Ever picked up your toothpaste tube and wondered what all those unpronounceable ingredients actually are? And should you be putting them in your mouth? While brushing twice daily is essential for oral health, the chemicals lurking in conventional toothpastes might give you a reason to pause. But should they?
In this article, we explore common chemicals found in traditional toothpastes and offer up natural alternatives that you can easily buy or order in the UK.
Common Chemicals in Conventional Toothpastes
Many mainstream toothpastes contain ingredients that some people prefer to avoid. So, here’s an extensive list of these common ingredients and why they might not be the best for your overall health:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): This foaming agent can irritate sensitive mouths and has also been associated with canker sores. It’s what creates that familiar foamy lather, but, surprisingly, it isn’t actually necessary for getting your teeth squeaky clean!
- Triclosan: Though now banned in many products, this antibacterial agent still appears in some toothpastes despite concerns about hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance.
- Artificial Sweeteners and Flavourings: Synthetic flavours and sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame are common in commercial toothpastes but offer no dental benefits.
- Propylene Glycol: This is a preservative also used in antifreeze that can irritate the skin of some individuals.
- Microbeads: These tiny plastic particles, once common in toothpastes for “scrubbing” power, are actually now banned in the UK.
- Fluoride: While beneficial for cavity prevention, some prefer fluoride-free options due to personal preference or sensitivity.
UK-Available Natural Toothpaste Alternatives
Fortunately, the UK market offers excellent natural oral care options. Here are our top recommendations:
- Green People Organic Toothpaste
- Kingfisher Natural Toothpaste
- Georganics Toothpaste
- Ben & Anna Black Toothpaste
- Weleda Toothpaste
Prefer to DIY it? Try this: Mix coconut oil, baking soda, and a few drops of peppermint essential oil for a simple homemade paste. However, ensure you’re using food-grade ingredients (ones that aren’t toxic if you accidentally swallow a bit!).
At the same time, you’ll also want to consider the transitional period here. It can take some time to adjust to less foam and different flavours. Thus, some may prefer to start by alternating with your regular toothpaste before making a complete switch.
And keep in mind that natural doesn’t always mean better for everyone. Discuss your options with your dentist first—they know you and your oral hygiene situation the best.
Additional Dental Hygiene Tips
Curious about more ways to level up your dental hygiene? Don’t forget about these tips:
- Avoid mouthwashes with alcohol or artificial dyes: Instead, use natural rinses with ingredients like aloe vera, tea tree oil, or xylitol.
- Use a bamboo toothbrush: This is a sustainable, chemical-free alternative to plastic brushes!
- Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery can help clean teeth naturally and stimulate saliva.
- Limit acidic and sugary drinks: These drinks erode enamel and feed harmful bacteria.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day: It helps flush away food particles and supports overall oral hydration.
- Floss once (or twice!) daily: Ideally, do this at night at the very least!
If you want to learn about more natural remedies to improve your overall health and well-being, your Finsbury Park chiropractor is ready to help. Schedule your FREE discovery call today. BOOK NOW.