Is It Better To Use Natural Toothpaste Alternatives?

Feb 2, 2018 | Uncategorized

Your nature-loving friend or paleo-dieting relative may have advised you to ditch the commercial toothpaste in favor of natural toothpaste alternatives. The truth is that while commercial toothpaste can be very effective, some of them have harmful chemicals and ingredients.

Some of the nasties lurking in conventional toothpaste include chemicals such as sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, titanium dioxide, glycerin, and artificial sweeteners. The following are some popular natural toothpaste alternatives and how they work:

Toothpaste alternatives

1. Baking soda

Baking soda is a very popular alternative to commercial toothpaste, and it is loved for its teeth-whitening properties. You can dip your toothbrush directly onto some baking powder, or you can make a paste with water.

Some people combine it with peppermint oil or coconut oil, both of which help get rid of decay-causing bacteria in your mouth. However, you should be gentle with the toothbrush when using baking soda as it is slightly abrasive.

2. Sea salt

Sea salt is a natural toothpaste alternative that kills bacteria and contains minerals that help strengthen your teeth. To use it, simply dab some sea salt onto your toothbrush and brush away. You can also dissolve sea salt in warm water and use the solution as a mouthwash.

3. Hydrogen peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is a natural antiseptic that kills cavity-causing bacteria. It is also the main ingredient in most teeth-whitening products. You can use it together with other natural ingredients, such as baking soda or sea salt, for even more amazing results. Simply dip your toothbrush in food-grade hydrogen peroxide and then in baking soda and salt.

However, most experts advise consumers to avoid using hydrogen peroxide daily. Furthermore, you should not swallow hydrogen peroxide, and you must rinse your mouth with water after using this natural toothpaste alternative. If you have amalgam filling, do not brush your teeth with hydrogen peroxide as it does not react well with the mercury in silver fillings.

4. Oil pulling

Individuals who are fans of oil pulling, usually swish oils such a coconut oil or sesame oil around their mouth for about fifteen minutes. This ayurvedic method helps strengthen teeth, kill bacteria, and stop the formation of cavities.

5. Natural soap

If you use natural unscented soap to clean your body, you can use it to brush your teeth as well. This is not everyone’s cup of tea, but some people claim that all-natural soaps clean better than toothpaste without all the nasty chemicals.

6. Herbal tooth powders

These powders contain a mixture of common herbs, including aloe vera resin, organic peppermint, goldenseal root, and clove buds. Each of these herbs has its own advantages and combined, they do a great job of cleaning your teeth and reducing inflammation. Another advantage of herbal tooth powders is that unlike other natural toothpaste alternatives, these powders taste good.

Contact us for more information

Most people are very quick to read the ingredients in the food they buy, but they rarely ever do the same with toothpaste. Fortunately, not all kinds of toothpaste have harmful ingredients. Make a habit of only buying toothpaste that has safe ingredients, or go the safe route and use these natural toothpaste alternatives.

Call our Leawood, KS, dental office to make an appointment with a dentist who may be able to help you find out more about this topic, and improve your oral health.

Archives