The 7 Best Natural, Non-Toxic, & Organic Toothpastes
Many of us don’t give a second thought to the brand of toothpaste we use. If it’s minty fresh, helps with our sensitive teeth, and can be bought for a couple of dollars, what more do we need to know?
The truth is that there’s a lot more to our toothpaste than any of us ever believed, and it might even be harmful to us.
The key is to research information such as ingredients used, packaging, and what is optimal for your unique oral health needs!
Read on for a guide to picking the best non-toxic toothpaste for you, and why it might just be the right time to switch - plus, the top brands I recommend when making the switch.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer will receive a commission if you decide to purchase, however, at no additional cost to you!
Is Toothpaste Toxic?
Conventional toothpastes are unlikely to cause you any major damage, yet there are ingredients in many commercial toothpastes that you probably don’t want to be exposed to on a daily basis.
As with most personal care products some of the ingredients can be irritants, so if you already have sensitive skin and gums, it’s a good idea to learn what to avoid, and invest in a non-toxic toothpaste.
There’s also still a lot we don’t know about these ingredients. Triclosan was subject to an FDA ban in 2017 for soaps and bodywashes, as it can cause antibiotic resistance.
Toothpaste manufacturers have also removed it from their products, although it was in standard use for years which is scary and gives us more reason to be aware of what we are putting in our mouth.
Triclosan is just one instance that sparked greater awareness of other ingredients in our oral care routine!
What Potentially Harmful Ingredients Should Customers be Aware of?
There are a number of common ingredients in regular toothpaste that customers should think twice about.
Use your own judgement with this and choose the non-toxic toothpaste that’s right for you. Remember to always read the ingredients and learn what is really in the toothpaste formulas.
SLS, or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, is the ingredient in toothpaste that causes it to foam. Called a detergent, it actually has no cleaning properties, and its only use is to easily get the toothpaste around the mouth. It’s also a surfactant that is known to be a skin irritant, so definitely an ingredient to avoid.
Glycerin sweetens toothpaste and also prevents it from drying out in the tube. It’s also the cause of the squeaky-clean feeling you get after you brush your teeth. Yet this feeling is actually caused by the glycerin coating your teeth, which only attracts plaque.
Parabens are used to increase the shelf-life of toothpaste. While they might be good as a preservative, they have no benefits when it comes to teeth and gum health. Research is currently ongoing, yet there have been suggestions that parabens are linked to certain cancers, so if they’re not needed, it’s not an ingredient you need.
Hydrogen Peroxide-While it’s an effective tooth whitener, hydrogen peroxide is not something that you want in your toothpaste. It can actually damage enamel and has also been linked to inflammation of the gums, so this harsh chemical is one that needs to be avoided.
Is Fluoride Toothpaste Harmful?
Let’s talk about fluoride. Many people now want to avoid it altogether, believing that it is another harmful chemical added to toothpaste that we don’t need. But that’s not strictly the case.
Fluoride is already added to the drinking water in many countries and has been an addition to common toothpastes since 1950 with Proctor and Gamble. Fluoride is great for preventing cavities, which is why it’s been a staple addition for so many years.
You're likely familiar with getting fluoride treatment during your annual dentist visit!
What has people worried is that fluoride is dangerous in high quantities. A lower concentration is used in children’s toothpaste, but the good news is that unless you’re swallowing toothpaste on a regular basis, there’s nothing to worry about.
In short, there’s no need for adults to avoid fluoride, but it might be best to keep kids away until they develop the habit of not ingesting too much toothpaste when brushing their teeth.
That being said, many non-toxic toothpaste manufacturers have taken fluoride out of their products. If you are prone to cavities or have a high sugar diet however, you may want to find one that still includes it.
Talk with your dentist about what is best for you and your unique oral health needs!
Environmental Impacts of Toothpaste
The environmental impacts of toothpaste shouldn’t be dismissed. The vast majority of plastic toothpaste tubes can’t be recycled, which contributes significantly to plastic waste as well as the greenhouse gas emissions involved in its manufacture.
Did you know that 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes are discarded worldwide each year, and those tubes end up in landfills or oceans? 10 million tons of plastic are dumped in our oceans annually - that's equal to more than a garbage truckload every minute!
One of the most harmful toothpaste ingredients for the environment is sodium pyrophosphate. This substance contains phosphor, which builds up algae growth in both our sewage systems and in the water at the end of the sewage line.
A build-up of algae causes an increase of CO2 being released into the water, creating a dead spot. This causes the marine life living there to slowly suffocate and die.
Try looking for zero waste toothpaste such as toothpaste tablets or powder in glass containers. If you don't use zero-waste toothpaste, try to find brands who use eco-friendly packaging or packaging you can recycle, maybe even repurpose!
Another bonus when reviewing packaging is if the brand offers a turnkey so you can get every bit of paste out of the packaging, wasting less product, saving you money AND reducing the amount of potential waste contributing to the environment!
What to Look for in Non-Toxic Toothpaste?
Using organic products and natural alternatives can help with mouth irritation since natural toothpaste brands tend to avoid artificial ingredients.
When shopping for non-toxic toothpaste, there are a few things to look for.
First of all, you want it to be free of the harsh ingredients you have decided to avoid based on both ethics and your unique oral health needs. Secondly, do your research on the ingredients that are present, using the tips provided in this guide and any additional advice from your oral care provider.
While you want a non-toxic toothpaste, you also want one that’s actually going to clean your teeth. You don't have to sacrifice effectiveness in order to be a conscious consumer!
Read reviews and look for reputable companies, or pick from one of the brands suggested in this guide. Thirdly, check out the packaging. Is it plastic-free or recyclable? Look for a non-toxic product that cares about the environment.
7 Non-Toxic Toothpaste Brands to Try
Finding a good non-toxic toothpaste brand can be difficult, especially as more and more of them are arriving on the market. That’s why I’ve put together seven of the best natural toothpastes available to you, from zero-waste tablets to certified-organic, sustainable-packing tubes!
These brands use organic ingredients, essential oils, n atural flavors, and, avoid unnecessary ingredients, and have a cleaner ingredient list than most name brand toothpastes.
The best toothpaste or tablet for you might just be in this list! There are options you can find in stores, as well as options you can easily order online - a reminder that you don't have to go out of your way to make responsible product choices!
Remember, everyone's oral health needs are different. The best toothpaste for you may differ from what works best for someone else!
However, these suggestions are all tried and true products that have proven to work well for customers' various needs across the market and are each a solid bet to try.
PUBLIC GOODS' TOOTHPASTE NATURAL FORMULA
Public Goods has a great range on non-toxic products, and their toothpaste is just one of them. With a dual-grit abrasive to ensure it tackles plaque and tough stains, you can be sure that you’re giving your teeth a proper cleaning, all while being free of SLS, parabens, and phthalates.
Their natural ingredients feature peppermint essential oil which makes for a fresh taste and feel in your mouth. Plus, their minimalist design means this tube of toothpaste looks good anywhere.
Public Goods toothpaste is made in the USA and ranges from $4-$6 depending no the size of the tube.
BY HUMANKIND'S SUSTAINABLE ZERO WASTE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
by Humankind toothpaste tablets are a fantastic way to ensure a plastic-free experience for your teeth. Arriving in refillable jars and easy to use, these tablets are non-toxic and contain fluoride to help prevent cavities.
by Humankind's active ingredients feature sodium Fluoride along with inactive ingredients such as Microcrystalline Cellulose; Sodium Bicarbonate; Silica; Sodium Lauryl Glutamate; Magnesium Stearate; Natural Mint Flavor; Menthol; Xantham Gum; Stevia; Citric Acid. Simply bite down on a tablet and use a wet toothbrush, it couldn’t be easier!
by Humankind is also 100% carbon neutral which is great.
MEOW MEOW TWEET’S NATURAL TOOTHPASTE
This Meow Meow Tweet toothpaste produced by Georganics comes in a recyclable glass jar, aluminum lid and compostable box. So, not only are you getting an SLS and glycerin free experience, you’re also reducing plastic waste.
Easy to use and with a organic coconut oil base, this toothpaste really goes the extra mile.
Their toothpaste flavors include tea tree, spearmint, and activated charcoal toothpaste for those who want whiter teeth. Meow Meow Tweets toothpaste tablets start at $10 a jar.
DAVIDS NATURAL TOOTHPASTE
Fluoride free and sulphate free, Davids natural toothpaste comes in a range of options, so you can pick the one that appeals to you the most.
It's available in peppermint, spearmint, strawberry watermelon for kids, whitening, and sensitive paste varieties.
What’s great about this toothpaste is that it actually comes with a turnkey to ensure that you get every last bit of product out of the tube.
The toothpaste also comes in a recyclable metal tube so consumers can dispose of the container responsibly. David's oral care products range from $5-$10.
RADIUS ORGANIC TOOTHPASTE
With great options for both adults and kids' toothpastes, Radius toothpastes are certified organic as well vegan.
Free of harsh chemicals, they use coconut oil as the basis for most of their produces to prevent bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease. Radius organic gel toothpastes feature a wide range of flavors and are $8.
BITE’S ZERO WASTE TOOTHPASTE TABLETS
Bite is a zero waste toothpaste tablet that is good option for making your morning routine more sustainable. Bite's tablets are 100% gluten-free, vegan, andcruelty-free —, made without any harsh chemicals, and fluoride free.
Their jars of tablets start at $38 and feature a wide range of flavors and features berry twist and mint flavors.
They even offer whitening toothpaste tablets in Mint Charcoal flavor, proving you can still get the whitening benefits of a toothpaste without the added toxic chemicals!
DR. BRONNER’S ALL-ONE TOOTHPASTE
You'll likely recognize the name brand Dr. Bronner's and for good reason!
Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste has a simple and effective formula made with 70% organic ingredients you know and trust. Fluoride & SLS-free, their low-foaming toothpaste uses organic menthol crystals to freshen breath naturally.
Organic coconut flour & fair trade organic coconut oil helps to gently remove plaque and whiten teeth, while organic aloe helps soothe gums.
Vegan & cruelty-free, with no artificial colors or flavors, carrageenan, preservatives, synthetic sweeteners or detergent foaming agents—none!
Dr. Bronner's All-One Toothpaste is available in Peppermint, Cinnamon, Anise, and Spearmint.
Hopefully, you now know a little more about what to look for in a non-toxic toothpaste, a few god options to try, and what to avoid when shopping for oral health products.
You'll be proud of those pearly whites AND know your effective natural toothpaste isn't cause unnecessary health problems. Dental health doesn't have to come at the cost of toxic chemicals!
There are so many great options available, from in stores to online, making it easier for you to make the switch.
Remember to consult with your oral health provider when choosing the best product for you, because your oral needs are unique and you want the product that's best for you!
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