POSITIVE IMPACT
SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
Fluoride is found naturally in soil, water, and foods. It is also produced synthetically for use in drinking water, toothpaste, mouthwashes, and various chemical products.
Fluoride accumulates in the foliage of plants and occurs through the atmosphere or root absorption of soil. This results in several environmental problems, including decreased plant growth and yield. In addition to harming wildlife, this implicates fluoride pollution as a danger to crop yields and other agricultural activities.
The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) recommends that most people should avoid fluoride. Sources of human exposure to fluoride have drastically increased since community water fluoridation began in the US and around the world in the 1940s. The IAOMT has explained that, given the current levels of exposure, policies should work toward reducing and eliminating avoidable sources of fluoride, including water fluoridation, fluoride-containing dental materials, and other fluoridated products, as means to promote dental and overall health.
Overall, consumers might wish to limit or avoid fluoride exposure as a means of protecting their health. Exposure to fluoride is suspected of impacting every part of the human body. That’s why toothpaste alternatives without fluoride are very important to the health of our community.
SOCIAL IMPACT
The Canadian Dental Hygienists Association (CDHA) emphasizes the integral link between oral health and general health in its statement "Oral health is essential for overall wellness."
Oral health includes the concept of well-being, not just the absence of oral problems. Oral health contributes positively to physical, mental, and social well-being and the enjoyment of life's possibilities by allowing the individual to speak, eat, and socialize unhindered by pain, discomfort, or embarrassment.
Despite recent improvements, further action is required to improve the state of oral health in Canada in various specific groups. The CDHA mentions these problem areas should be tackled:
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There are limited oral health promotional activities that integrate oral health with other health promotions.
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There is low awareness amongst citizens and governments of the links between oral health and general health.
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There is no standardized and consistent approach for measuring oral health.
Coco Paste is addressing the problem of creating a family culture of regular tooth brushing. We plan to contribute to the improvement of oral health in Canada by fostering public awareness of the importance of good oral health and the relationship between oral health and general health.
