If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually in your toothpaste and which ones are best for your health, you’re not alone! Many people don’t realize that toothpaste falls under the cosmetic industry, which means it’s not heavily regulated. This leaves room for manufacturers to add potentially harmful ingredients that we wouldn’t want to put in our mouths. Your mouth is highly absorbent, and ingredients from toothpaste can go directly into your bloodstream. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the healthiest toothpaste for your daily routine!
The Basics: Popular Brands and Ingredients
1. Crest
Crest is one of the most well-known toothpaste brands, but let’s take a closer look at its ingredients. Crest Cool Mint Gel contains:
- Artificial Colors: Like blue #1, which is added solely for color. Artificial dyes like this aren’t necessary and may have unknown effects.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent commonly used in mainstream toothpaste. This ingredient acts like soap, helping to create a lather. However, it can be harsh on the lining of your mouth, potentially leading to irritation over time.
2. Colgate
Colgate’s Sparkling White toothpaste offers some whitening benefits thanks to baking soda, which is great. But, it also includes:
- Color Additives: Such as yellow #10 and blue #1.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This is the same foaming agent found in Crest.
- Carrageenan: Known for its inflammatory effects, carrageenan can be an irritant for some and has been linked by some experts to cancer risks.
3. Arm & Hammer
Arm & Hammer’s Deep Clean Whitening toothpaste also contains baking soda for whitening but has additional ingredients like:
- Propylene Glycol (PEGs): This ingredient helps other chemicals dissolve, but it can also wear down the sensitive lining of your mouth over time.
Natural and Premium Toothpaste Options
For those looking for alternatives to mainstream toothpaste, several premium brands offer products with healthier ingredients. Here’s a look at a few top picks:
1. Redmond Earthpaste
Redmond Earthpaste is a lesser-known but excellent toothpaste with safe, minimal ingredients:
- Bentonite Clay: This natural clay from Utah is the main scrubbing agent and helps clean teeth without harsh chemicals.
- Essential Oils: Earthpaste includes spearmint, verbena, and tangerine essential oils, adding natural flavor without artificial additives.
- No Fluoride or Foaming Agents: Many people avoid fluoride due to health concerns, and Earthpaste provides a fluoride-free option.
Note: Earthpaste has a Prop 65 Warning due to trace heavy metals, which is standard for many natural products sold in California. However, these are in trace amounts, so most people feel comfortable using this toothpaste.
2. Tom’s of Maine
Many people consider Tom’s of Maine a “natural” option, but some versions still contain Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and carrageenan. While it doesn’t have artificial colors, the inclusion of these other ingredients may be a concern for those seeking a cleaner product.
“Natural doesn’t always mean safer.” – Healthline states that reading labels is essential even with natural products.
3. Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste
If you’re looking for a top-tier natural option, Dr. Bronner’s is a fantastic choice. With mostly organic ingredients and no harsh chemicals, Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste is gentle yet effective.
- No SLS or Carrageenan: You won’t find any harsh foaming agents or irritants here.
- Certified Organic Ingredients: Dr. Bronner’s uses organic essential oils and plant-based ingredients for a healthier clean.
4. Salt Toothpaste
This toothpaste option, often found at health food stores, uses natural salt and herbal extracts to help clean teeth and freshen breath without artificial colors or foaming agents. It’s another great option if you’re seeking simplicity and purity in your toothpaste.
Toothpaste for Kids: Safe and Clean Options
Kids’ toothpaste can also contain questionable ingredients, so it’s important to read labels carefully. Many children’s options from the store contain unnecessary artificial colors and SLS. Here’s a recommendation for kids:
- Green People Children’s Toothpaste: This toothpaste is spearmint-flavored, contains organic ingredients, and is free from harmful foaming agents and artificial additives. It’s a great option for both kids and adults seeking a gentle, effective clean.
Is Fluoride Necessary?
Fluoride is often included in mainstream toothpaste for cavity prevention, but not everyone wants fluoride in their products. Redmond Earthpaste, Dr. Bronner’s, and other premium brands provide fluoride-free options for those who prefer to avoid it. Some dentists advocate for fluoride, but it’s a personal choice, and many people prefer alternatives to fluoride-based toothpaste.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Toothpaste
Once you start exploring toothpaste ingredients, you might be surprised at what you find in common brands. Many mainstream toothpastes contain unnecessary additives, artificial colors, and harsh foaming agents, which can be irritating for your mouth. Premium brands, while a bit more expensive, offer a cleaner and safer experience.
Remember, your mouth is highly absorbent, so knowing what goes in there is essential for maintaining good health. For a cleaner, more natural toothpaste option, consider alternatives like Redmond Earthpaste, Dr. Bronner’s, or Green People Children’s Toothpaste for kids.
For additional resources, check out the toothpaste rating system at Cornucopia Institute for an in-depth look at ingredients and quality. For more insights and product comparisons, visit medicaltimes.io website.
Here’s to a healthier smile!