Healthy Habits: Questionable Ingredients Found In Oral Health Care Products

Consumers have become increasingly aware of the hidden toxins in foods, beverages as well as eating and drinking utensils. They avoid high fat and high sodium foods, sulfates in their personal care products, aerosol sprays and toxic chemicals in their household cleaners.
Yet, when it comes to mouthwash, they will let their children take a product that contains harsh substances – some of which have been shown to linked to serious health problems.
“There has been a surprising lack of attention to mouthwash and how it affects children,” says Dr. Harold Katz (www.therabreath.com), a bacteriologist, dentist and developer of TheraBreath for Kids Oral Rinse. “Effects of potentially unhealthy ingredients are multiplied in the smaller bodies of children.”
Many ingredients in some commercial mouthwashes are of questionable benefit and some are just plain bad for you. Here is a look at some of the harmful substances that may be found in our children’s mouthwash products:

• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate. This harsh detergent leads to canker sores and causes microscopic damage and shedding of vital oral tissue. Because it dries out the mouth, it can also allow for the rapid reproduction of bad breath bacteria.
• Saccharin. This sweetener is found in drinks, candy, cookies and medicines. It has also been shown to cause bladder cancer when tested on laboratory rats. In humans, it can cause allergy-related symptoms, skin disorders, nausea and diarrhea.
• Artificial Colors and Flavors. Studies by leading health researchers have found a link between children’s use of artificial colors and flavors with learning disabilities and hyperkinesis (hyperactivity and inability to concentrate).

Katz suggests that all consumers – especially parents – take the time to read labels and understand what is going into their children’s bodies. Spending a few extra minutes reading these labels, and understanding what the substances are could be a life-saving decision.

About the Author

Dr. Harold Katz (www.therabreath.com) received his degree in bacteriology from UCLA and is the founder of The California Breath Clinics and author of “The Bad Breath Bible.” He has been featured on ABC’s “Good Morning America,” CBS’s “Early Show” and “The View” with Barbara Walters and countless other TV shows. Dr. Katz has developed oxygenating compounds that have been used by millions around the world to eliminate bad breath. He is also the bearer of the now famous “Halimeter,” which tests the sulfur compounds in the mouth that cause bad breath. Dr. Katz’ website   offers a free online bad breaths test – as well as a sneaky way to tell someone they have halitosis.