09 Jun Are Natural Toothpastes Effective?
When it comes to toothpaste, there are a lot of options on the market. Some boast whitening power, while others offer cavity protection, and still others claim to be “natural.” What is natural toothpaste, and is it effective? The team at Hicks Dental Group wants to help you preserve the health of your teeth by providing you with all the information you need to make informed choices about your daily dental care.
What’s the Difference?
You may be wondering what the difference between natural and conventional toothpaste is anyway. While the ingredients in normal toothpaste aren’t toxic, they can cause irritations or issues for some people. Most natural toothpastes are made without ingredients like dyes, SLS, preservatives and artificial flavorings. Some also include added fluoride, a natural ingredient used to prevent tooth decay.
What’s in Natural Toothpaste?
Natural toothpastes are made with a lot of ingredients that are important for good oral health. You won’t always find these ingredients in regular toothpastes. The ingredients really matter when considering the benefits of natural toothpaste, below are some of the most important ones to look for, and why they are beneficial
- Aloe Vera
Aloe vera is a powerful natural ingredient that has many uses and many benefits, including oral health benefits. Aloe is anti-inflammatory and antiseptic, which can help with issues like gingivitis and periodontitis.
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Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has actually been shown to kill bad bacteria in our mouths, and can even help reduce plaque and prevent gingivitis.
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Xylitol
We’ve talked about xylitol before, and that’s because it’s an ingredient that has a ton of benefits! It helps prevent cavities by killing the bacteria that causes them.
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Citrus and Herbs
Citrus oils like orange and lemon, and herbs like anise and fennel are present in many natural toothpastes as a flavoring agent. These fruits and herbs are bad breath busters, and help you achieve a truly fresh and clean mouth.
Pros and Cons of Natural Toothpaste
Fluoride
Not all natural toothpastes contain fluoride. Dentists all agree that fluoride is an important ingredient in your toothpaste. Fluoride strengthens the enamel of your teeth, protecting them from decay and damage.
In some cases, such as allergies, you might wish to avoid fluoride. If fluoride is a concern, you should discuss your toothpaste options with your dentist.
Many natural toothpaste companies offer both fluoride enriched and fluoride-free options, depending on your dental needs. With or without fluoride, you can still take full advantage of the other helpful ingredients in natural toothpaste.
Whitening
Another concern often raised when talking about natural toothpaste is whether or not it can effectively whiten your teeth. Ultimately, you will see the best whitening results from a professional whitening session, but whitening toothpaste can help you keep your teeth white, and prevent the buildup of new stains.
Many natural toothpastes have whitening benefits. Typically the whitening agent to look for in a natural toothpaste is baking soda. Avoid charcoal toothpastes, and they are typically abrasive and wear on your enamel.
Still Have Questions?
If you’re unsure as to whether or not natural toothpaste is right for you, the staff at Hicks Dental Group would be happy to give you guidance. We care a great deal about the health of your teeth, and we know how important it is to have the right tools to take care of your teeth at home! To schedule an appointment, you can contact us by calling 928-445-6030 or texting 928-487-4583.
Photo by Brook Larke on Unsplash