We brush our teeth every day, but are we really using the best toothpaste? Conventional toothpastes often contain controversial substances that are more or less harmful to our health. Many people therefore wish to turn to the use of certified natural toothpastes. This is why many products are now available on the market. However, it is not always easy to make a choice based on the ingredients and also the different recommendations of professionals.
Would you like to know more about natural toothpastes and the ingredients that make them up? This article will allow you to see more clearly.
What are the different kinds of natural toothpastes?
Before toothpaste as we know it today was invented, essential oils such as mint were used in combination with other mainly herbal additives to clean teeth and prevent cavities. In the Middle Ages, a mixture of chamomile flowers and cloves was used.
It was not until the beginning of the 20th century that a pharmacist in Dresden invented the first toothpaste in its present form. Today, there are other forms of toothpaste than the traditional paste that we buy in tubes.
Natural powdered toothpastes:
In addition to toothpaste in the form of smooth paste, there are also powders that act as toothpaste. The composition of these powders differs significantly from that of the pastes. Applying it to the toothbrush is not so easy because the powder is rather volatile. The best known is probably the activated charcoal powder. One of the effects of activated charcoal is that it removes toxins. All the toxins that come from food and that are still in your mouth are thus eliminated.
Natural coconut oil toothpastes:
Coconut oil is considered a good home remedy in dentistry. It is often used to treat gum inflammation naturally. The advantage of coconut oil is that it has a good taste. It can also be easily made into toothpaste. Oil extraction has long been a preferred natural healing method in many cultures to kill bacteria in the oral cavity. Bacteria are absorbed by the oil and are either expelled by spitting out the oil or destroyed.
Another feature of coconut oil is that it not only kills existing bacteria, but also prevents the growth of other bacteria.
In addition, coconut oil is a natural product and therefore has little or no side effects.
Natural toothpaste tablets
Toothpaste tablets are 100% natural. They are Vegan tablets made with the aim of fighting animal abuse. They are free of preservatives. They do not contain fluoride or paraben. They are very easy to use: just chew, brush and then rinse your mouth. For example, Y-Brush toothpaste tablets contains 60 to 120 tablets. This means that they can be used on a long-term basis.
What ingredients should be avoided in toothpaste?
The ingredients should be the focus of your attention, especially regarding the products that are put in your mouth. Thus, you must check the composition of toothpastes, even if they are presented as natural or even organic.
Here are the ingredients that you must absolutely be wary of that make up some toothpastes.
Sodium sulfate:
This ingredient is an anionic surfactant often found in toothpastes, lotions and cleaning products. The problem with sodium sulfate is that it irritates mucous membranes, which can cause inflammation or an uncomfortable feeling in the mouth.
Triclosan:
Triclosan is very controversial, especially in recent years. Although the substance prevents bacterial growth, it can contribute to the development of resistance in bacteria. In addition: triclosan is reportedly extremely harmful to the environment and is associated with muscle weakness and tumor formation. Other new studies indicate that it is responsible for hormonal imbalance.
Polyethylene glycol (PEG)
This is a commonly used binding and thickening agent. However, researchers have found that it makes the oral mucosa more permeable to germs and bacteria. They believe this allows them to enter the body more easily and thus weaken our immune system.
What are the good ingredients in natural toothpastes?
For natural toothpastes, you can find several compositions. Here are the ingredients that are good for your health and for your teeth.
Herbal ingredients:
Toothpastes containing herbal ingredients can be used for specific problems, for example chamomile has anti-inflammatory properties and mint has a cooling effect. Like sage, they can work against bleeding gums or bad breath, also known as halitosis.
If toothpastes with herbal ingredients do not contain fluoride, they should at least be used alternately with a product containing fluoride.
Natual toothpastes containing fluoride
Fluoride makes tooth enamel more resistant to tooth decay, so fluoride is considered an ingredient that should be present in your toothpaste. However, science is not entirely agreed on the form and amount in which fluoride should be present. In very high doses, it can even damage bones and teeth. Children's toothpaste therefore usually contains little or no fluoride.
Many natural toothpastes do not contain fluoride either. It is up to you to decide whether you want your toothpaste to contain fluoride at all.You can choose a Y-Brush sonic toothbrush along with it.
