David C. Smalley, a comedian and fact-checker, joins Jordan Harbinger to explore the often-overlooked details of toothpaste. They discuss why the product that’s in our mouths daily comes with poison warnings. The conversation dives into the controversial role of fluoride, its health risks, and the lack of ingredient transparency. They also present tooth powder as a healthier alternative and debunk marketing myths, while providing tips on maintaining oral health without harmful additives. Prepare for a mind-opening take on your daily routine!
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insights INSIGHT
Fluoride Levels
Toothpaste has a much higher fluoride concentration than what is deemed safe for drinking water.
The EPA does not regulate fluoride levels in tap water; it is left to local municipalities.
insights INSIGHT
Ingredient Disclosure Loophole
Toothpaste manufacturers exploit a loophole by classifying their products as cosmetics.
This allows them to avoid disclosing potentially harmful ingredients.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Triclosan Warning
Avoid toothpaste containing triclosan due to health risks like bacteria resistance and hormone disruption.
Triclosan can persist in toothbrush bristles even after switching to triclosan-free toothpaste.
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Two or three times a day, every day, for most of your life, you use toothpaste. But what’s in it? Is it actually good for you? And why is there a scary label on the back warning you not to swallow it? If you want to know the answers to these questions and more about toothpaste, nine out of 10 dentists (might very well) recommend this episode!
Welcome to Skeptical Sunday, a special edition of The Jordan Harbinger Show where Jordan and fact-checker, comedian, and podcast host David C. Smalley break down a topic that you may have never thought about, open things up, and debunk common misconceptions.
If toothpaste is supposedly safe enough to put in your mouth three times a day, why is there a warning to call your local poison control center if you happen to swallow it?
Fluoride can strengthen teeth and reduce the risk of cavities, but too much exposure can cause problems from bone disease to certain cancers. So why is it in most toothpaste and 70% of our drinking water, and how is it regulated?
What sneaky loophole allows toothpaste manufacturers to bypass the legal disclosure of certain ingredients in their products that might cause us to think twice about using them?
What are some of these rarely listed ingredients, and what are the hazards of using them?
How can we keep our teeth and gums clean and healthy without exposing ourselves to potential toxins?
Connect with Jordan on Twitter, on Instagram, and on YouTube. If you have something you'd like us to tackle here on Skeptical Sunday, drop Jordan a line at jordan@jordanharbinger.com and let him know!
The Jordan Harbinger Show