok Crystal Roll-On Deodorant for Women- £3.05 for 50ml from Boots


PitROK Crystal deodorants are based on pure natural mineral salts and formulated with aloe vera and grapefruit seed extract. PitROK is dermatologically tested, not animal tested, does not block pores and is alcohol free. PitROK does not contain aluminium chlorohydrate, aluminium zirconium, parabens, SLS or SLES, propylene glycol or silicone.With aloe vera and grapeseed oil smells nice. Very gentle scent like a nice perfume. Another roll-on so takes a few minutes to dry. Kept me dry all day. Again no nasty marks on clothes.

Pitrok Crystal Deodorant Wipes- 20 for £2.49 
on Amazon.co.uk


Brilliant! For a quick freshen up before you rush out after a busy couple of hours with bubs, or to pop in your handbag for freshening on the go. Again smell lovely.

Forever Living Aloe Ever-Shield Deodorant Stick , £6.07 for 92g
www.foreverliving.com





This is a dry stick so no waiting time. Made with stabilized Aloe Vera gel, this gentle blend of ingredients contains no aluminum salts. Forever produces pure and fresh aloe by using natural farming methods with no fertilisers and pesticides. However, I decided not to try this as unfortunately contains Triclosan (which is used to reduce and control the growth of bacteria on the skin) and there is some research to show that Tricolsan can have a negative impact on the body's endocrine system, see: http://www.wjla.com/articles/2013/05/liquid-soap-safety-and-triclosan-88322.html. 

Dr.Organic Pomegranate Deodorant, £5.19 for 50ml
available from Holland and Barrett



Dr Organic’s range of 100% natural deodorants come in six combinations of 100% organic; Lavender, Manuka Honey, Tea Tree, Aloe Vera, Pomegranate, and Vitamin E. I tried the Pomegranate.

Smells pleasant not too strong. Works well. Dries quickly. Suitable for Vegans which is a bonus point. Does contain a form of alcohol though if you're being fussy!

Faith in Nature Crystal Stick Deodorant Unscented- £3.85 for 100g
available from www.beautynaturals.com


This comes in a push-up stick format. To use it apply after a shower or bath to wet skin or dampen the crystal first and then rinse the stick after use.

The pure natural rock crystal in this push-up stick is supposed to get rid of odour-causing bacteria. There are no parabens and no aluminium chlorohydrate, but is made from ammonium alum (natural mineral salts) only, to control bacteria. (See details above in the Green People section for Ammonium Alum).

I didn't actually feel sticky with this and didn't smell bad but I could still smell something that wasn't nice when I sniffed up close! So maybe it's not killing off all the bacteria it should? I think it could also do with something else in it to mask any odour. No marks on my clothes though and dried quickly. Nice to have only one ingredient instead of lots. I get the feeling this would last a good while too.

Hopefully this will help you make your world smell a little better whilst being a bit kinder to your breasts and (if nursing) your breastmilk.

CB