It’s hard to know what to believe these days regarding what products we should be using and what foods we should be eating. And at the end of the day, the only thing you can do, for yourself, and for your family, is be well-researched, and always keep learning.

Because doctors, dentists, nutritionists, and others in the medical field aren’t always right. Misdiagnosis’ are prevalent, and can sometimes cause more harm than the patient faced in the first place.

Conventional medicines can be harmful, too, in comparison to natural medicines. And things we’ve been told all our lives, are being proven wrong.

For instance, your dentist has ingrained in you that fluoride as the end all, be all, for the best in tooth and oral care. But did you know that a “fluoride deficiency” has never been the cause for tooth decay, mouth diseases, or gum related issues? This is because WE DON’T NEED FLUORIDE IN OUR TOOTHPASTE. Or in our diet at all, for that matter.

Here’s three reasons why you need to ditch your conventional toothpaste and switch to a fluoride-free kind, and quick!

• The US adds fluoride to our tap water, and in unregulated amounts. So brushing your teeth with tap water already provides fluoride. (I’m not happy about it but it’s true, so for anyone that wants to stick to the dentist’s ( read: pharmaceutical companies) advice, fear not, your getting fluoride whether you want to or not.
• As many as 40% of American teenagers have dental fluorosis. (Dental fluorosis is described as an extremely common disorder, characterized by hypomineralization of tooth enamel caused by ingestion of excessive fluoride during enamel formation.) This is from overexposure to fluoride from birth on. Fluoride in drinking water is terrible for babies, children, teens, and let’s be honest, everyone. Beyond that, fluoride is found in so many more “places” then you know. Processed foods/drinks, non-organic tea, pesticides, home insecticides, bottled water, baby food, and non-stick pans all have fluoride in them.  High exposure throughout life can lead to health issues and beyond the “cosmetic” implications, this problem is an indicator of more than just mouth issues, but health issues.
• Fluoride has an effect on your body, and not a good one. Fluoride gets absorbed into your tissues and causes problems with your bones, brain, and thyroid gland. It doesn’t react will with other minerals in the body therefore creating issues with the vitamins we do need in our diets. Among these issues, fluoride tests reflect other problems such as muscle disorders, genetic damage and cell death, a disrupted immune system, and even damaged sperm and increased infertility.

Alright, so you hear me, fluoride is no good. But what now? How do you limit your exposure? What should you do? Here’s four easy ways to start:

DON’T use a fluoride toothpaste. There are other natural brands out there or you can easily make your own. A teaspoon of baking soda, a splash of hydrogen peroxide (until it forms a paste,) and a little peppermint oil creates a healthy, DIY, non-fluoride tooth cleaner.

DO filter your tap water. Or buy distilled or mineral water. Or go to a local spring for your water. (Beyond flouride, tap water is full of other toxins, discarded medicines, and God only knows what else.) Drinking water is so important so make sure you’re getting the “good stuff.”

DON’T eat too many processed foods. Do what you can to make sure that your produce is organically grown, and the fresher, the better. Know a local farmer? Become friends. Want a garden? There are so many different kinds these days that you can certainly find a way to start growing some of your own foods.

DON’T cook with non-stick pans. Use stainless steel, glass, or cast iron pans whenever possible.

I use a toothpaste from Young Living and would be happy to help you procure some! Otherwise, below are a few clickable choices to try out.

No matter what, never stop doing your research and always remember to take any health advice, no matter the source, with a grain of salt.