Blog Summary:
All-natural has become a buzzword in recent years, but does it really mean a product is safer, better, or more effective? Not always.
When it comes to toothpaste, choosing an all-natural option doesn’t automatically guarantee it’s free of harmful ingredients or that it will clean your teeth effectively. So, how do you find the best non-toxic toothpaste that’s truly safe and beneficial for your oral health? Turn to science-backed and dentist-backed options! Don’t forget to keep any special or specific health needs you may have in mind, too.
This guide breaks down what to look for in all-natural toothpaste, how to separate marketing claims from real benefits, and which ingredients you should embrace—or avoid, all from the point of view of a dentist.
All-natural has become something of a catch-all phrase in recent years. Are all-natural products better than their chemical-laden counterparts? Usually.
Even still, all-natural products aren’t always what they seem, and many can come with their own set of risks.
When it comes to choosing an all-natural toothpaste, how do you know that what you’re getting is what you’re probably hoping to find: something effective, gentle, and non-toxic?
Here’s what you should look for when seeking out the best non toxic toothpaste.
First, Know the Difference Between Natural & Organic
If you’re someone who prefers to use organic products and eat organic foods, then you may already be aware that “all natural” just means something is made from naturally occurring, rather than artificially created ingredients, such as chemicals. Another way to put this is that all-natural products don’t contain artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.
Generally, organic products are produced without the use of pesticides, herbicides, or chemicals. The USDA’s definition of organic food is “food produced without using: most conventional pesticides, fertilizers made with synthetic ingredients or sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation.”
The same logic applies to the ingredients grown for and used in health and dental products, such as toothpaste.
Second, Know Your Toothpaste Options & Needs
Is an all-natural toothpaste the right choice for you? For most people, there are benefits of choosing natural products. But some individuals require a more specialized toothpaste.
For instance, for someone who has advanced tartar buildup or gum disease, the potential risks of using a non-all-natural tartar control toothpaste might be outweighed by the benefits.
For someone with extreme sensitivity, meanwhile, a toothpaste designed especially for this concern may be appropriate.
It can be confusing to find the right type of toothpaste. I recommend contacting a trusted dentist for advice about what to look for in a toothpaste that’s specific to your situation and unique health needs.
If you’re not sure who to turn to or don’t have a dentist in mind, I recommend The Super Dentists in greater San Diego!
Third, Understand Safe & Effective Natural Toothpaste Ingredients
Let’s say you’ve decided that an all-natural toothpaste is the right fit.
Whether you prefer all-natural organic toothpaste or you’re okay with using a product that’s simply classified as all-natural, you should know about some of the most common ingredients in natural toothpastes, because the truth is, some natural ingredients are effective and safe. Other natural can potentially be harmful.
Here’s a list of some ingredients you might find in all-natural toothpaste and whether they’re generally helpful or harmful to your oral health.
- Alcohol: This has drying effects that negate the benefits of saliva and it can also disrupt the oral microbiome.
- Essential Oils: These might smell nice, or mimic flavors and sensations offered by conventional toothpaste (such as peppermint). But essential oils can actually be too harsh, disrupting the oral microbiome. They can also cause tingling that make you think they’re effective, but this isn’t always the case.
- Charcoal: Used in toothpaste because of its abrasive and neutralizes tastes and odors, in truth, charcoal is usually far too abrasive. It’s best avoided in toothpaste, as it can cause more harm than good.
- Fluoride: Did you know that fluoride is naturally occurring? It’s true! But is fluoride toothpaste bad? For kids under two or those without safe swallowing skills, fluoride should be avoided. For everyone else the answer is “It depends”. It’s true that fluoride consumed in excess can be harmful. But fluoride is also effective at restoring tooth enamel. There are some folks with multiple cavities or advanced-stage tooth decay for whom this benefit outweighs any associated risks. For most people, however, using fluoride toothpaste just isn’t necessary. This is especially true today, because many natural products contain alternative enamel-restoring ingredients that are just as effective as fluoride without the potential harm, like nanohydroxyapatite.
Choose All-Natural, Safe, & Effective Toothpaste
When shopping for a toothpaste that’s “all-natural”, I recommend not stopping there. Consider also whether the natural ingredients in the toothpaste are safe, and whether they’re effective. Consider also any individual health needs you may have and consult a dentist if necessary for help choosing the right toothpaste.
Looking for all-natural toothpaste that’s proven to be safe, effective, and all natural? SuperMouth offers a variety of toothpaste options for everyone.
Created by me, Dr. Kami Hoss, SuperMouth toothpastes come in a variety of types and flavors, ensuring there’s the perfect option for every parent or kid, you and your family included!
Check out SuperMouth’s all-natural toothpastes now, including both non-fluoride options and fluoride options.
