When it comes to oral care, more and more people (and even dental professionals) are making the shift towards natural toothpastes. Even outside of holistic communities it’s a movement that has gained serious momentum!
It’s easy to become overwhelmed with the supermarket’s wall of oral care products and wonder ‘how do I choose one?!’… and unfortunately not all natural toothpastes are created equally.
So, I’ll help you out. Here are the seven most common mistakes people make choosing a natural toothpaste:
1. It doesn’t have any active ingredients:
The single most important aspect for an EFFECTIVE toothpaste is the inclusion of active ingredients. For a standard toothpaste, that’s fluoride. For a natural toothpaste, it has to be hydroxyapatite. Hydroxyapatite is the mineral that makes up to 90% of your bones & teeth and is one of the best known remineralisers for enamel. A lot of natural toothpastes can boast a list of wonderful ingredients, but without remineralising, the mouth only gets a surface-level clean without the benefits of enamel strengthening and cavity healing.
2. It still uses artificially-created flavourings:
Many natural toothpaste options still include artificial flavours to enhance taste. However, these additives can compromise the purity of your toothpaste. These flavours are created using a cocktail of chemicals and aroma to create the desired smell and taste. When it comes to flavour - less is definitely more and you’re better off choosing a toothpaste that relies on naturally extracted flavourings.
3. You bought from a big company instead of small business:
Supporting small & local businesses is not only an eco-friendly choice but also beneficial for your community. When selecting a natural toothpaste, consider exploring local brands. This not only reduces your carbon footprint but also contributes to the growth of small businesses committed to providing quality, locally sourced products.
Considering that toothpaste is classed officially as a cosmetic product, the regulations are more relaxed than you would expect. So, it’s important to know WHO is responsible for making the toothpaste and whether they have a dental background. More often than not, small business will provide full transparency about their ingredients & processes and answer any questions you have.
4. Not choosing environmental packaging:
Considering that every tube of toothpaste ever made still exists, it’s so important that we don’t keep adding to the plastic mess that we humans have created. Take a closer look at the packaging and opt for brands that use environmentally friendly materials - such as refillable or recyclable packaging.
Most toothpaste tubes are not curb-side recyclable, instead often needing to be taken specific recycling points or just tossed with general waste. But, please know that biodegradable and home recyclable options DO exist! The reason that most businesses don’t offer them is that they are significantly more costly to produce. It’s expensive, but it’s important that we all do our bit for the environment.
5. Choosing low mineral concentrations (usually unknowingly):
Not all natural toothpaste formulations are created equally. Some may have lower mineral concentrations, compromising their effectiveness. Look for a toothpaste with optimal mineral content, especially hydroxyapatite which works best at 10%.
Most toothpaste brands won’t disclose specific concentrations due to protecting their formulas, but it really shouldn’t be a secret. As a general rule of thumb, look at the ingredient list and hydroxyapatite should be one of the first 3 (not including water/aqua). That way you can feel confident that there is enough mineral to ensure you're getting the highest remineralising potential.
6. You’re rinsing after you brush:
It might be a habit, but rinsing your mouth immediately after brushing washes away the active ingredients of your toothpaste. Allow the toothpaste to work its magic by resisting the urge to rinse immediately. This allows the hydroxyapatite and other beneficial components to have enough time to adhere to your teeth, providing longer lasting protection.
7. It has too many essential oils:
While essential oils can offer a burst of natural flavour, excessive use can be counterproductive. Plant medicine is widely documented as being incredibly potent and a single bottle drop can contain kilos of it’s associated plant. It’s this hyper-concentrated dosage that can be highly antibacterial in nature and disrupt the balance of bacteria in a stable mouth. Choose a toothpaste with only a couple of essential oils for a refreshing taste without overwhelming your oral microbiome.
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There you have it - choosing an effective natural toothpaste extends far further just opting for a fluoride-free option. Decide what you want your toothpaste to do for you - is it for cleaning, whiter teeth or remineralising?
And don’t forget that some toothpastes can do all of those things!
Well-balanced oral health goes far beyond your toothpaste, but by avoiding these common mistakes you can choose an effective toothpaste that supports you.
Be Orally Well,
x Rosi
Founder of About28 / Dental Professional