Brushing your teeth involves polishing those pearly whites twice a day, two minutes at a time. But have you paused to think about the kinds of chemicals you're putting in your mouth when you do?
As more consumers become aware of ingredients in personal care products, the demand for alternatives is growing.
First, it helps to know why you brush in the first place: The idea is to remove plaque, a sticky bacterial film that can break down tooth enamel, irritate gums and cause infections.
"Toothpastes work by abrading, or scrubbing away, the food sources and bacteria on a regular basis," says Glennis Katzmark, DDS. "Most natural toothpastes have some abrasive properties and so would be fine for that purpose."
When switching to a new toothpaste, give it two weeks so you can observe its effects. And don't judge a toothpaste just on its flavor; some alternative products can feel or taste different than conventional varieties.
Ingredients commonly found in more nature-based toothpastes include the following.
Activated Charcoal
Charcoal absorbs impurities, explains Philip Gallegos, DDS, saying, "It can effectively remove the surface stains caused by tea, coffee and red wine." He recommends using charcoal toothpaste just once a week because it can be abrasive and you don’t want to damage enamel, which would make your teeth susceptible to decay.
Baking Soda
This common household item "can neutralize harmful acids that may cause gum disease and cavities, and also help remove stains," says Kumar Vadivel, DDS. "A smooth, clean surface keeps bacteria at bay, while a rough surface accumulates bacteria."
Coconut Oil
It may be best known as a source of healthy fatty acids, but coconut oil can support oral health, too. Researchers have found that this popular kitchen and skincare ingredient may be effective in reducing plaque and preventing gingivitis, or gum disease.†
Neem
Neem bark and leaf extract may help prevent cavities and gum problems, according to a study in Pharmacognosy Review. Mouthwash that contains this Indian herb may also be helpful in prevention of bleeding and sore gums, according to the researchers.†
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree's long usage as an antimicrobial, which makes it valuable in cleansing cuts and scrapes, helps explain its benefits for oral health. A study in the Australian Dental Journal found that tea tree may be useful in helping to fight gum problems.†
Xylitol
A natural sweetener often used in children's supplements, xylitol may help fight tooth decay and promote saliva production, which combats dry mouth, according to Vadivel.†
†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.
The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
