Along with finding or switching to a natural deodorant, toothpaste is one of the first products most people consider in their journey to cleaner products. Toothpaste goes in our mouths and our children’s mouths; we probably swallow a bit of it, spit it down sinks, and its quality affects our teeth and our breath, so it should be of the utmost importance.
Toothpaste has been used in one form or another in most cultures for centuries. Ancient civilizations of the Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians used toothpaste made from crushing shells, bones, charcoal, salts, bark, seashells, and herbs. These were mainly abrasive to remove food from the teeth.
Modern toothpaste and powders as we know them developed in the nineteenth century. It was common usage in Britain from the 1800s, made from chalks, soaps, bones, and groundnuts.
As Toothpaste became increasingly popular, Dr. Sheffield, a renowned dentist from New London, developed a collapsible tube that made it easier to use. Today, you can still buy this toothpaste made with natural ingredients inspired by their original recipes.
Most people generally now use toothpaste in tubes. Still, as we become more aware of what is in the ingredient list, many new forms, such as natural tooth powders, are gaining popularity, and they are pretty easy to make yourself.
Natural toothpaste needs to clean teeth, freshen the breath, and maintain the teeth and gums’ health by removing plaque and food debris.
When looking to purchase natural toothpaste, read ingredient lists on the outer packaging and the mission statements from the brands to find the choice that resonates with you.
The Ingredients To Look For In Natural Toothpaste.
Many natural ingredients are very effective without resorting to unknown chemicals. Active ingredients added to these kinds of toothpaste prevent cavities and gum disease, freshen the breath, and strengthen the teeth.
- Coconut Oil
- Natural sweeteners, stevia, xylitol, erythritol
- Fresh mint
- Aloe Vera
- Clays, Bentonite, white Kaolin, French
- White Turmeric
- Essential Oils, spearmint, peppermint, sage, clove, cinnamon, tea tree, oregano, sage
- Activated Coconut Charcoal
- Baking soda
- Calcium carbonate and magnesium.
The Ingredients You Should Avoid in Toothpaste.
Conventional, commercial toothpaste is often very cheap, and they rely on using filler ingredients, preservatives, and ingredients to enhance the texture or taste of the product. If you are reading ingredient lists, these are the ingredients that you don’t want or need;
- Artificial sweeteners, e.g., sorbitol and saccharin.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate {SLS}
- Propylene glycol
- Carrageenan
- Triclosan
- Artificial fragrances
- Artificial colors
- Preservatives
It’s pretty easy to find good natural toothpaste. Most supermarkets and drugstores, certainly in the USA, carry various brands.
Natural Toothpaste To Look For In Supermarkets And Drugstores.
While this applies to the USA, I’m sure there are similar products to look out for in the stores near you, You can also purchase these online, and they are all great!
Hello, Naturally Whitening Fluoride Toothpaste, Farm Grown Mint, Vegan, SLS Free, Gluten Free, Peroxide Free.
This toothpaste, by Hello, is formulated with a calcium mineral blend that naturally whitens teeth. It uses farm-grown peppermint and tea tree oil to combat bad breath and moisturizes with coconut oil.
Hello, naturally whitening fluoride toothpaste is peroxide-free, dye-free, SLS-free, paraben-free, triclosan-free, preservative-free, and gluten-free. hello, toothpaste also contain no artificial sweeteners and no artificial flavors.
Toms of Maine ADA Approved Fluoride Children’s Toothpaste, Natural Toothpaste, Dye Free, No Artificial Preservatives.
If you have little ones, make sure they are not being exposed to unnecessary chemicals, and choose one of the fun flavors that natural brands offer.
Sea Fresh Toothpaste features Blue-Green Algae (Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae), rich in Calcium, proteins, antioxidants to strengthen your teeth and gums, and potent Spearmint and Parsley Extracts to keep your breath fresh and clean.
Like all the others, this toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors and with different ingredients that actively work to clean your teeth effectively and whiten teeth.
This toothpaste from Jason also includes Bamboo Powder, Calcium Carbonate, and Silica to help brighten teeth and prevent tartar build-up.
If you are looking for fluoride-free natural toothpaste, this is an excellent option from Dr. Bonners.
This toothpaste uses hydrated Silica and Calcium Carbonate as natural, gentle abrasives; Baking Soda and Potassium Cocoate (made with Organic Coconut Oil) are excellent natural cleansers; Organic Essential Oils provide flavor.
Burt bees Charcoal Fluoride-Free Toothpaste, Zen Peppermint.
It contains Charcoal to remove surface stains to help restore teeth to their natural whiteness and essential oils for flavor. This toothpaste is also fluoride-free if that is important to you.
These can all be purchased online if you don’t access these products in stores near you.
Is Fluoride Good In Natural Toothpaste?
There is a continuing debate on whether or not to use fluoride in toothpaste; is there a potential to use too much of it, or is it necessary to strengthen the teeth?
Whatever your preferences, there doesn’t need to be an all-or-nothing approach. Many natural toothpaste brands offer fluoride-free or fluoride options. Rotate between different brands to get a balance of ingredients.
I like to try different kinds of toothpaste and go between fluoride-free and ones containing fluoride.
Fun options I have tried and liked or gifted include;
Jack N’ Jill Natural Kids Toothpaste – Blueberry & Strawberry – Organic, Gluten-Free, Vegan, BPA Free, Fluoride Free, SLS Free, Dairy-Free.
This toothpaste is such a great set, emphasizing making toothbrushing fun and enjoyable for kids. Children tend to swallow more toothpaste than adults, so this product was made with that in mind; also great for those not in love with mint!
Dr. Sheffield’s Certified Natural Toothpaste (Chocolate) – Great Tasting, Fluoride Free Toothpaste/Freshen Your Breath, Whiten Your Teeth, Reduce Plaque.
I could not help but try this chocolate toothpaste, made by a renowned dental surgeon and toothpaste creator Dr. Sheffield. For all you fellow chocolate lovers, this is a must!
Don’t worry; this toothpaste comes in other flavors and is the original 1850s recipe, certified all-natural!
Although toothpaste can seem a relatively dull product, once you start looking at the natural ingredients and different formulations, it can be pretty fascinating. I hope this inspires you to make small changes that can significantly affect you and all around you.
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