Is natural toothpaste effective in maintaining your dental health?
Natural toothpaste may prove to be equally, if not more, efficient when compared to conventional toothpaste. One significant advantage of natural toothpaste over conventional options is the assurance that it poses no concerns regarding the potential short-term or long-term health risks associated with synthetic and harmful chemicals. When considering a natural toothpaste, it’s important to seek one that promotes good oral health while avoiding toxic chemicals and safeguarding tooth enamel.
What makes toothpaste effective?
Conventional: The primary active ingredient in most toothpaste formulations is fluoride. Fluoride is known for its effectiveness in preventing tooth decay and strengthening tooth enamel. It works by helping to remineralize the enamel and making it more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth.
Natural: The natural equivalent to fluoride in dental care can be hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is a mineral that makes up a significant portion of your tooth enamel and bone structure. It has been found to have remineralizing properties and can help strengthen teeth and protect against decay, similar to fluoride.
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is considered a natural alternative to fluoride-based toothpaste and is becoming increasingly popular as a choice for those who prefer more natural oral care products. It helps in restoring and maintaining tooth enamel, making it more resistant to acid attacks and cavity formation.
What’s the significance of hydroxyapatite as an ingredient?
Hydroxyapatite is a mineral highly lauded for its capacity to combat cavities and rebuild teeth, all without adverse effects. Remarkably, hydroxyapatite is already a constituent of our bone structure, including our teeth, so the body recognizes and effectively utilizes it.
When our teeth possess robust enamel, they are less sensitive and less susceptible to decay. Hydroxyapatite exists in two forms – synthetic and natural. From the information available, synthetic hydroxyapatite is considered safe to use and does not present any health risks.
What’s the controversy surrounding fluoride?
Fluoride is widely favored in traditional toothpaste, but it has come under scrutiny due to potential associated risks. Concerns primarily revolve around its potential toxicity, particularly in children, as it is present in nearly all oral care products, drinking water, and even some processed foods.
If the body fails to adequately eliminate fluoride, it can accumulate in various bodily areas, including the brain, pineal gland, teeth, and bones, leading to health issues.
According to a 2019 laboratory study, hydroxyapatite toothpaste demonstrated effectiveness comparable to fluoride in halting tooth demineralization, replenishing minerals in the teeth, and preventing cavity development.
Toothpaste Ingredients to Avoid:
- Sodium Benzoate
Sodium benzoate serves as a preservative in various products to prevent bacterial growth. When sodium benzoate is combined with Vitamin C, exposed to light, or subjected to high temperatures, it can produce Benzene, a well-known carcinogen.
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
Diethanolamine (DEA) is an ingredient used to enhance the foaming action of toothpaste. DEA has been banned from use in personal care products in Europe as well as in Canada due to worries about the potential formation of carcinogenic nitrosamines. Additionally, there are concerns that these substances could have adverse effects on male fertility, as in vitro studies have indicated that they can impair sperm motility and viability, and animal studies have shown worrisome neurological impacts.
- Fluoride
Flouride is an antimicrobial that should be avoided due to its ability to build up in excess in the body. Excess fluoride is harmful to our health due to its toxicity in large amounts. Overconsumption of fluoride can lead to health concerns such as dental fluorosis, which causes staining and pitting of tooth enamel. Long term excess usage can lead to a far more serious concern known as skeletal fluorosis, a condition that affects the bones and joints.
- SLS
SLS, an abbreviation for Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is a prevalent component in toothpaste, as well as various personal care and cleaning items, mainly due to its role as a foaming agent. This foaming action might create the illusion of clean teeth, but SLS’s benefits essentially stop there. In reality, if you’re susceptible to canker sores, experience dry mouth, or have a sensitive oral cavity, SLS can be aggravating and exacerbate these issues.
- Triclosan
Triclosan has been incorporated into toothpaste formulas due to its capacity to combat gingivitis. Curiously, it initially found use as a pesticide back in the 1960s and is classified as an endocrine-disrupting substance. The FDA, recognizing its limited efficacy as an antimicrobial agent in comparison to soap and water, prohibited its use in soaps and body washes in 2016. Considering this, I believe I’ll explore alternative methods for addressing gingivitis rather than relying on triclosan.
- Artificial Colors
Artificial colors, as their name suggests, are not of natural origin, and the majority of them are derived from petroleum. Research has established a potential connection between artificial dyes and hyperactivity as well as ADHD. In an experiment conducted with rats, it was observed that the use of red dye #40 led to an increase in thyroid tumors.
- Parabens
Parabens serve as preservatives in toothpaste, yet they are known to disrupt the endocrine system.
- PEG’s
PEG (Polyethylene Glycol) can be potentially harmful due to its association with skin irritation, allergic reactions, and the presence of contaminants like ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, which are known carcinogens.
Safe Toothpaste Ingredients to Look For:
- Xylitol
Xylitol is found in trace amounts in various sources, including fibrous fruits and vegetables, trees, corncobs, and even the human body.
- Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal possesses tiny pores that capture toxins, preventing their absorption into the body.
- Coconut Oil
Predominantly composed of medium-chain fatty acids, coconut oil is considered to be a safe and natural antimicrobial, as well as an antioxidant.
- Essential Oils
Essential oils are not only natural and preferred alternatives to synthetic flavorings, they also offer antibacterial benefits.
- Hydroxyapatite
Hydroxyapatite, a mineral present in human bones and teeth, constitutes one of the primary elements of enamel.
Natural Toothpaste Reviews
#1: Butter Me Up Whitening & Remineralizing Toothpaste
What sets this toothpaste apart is its commitment to using natural, effective ingredients without any potentially harmful additives. The formula combines baking soda, sea salt, calcium, essential oils, and coconut oil, all known for their fantastic and naturally occurring antibacterial properties that combat tooth decay. It’s a blend that promotes overall oral and body health without any adverse effects.
The texture is akin to regular tube toothpaste, and you won’t even detect the presence of oils. The ingredients are carefully selected for their health benefits, making this toothpaste a pleasure to use. It leaves your mouth feeling remarkably fresh and healthy, which is an experience worth cherishing. One thing to note is that this toothpaste can be a bit salty due to the sea salt and baking soda content. However, the sea salt serves to remineralize teeth, and the baking soda naturally whitens teeth, freshens breath, and polishes teeth without scratching the enamel.
Ingredients
Baking Soda: Whitens teeth naturally, freshens breath, neutralizes mouth Ph and polishes teeth without scratching tooth surface.
Sea Salt: Strengthens teeth by adding necessary minerals and polishes teeth. Also a natural source of fluoride to prevent cavities.
Calcium: Strengthens teeth, adds an essential mineral to the surface, thickens the paste and acts as an extra polishing agent.
Organic Coconut Oil: Stops tooth decay, naturally anti-fungal and antibacterial, whitens teeth, is packed full of vitamins and minerals to strengthen teeth, freshens breath and aids in stopping receding gums from gingivitis and advanced periodontal disease.
Rosemary Essential Oil: Prevents bad breath and plaque, naturally astringent and antibacterial, keeps the gums and teeth healthy. If pregnant, Rosemary essential oil should be avoided. Message me and I’ll omit it. Separation in the product is normal.
#2: Risewell
RiseWell’s mineral toothpaste offers a refreshing wild mint flavor and stands out for being fluoride-free, paraben-free, suitable for vegans, and produced without cruelty to animals. It contains no aggressive foaming agents, such as SLS or sulfates. In fact, RiseWell toothpaste goes a step further by actively promoting the strengthening and restoration of tooth enamel, while also delivering natural anti-plaque and teeth-whitening benefits. Although they playfully claim it’s safe enough to eat, I would advise against putting that statement to the test.
Ingredients:
Silica, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Xylitol, Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Carbonate, Propanediol, Potassium Cocoate, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Mentha Arvensis (Wild Mint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Menthol, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Erythritol, Xanthan Gum, Eucalyptus Globulus Extract, Illicium Verum (Anise) Extract.
#3: Butter Me Up Organic Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
Crafted exclusively from organic, natural ingredients, this toothpaste offers the epitome of oral cleanliness. With its unique blend of remineralizing elements and organic coconut skin activated charcoal, it not only naturally whitens your teeth but also performs a remarkable detoxification of your mouth and gums, pulling toxins away. The results are evident, with noticeable teeth whitening even after just one use!
However, it’s essential to be mindful of environmental conditions as natural products can be sensitive to weather. In extreme heat, the coconut oil may soften the toothpaste, while in extremely cold conditions, it might harden. In either case, it’s a straightforward remedy – just place the jar in a hot water bath for 3-5 minutes, and it will return to the ideal consistency.
Ingredients
Calcium Citrate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Coconut Oil, Peppermint Oil, Vegetable Glycerin, Activated Charcoal from Coconut Skins
#4: Essential Oxygen
Essential Oxygen toothpaste options are environmentally friendly, biodegradable, devoid of fluoride, SLS, and alcohol, and they undergo no animal testing. They harness the cleaning capabilities of food-grade hydrogen peroxide and essential oils to efficiently whiten teeth, refresh breath, and safeguard enamel.
Essential Oxygen introduces The Pristine Protocol, a comprehensive three-step system that advances upon the ten-year achievements of the BR | Organic Mouthwash. Essential Oxygen’s BR | Organic Toothpaste is characterized by the gentlest abrasion level among all toothpaste options available, making it enamel-friendly and suitable for daily use up to three times. However, I’m disappointed that it does not incorporate hydroxyapatite, an ingredient I wish were included for its tooth-strengthening advantages.
Ingredients:
Aloe vera gel (aloe barbadensis)*, hydrogen peroxide, xanthan gum (xanthomonas campestris), guar gum (cyamopsis tetragonoloba)*, coconut oil (cocos nucifera)*, peppermint oil (mentha piperita)*, spearmint leaf oil (mentha spicata)*, stevia (stevia rebaudiana leaf powder)*, lemon peel oil (citrus medica limonum)*, rosemary leaf oil (rosmarinus officinalis)*, clove bud oil (eugenia caryophyllus)*, cinnamon leaf oil (cinnamomum zeylanicum)*, wintergreen oil (gaultheria procumbens)*, eucalyptus leaf oil (eucalyptus globulus)*, frankincense oil (boswellia carterii)*, coconut flour*, calcium phosphate
Conclusion
Our journey through the world of non-toxic toothpaste has provided valuable insights into the best options available for those seeking a safer and more natural approach to oral care. The top four selections we’ve explored in our reviews have been meticulously examined, and we’ve made recommendations based on their unique qualities and benefits. By opting for non-toxic toothpaste, you’re making a conscious decision to prioritize your overall health and well-being. These toothpaste brands not only exclude harmful chemicals but also incorporate organic and natural ingredients that can contribute to a brighter, healthier smile.
We encourage you to take the time to assess your own preferences and requirements when selecting a non-toxic toothpaste. Whether it’s the remineralizing properties, the teeth-whitening effects, or the use of certified organic components, there’s a non-toxic toothpaste out there to suit your individual needs.
In the pursuit of a cleaner, safer, and more sustainable approach to oral care, non-toxic toothpaste options are an excellent choice. We hope this guide has been informative and that you’re now better equipped to make an informed decision about the toothpaste that will help you achieve a healthier and brighter smile. Thank you for joining us on this journey towards a more natural and non-toxic oral care routine.
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