Fluoride is a chemical linked to cancer, brittle bones, thyroid disease, and other health issues. Half of all ingested fluoride remains in the skeletal system and accumulates with age.

Search for harmful effects of fluoride on the internet, and you will find pages upon pages of articles about detrimental effects of fluoride. Check out:

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When fluoride is added to products, it is one of the chemicals that contaminate our bodies, our water supply, and our planet.

How do we reduce fluoride consumption?

1. Drink filtered water. Purchasing a water filter pitcher or an attachment to your kitchen sink nozzle and shower head may not eliminate all chemicals, but they work to filter out a significant portion of them.
2. Try drinking organic juices and wines. Certain commercially grown grapes are sprayed with a fluoride pesticide called Cryolite.
3. Most salt, especially traditional iodized table salt, goes through a fluoridation process. Opt for fluoride-free Himalayan Crystal salt or natural sea salt, grown without pesticides or toxins. These can be found here at Mountain Rose Herbs.
4. Green and black teas offer a number of health benefits, however they also contain fluoride. Drink green and black tea in moderation.
5. At your regular dental checkups, request no fluoride tooth polish or fluoride rinses. Ask the dentist to omit fluoride treatments from dental cleanings.
6. Avoid Teflon coated pots and pans. Studies have shown that Teflon coating contains perfluorinated compounds. Opt for glass or stainless steel instead.
7. Make sure your toothpaste and mouthwash are fluoride-free. You can purchase fluoride-free toothpaste and mouthwash from Tom’s of Maine from your local health food store or here.

Instead of purchasing ready-made toothpaste and mouthwash, I make my own:

Toothpaste

(20 minutes to make)

1/2 cup calcium carbonate

1/4 cup baking soda

Pinch of unrefined Stevia powder

Pinch of orris root powder

5 drops grapefruit seed extract

5 drops organic peppermint essential oil

5 drops wintergreen essential oil

2 drops organic clove oil

2 drops organic myrrh oil

Enough vegetable glycerin to make a paste (at least 3 tablespoons)

Combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a screw-on lid. Mix. Add glycerin until it is the consistency of a toothpaste. Can last up to 1 year.

Mouthwash

(10 minutes to make)

1/2 cup distilled water

3 drops organic peppermint essential oil

3 drops wintergreen essential oil

2 drops organic myrrh oil

2 drops organic clove oil

8 drops grapefruit seed extract

Pinch of sea salt

1/8 cup 80 proof vodka

Combine all ingredients in a glass jar with a screw-on lid. Lasts indefinitely.

The total cost of toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients will actually save you money over time compared to buying tubes of store bought toothpaste or bottle of mouthwash, given that you use such a small amount of each ingredient in the homemade stuff. And your homemade products will be fluoride free!