Natural toothpaste options are trending as people seek alternatives to traditional tubes that often contain ingredients like triclosan, which is linked to health issues. These formulas are free of additives, preservatives, synthetic sweeteners, and colors.
Many are also made without ingredients sourced from animals, making them ideal for vegan and ovo-lacto vegetarian lifestyles. Here are a few popular options at The Little Homestead Company LLC.
Sodium bicarbonate is an all-purpose kitchen ingredient with many household uses. It’s famous for helping baked goods rise and as an antacid to treat indigestion, but it also has teeth-cleaning properties. This naturally occurring, fine white powder is mildly abrasive and can lighten extrinsic teeth stains and scrub away plaque biofilm. It also helps balance the acid level in the mouth, which can prevent demineralization, a process that strips calcium from tooth enamel.
Baking soda also has antibacterial properties, which can keep harmful bacteria from forming a sticky film called plaque on the surface of your teeth. This bacteria-rich biofilm can cause gum disease and tooth decay if it isn’t removed regularly with brushing. Brushing with baking soda disrupts the biofilm by creating a less acidic environment, making it difficult for bacteria to thrive in.
However, straight baking soda and baking soda paste aren’t as effective at preventing cavities and whitening as toothpaste containing fluoride. Plus, the texture can be harsh and unpleasant to your tongue.
If you want to try a natural toothpaste that uses baking soda but doesn’t contain the extra ingredients like glycerin, xylitol, artificial sweeteners or sodium lauryl sulfate, you can find many options at Walgreens. The company’s Natural Toothpaste Selection includes formulas formulated by dentists to remove toxins and provide a thorough clean. They feature a wide range of natural cleaning ingredients including hydrated silica, xylitol, organic aloe barbadensis leaf juice, jojoba oil, potassium cocoate and organic mentha piperita extract. The brand also features a few products with the mineral hydroxyapatite, which can remineralize teeth and strengthen enamel.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener and recommended by dentists and health professionals as a preferred alternative to sugar. It is a unique type of sugar alcohol that is found in many foods like grapes, strawberries and fruits and vegetables as well as some plants and has been approved by the FDA for use as a sweetener in toothpastes, chewing gums, mints and mouth rinses.
Unlike sugar, xylitol does not break down in the mouth and therefore does not promote tooth decay. In addition, it stimulates saliva production, which helps remineralize teeth and repair any damage caused by bacteria. Studies have shown that xylitol is effective in preventing dental caries and has been officially endorsed by six international dental associations.
When xylitol is consumed, it starves the bacteria that cause tooth decay by interfering with their ability to digest fermentable sugars and produce acid. It also prevents them from sticking to teeth surfaces and releasing the acid that destroys tooth enamel. Xylitol may also help to reverse existing tooth decay by maintaining a neutral pH level in the mouth.
This fluoride-free toothpaste from Risewell features cavity-fighting xylitol, breath-freshening peppermint and tea tree oils and gentle abrasives to get your teeth squeaky clean. It is also free of SLS, triclosan and gluten. A little goes a long way, so start with a pea-sized amount and use it twice a day to brush away plaque, stains and give your teeth that healthy glow. It also contains hydroxyapatite, which strengthens enamel and has even been known to reverse small cavities. It is also a great option for those who have xerostomia, a condition that results in a dry mouth. This can be a side effect of some medications (especially decongestants and antidepressants), aging, certain diseases and conditions (including Sjogren’s syndrome) or radiation therapy to the head and neck area.
Essential Oils
If you make an effort to avoid synthetic or unnatural ingredients in your food, then why not do the same with your oral care products? The good news is that there are plenty of natural toothpaste options out there that don’t skimp on cleaning power. Plus, they’re easy to find and often just as affordable as traditional tubes of toothpaste.
These alternatives veer away from ingredients like triclosan, which has been linked to health risks with long-term exposure. Many are also free of harmful chemicals and preservatives, as well as sodium lauryl sulfate (a detergent that foams up toothpaste). They’re typically a bit more expensive than a standard tube of toothpaste, but they do help you avoid the unnecessary toxins in most conventional products.
Many of these natural toothpaste alternatives come in the form of powders or tablets that you can chew up and brush with, or jars of creamy paste. This option from Designs for Health harnesses the power of nano hydroxyapatite for gum and enamel repair while eliminating all the yucky stuff. It’s fluoride-free, triclosan-free and comes in a 50% post-consumer recycled glass container.
If you’re unsure how to get started with this type of oral care, try combining baking soda with some of the essential oils that are known to clean teeth. For instance, peppermint oil is antibacterial and has a fresh, pleasant scent, and coconut oil is antifungal and a great moisturizer. Simply put a few drops of your chosen oil onto a moist toothbrush and scrub away! Then rinse your mouth and spit. The important thing is to keep brushing and flossing your teeth regularly to help prevent the buildup of plaque, which can lead to gum disease, cavities and even cancer. And, as always, be sure to visit your dentist for regular checkups and cleanings.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a natural antibacterial that can help prevent gum disease and bad breath. It can also improve the condition of your teeth and help you spit out more food particles when brushing. It’s easy to find at most grocery stores, and it’s a great ingredient for homemade toothpaste recipes.
You can add melted coconut oil to baking soda and stir until the mixture is thick enough to stick in your mouth. You can even add xylitol and essential oils for flavor. Using coconut oil is an easy way to skip the foaming agents that are found in most traditional toothpaste, which may cause you to swallow more of the chemicals.
Many people choose to use natural toothpaste as a part of their daily oral hygiene routine. They may be concerned about the chemicals in regular toothpaste, or they might be following a vegan or ovo-lacto vegetarian lifestyle and don’t want to eat ingredients sourced from animals.
These toothpastes are often fluoride-free, which can be a good thing depending on your personal preference and dental health needs. Some natural options include Risewell’s fluoride-free toothpaste, which features hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel and remineralize teeth, as well as cavity-fighting xylitol and breath-freshening peppermint and tea tree oils.
Another option is Dr. Bronner’s organic toothpaste, which has organic glycerin and organic cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, as well as calcium carbonate and xanthan gum. This toothpaste has a pleasant minty taste and gets your teeth squeaky clean.
If you’re interested in trying out a natural toothpaste, speak with your San Diego family dentist. He or she can provide you with personalized dental advice and recommendations that suit your unique needs.
Aloe Vera
This succulent plant has long been cultivated for its health, beauty and medicinal properties. The ancient Egyptians called it the “Plant of Immortality.” Aloe vera juice can be used to treat a variety of ailments including constipation and diabetes. It is also considered a natural laxative.
Many natural toothpastes contain aloe vera along with baking soda and other natural ingredients. They tend to veer away from artificial colors, chemicals, and preservatives as well as sodium lauryl sulfate, which can be irritating for some people. They are also free from gluten, making them suitable for people with celiac disease or other digestive issues. Additionally, they are often vegan or ovo-lacto vegetarian friendly.
The main reason to choose a natural toothpaste is for oral health and well-being. However, some brands don’t have fluoride, which is important for preventing tooth decay and is recommended by dentists. Some natural toothpastes have remineralizing ingredients, like hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel. Others have organic ingredients that are better for the environment.
Natural toothpastes tend to be more expensive than their conventional counterparts, but they are a healthier choice for your teeth. Additionally, they can be more convenient than traditional toothpaste because you just chew or dissolve a tablet and then brush as normal. Some natural toothpastes can even be made into a gel, so you don’t need to rinse!