Guide to Natural and Organic Toothpaste

With the rise in popularity of natural and organic products, it’s not surprising that “natural” and “organic” toothbrushes, toothpastes, and even mouthwashes are now available. But do these products really work? How efficient are they, and is it worth spending your hard-earned money on them? Read on to learn more about what makes natural and organic oral hygiene products different and which brands to consider if you decide to try them.

What is natural toothpaste?

Natural toothpaste is a term that is used by many brands, but it can mean very different things, since there are no governing bodies regulating terms for oral hygiene products. Most brands use the term natural to designate a lack of fluoride, but this doesn’t necessarily mean non-natural ingredients won’t be found in their toothpaste. Other brands use baking soda, tea tree oil, and sea salt to create truly natural compounds without the use of added sugar or sweeteners or harsh chemicals like sulfates-toxic ingredients you most definitely do not want in your mouth.

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Does natural toothpaste work?

Because toothpaste isn’t technically necessary for removing plaque and tartar buildup, a natural toothpaste doesn’t necessarily work any better or worse than any other type of toothpaste. From a dental hygiene perspective, whether or not you use a natural toothpaste is not quite as important as brushing as often as possible to remove the buildup of bacteria that can lead to cavities, infections, gingivitis, and tooth decay.

Should you use natural toothpaste?

If you are sensitive to fluoride, or if you are concerned about which ingredients are included in your toothpaste, then using a natural toothpaste is something to consider. Just make sure to read the ingredients to know whether or not a toothpaste is actually created using natural compounds and ingredients or not.

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Why does toothpaste have fluoride?

You may have heard conflicting reports and opinions on the use of fluoride vs non-fluoride toothpaste. Many dentists recommend adults and children over the age of 6 use a toothpaste with fluoride to prevent cavities, while others argue fluoride is toxic and should not be added to any product. So who is right?

Is fluoride bad for your teeth?

As it turns out, there is a bit of truth to both of these statements, since there is evidence to support the notion that fluoride, in small quantities, can be beneficial for preventing cavities and tooth decay. It’s important to note that fluoride is a naturally-occuring substance. However, too much can indeed be toxic, but then again, no toothpaste should be ingested. This is part of the reason children whose teeth are still developing should be monitored while learning oral hygiene habits and should not use toothpaste with fluoride.

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Should you use fluoride?

As an adult, can you still use a toothpaste with fluoride? Yes, and chances are your dentist recommends you should. However, if you are adamant about using fluoride-free toothpaste, it is still essential that you are properly brushing and flossing multiple times a day  to prevent cavities and tooth decay.

This article was reviewed by Dr. Miles Moore of Memphis Center for Family and Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Moore is a Fellow of the International Congress of Oral Implantologists who has received extensive training in implant dentistry. He is a member of multiple dental organizations, including the American Dental Association, the American Academy of General Dentistry, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Memphis Dental Society.