Do Clean Toothpaste Ingredients Matter?
On average, you grab for your toothpaste what...Maybe twice a day?
If we're being honest though, do you REALLY know what's in it and IF the ingredients are good for you?
If not, we really need to talk.
For years, we’ve blindly relied on good marketing to tell us we NEED fluoride for healthy teeth. And that regular use of traditional toothpastes was allegedly one of the 'best' ways to prevent tooth decay.
But, reports by the NIH show that tooth decay continues to be a major issue, with approximately 90% of individuals aged 20 to 64 years having experienced cavities in their permanent teeth. [1]
So is it really the toothpaste that will save the day or is it something else?
I have a million and one opinions on this as a Naturopath...obviously...but we'll stick to the topic at hand. For now.
Traditional toothpastes are filled with foaming agents, artificial flavors, and a long list of unpronounceable chemicals that seep into our gums and affect our long-term health.
I don't know about you, but that doesn't shout "you NEED this" to me.
In fact, when I first learned about the dangers of most toothpaste ingredients, I switched to baking soda only until I could find one that I felt good about using.
Clean oral care is quickly becoming a dinner-table worthy topic. Which is VERY exciting. People are waking up and I'm here for it!
With that, we're seeing a rise of functional and top-tier toothpastes, toothpaste powders and toothpaste chews that blow those old chemical-laden products out of the water!
So here’s why we think you should ditch your old stuff and make the switch sooner than later...
Conventional Toothpaste Is Toxic. Full Stop.
Synthetic chemicals like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), artificial sweeteners, dyes, and harsh preservatives are used in the big name toothpastes.
And don't even get me started on the topic of fluoride...which we now know is not only just a neurotoxin [2], it's been shown to affect cognitive function.[3] Which we all need MORE of these days.
Not less.
Plus, how on Earth did we get to a point where we would readily accept putting something in our mouths that required a poison control label in the case of accidental ingestion?
Yep. That's on your toothpaste label too.
But I digress...
Some of these chemicals and additives can cause irritation in sensitive mouths, lead to canker sores, or even disrupt your body’s natural microbiome. [4]
Your mouth has its own microbiome. Just like your gut. And your brain.
And every one of them takes the hit from these toxins.
The Benefits of Clean
Clean, natural toothpastes will avoid harsh chemicals. YAYA!
They'll harness the power of functional ingredients like baking soda, clay, xylitol, coconut oil, herbal extracts, and essential oils. [5]
But do they work?
Without synthetic surfactants or dyes, natural toothpaste formulas are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Great for those of you who struggle with sensitive teeth and gums.
Using ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite (a tooth-building mineral) [6], natural clay, and baking soda provide gentle polishing, whitening, and remineralization, helping to strengthen enamel naturally.
Herbal and plant oils [5], such as peppermint and tea tree, fight bad bacteria, balance the oral micriobiome without destroying everything in the process, and freshen breath, without artificial flavors.
Plus, many clean toothpaste brands commit to sustainable, low-waste, or plastic-free packaging, making them a better fit for those who care about the planet.
Like we do!
Our New Favorite Toothpaste Chews: Primal Life Organics
These toothpaste chews are now available in our store HERE.
They take all the best things about clean toothpaste and wrap them up in a travel-ready, mess-free, eco-conscious package, helping to cut back on the billions of toothpaste tubes that end up in landfills every year.
With nano-hydroxyapatite, these tabs help rebuild and protect tooth enamel, offering a toxin-free, fluoride-free way to fight cavities and reduce sensitivity.
Plus, they work without harsh abrasive agents and artificial flavors, which we love!
Just grab a chew, chomp until it begins to foam up, then brush with a wet toothbrush, and rinse.
No blue paste stuck to the sink.
No sticky residue on your brush.
And a fresh, lasting clean you can feel.
If you're ready to make the switch, give these a try!
For a smile that's bright and healthy.
Rant over ;)
References:
1. https://www.nidcr.nih.gov/research/oralhealthinamerica/section-3a-summary
2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6923889/
3. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9819484/
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9585602/
5. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S3050475924001052
6. https://askthedentist.com/hydroxyapatite-vs-fluoride-how-do-they-compare/