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We brush our teeth every day, but are we really using the best toothpaste? Conventional toothpastes often contain controversial substances that can be more or less harmful to our health. Many people therefore want to switch to certified natural toothpastes. As a result, many products are now available on the market. However, it is not always easy to make a choice based on the ingredients and the various recommendations from professionals.
Would you like to learn more about natural toothpastes and the ingredients they contain? This article will help you see things more clearly.
What are the different types of natural toothpastes?
Before toothpaste as we know it today was invented, essential oils such as mint were used in combination with other mainly plant-based additives to clean teeth and prevent cavities. In the Middle Ages, a mixture of chamomile flowers and cloves was used.
It was not until the early 20th century that a pharmacist from Dresden invented the first toothpaste in its current form. Today, there are other forms of toothpaste besides the traditional paste we buy in tubes.
Natural toothpaste powders:
In addition to toothpaste in the form of a smooth paste, there are also powders that serve as toothpaste. The composition of these powders differs significantly from that of pastes. Applying it to a toothbrush is not so easy because the powder is quite volatile. The best known is undoubtedly activated charcoal powder. One of the effects of activated charcoal is that it removes toxins. Any toxins from food that are still in your mouth are therefore eliminated.
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Natural coconut oil toothpastes:
Coconut oil is considered a good home remedy in dentistry. It is often used to naturally treat gum inflammation. The advantage of coconut oil is that it tastes good. It can also easily be made into toothpaste. Oil pulling has long been a preferred natural healing method in many cultures for killing bacteria in the mouth. The bacteria are absorbed by the oil and are either removed by spitting out the oil or destroyed.
Another special feature of coconut oil is that it not only kills existing bacteria but also prevents the growth of other bacteria.
In addition, coconut oil is a natural product and therefore has few or no side effects.
Natural chewable toothpastes
Chewable toothpastes are 100% natural. These are vegan tablets made with the aim of combating animal cruelty. They contain no preservatives. They therefore contain no fluoride or parabens. They are very easy to use: simply chew, brush, and then rinse your mouth. For example, Y-Brush chewable toothpaste contains 60 to 120 tablets. They can therefore be used over the long term.
Which ingredients should absolutely be avoided in toothpaste?
Ingredients should be a central concern, especially when it comes to products placed in your mouth. You should therefore check the composition of toothpastes, even when they are presented as natural or organic.
Here are the ingredients found in some toothpastes that you should absolutely beware of.
Sodium sulfate:
This ingredient is an anionic surfactant often found in toothpastes, lotions, and cleaning products. The problem with sodium sulfate is that it irritates the mucous membranes, which can cause inflammation or an uncomfortable sensation in the mouth.
Triclosan:
Triclosan is highly controversial, especially in recent years. Although the substance prevents bacterial growth, it may contribute to the development of bacterial resistance. In addition, triclosan is said to be extremely harmful to the environment and to be associated with muscle weakness and tumor formation. Other recent studies indicate that it may be responsible for hormonal imbalance.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG):
This is a commonly used binding and thickening agent. However, researchers have found that it makes the oral mucosa more permeable to germs and bacteria. They believe this allows them to enter the body more easily and thereby weaken our immune system.
What are the beneficial ingredients in natural toothpastes?
You can find several formulations of natural toothpastes. Here are the ingredients that are good for your health and your teeth.
Plant-based ingredients:
Toothpastes containing plant-based ingredients can be used for specific issues. For example, chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and mint has a refreshing effect. Like sage, they can help combat bleeding gums or bad breath, also known as halitosis.
If toothpastes made with plant-based ingredients do not contain fluoride, they should at least be alternated with a product containing fluoride.
Natural toothpastes containing fluoride:
Fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to tooth decay, so it is considered an ingredient that should be present in your toothpaste. However, science does not entirely agree on the form and amount in which fluoride should be present. At very high doses, it can even damage bones and teeth. Children's toothpaste therefore generally contains little or no fluoride.
Many natural toothpastes do not contain fluoride either. It is up to you to decide whether or not you want your toothpaste to contain it. You can use a sonic Y-Brush toothbrush with it.
