Choosing Natural Toothpaste
When selecting a natural toothpaste, look for options made with wholesome, non-toxic ingredients that are safe if swallowed. Many conventional toothpastes contain chemicals like triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), artificial sweeteners, and fluoride, which some people wish to avoid.
Benefits of Natural Toothpastes
- Often use food-grade ingredients
- Lack harsh detergents
- May be safer if accidentally swallowed
- Frequently fluoride-free
Things to Look For
Some great ingredients to look for include:
- Xylitol: natural sweetener with anti-cavity properties
- Tea tree oil: natural antiseptic qualities
- Baking soda: non-abrasive stain remover
- Coconut oil: contains lauric acid to reduce plaque
The 11 Best Natural Toothpastes
1. Dessert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil & Neem Toothpaste
This affordable natural toothpaste from Desert Essence contains tea tree oil, neem, baking soda, and essential oils like myrrh for reducing plaque. The refreshing peppermint and wintergreen oils leave your mouth feeling clean.
2. Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
A long-time leader in natural oral care, Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening toothpaste uses naturally derived silicas to gently polish teeth and remove stains without any artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives.
3. Primal Life Organics Dirty Mouth Toothpowder
For zero-waste enthusiasts, Primal Life makes a natural tooth powder containing bentonite clay, baking soda, and orange peel powder to clean teeth. The powder formula requires just a sprinkle on your toothbrush.
4. Earthpaste Natural Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
As an edible toothpaste, Earthpaste focuses heavily on safety in case of accidental swallowing. It uses soothing aloe vera and coconut oil with Shilajit for reducing bacteria and inflammation.
5. Radius USDA Organic Toothpaste
Radius offers an NSF Certified USDA Organic option using highly biodegradable ingredients like vegetable glycerin, essential oils, and coconut oil. The paste itself has a natural cinnamon-clove flavor.
6. Jason Healthy Mouth Tartar Control Toothpaste
Trusted natural brand Jason makes a baking soda and perilla seed extract toothpaste perfect for keeping teeth and gums healthy. It helps prevent tartar and plaque buildup as it whitens and detoxifies.
7. Uncle Harry’s Natural Toothpaste
Uncle Harry’s natural fluoride-free formula relies on high-quality essential oils like peppermint, wintergreen, and eucalyptus in combination with calcium and silica for safely polishing away stains from teeth.
8. My Magic Mud Activated Charcoal Toothpaste
For teeth whitening assistance, My Magic Mud uses activated charcoal, bentonite clay, and calcium powder to gently lift stains without any fluoride, SLS, triclosan, or synthetic colors and fragrances.
9. The Humble Co. Natural Toothpaste
As a zero waste toothpaste option, Humble uses activated charcoal and calcium bentonite clay with organic orange and peppermint essential oils for fresh breath and whiter teeth.
10. Squigle Tooth Builder Sensitive Toothpaste
Squigle uses a natural formula ideal for sensitive teeth, with aloe vera, xylitol, and calcium, among other ingredients, and no SLS or fluoride. The Enamelon in it helps strengthen enamel.
11. Nelson Naturals Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Nelson Naturals offers a naturally derived toothpaste with a gel-like texture containing nano-hydroxyapatite to rebuild tooth enamel, along with rosemary and peppermint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients should I avoid in toothpaste?
Some ingredients commonly found in conventional toothpastes that natural brands leave out include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), triclosan, propylene glycol, fluoride, artificial sweeteners, synthetic dyes and fragrances.
Is natural toothpaste safe for kids?
Many natural toothpaste brands focus on safety and only use wholesome, edible ingredients. Always supervise brushing for young children and talk to your pediatric dentist if you have any concerns.
Do natural toothpastes whiten as well?
Certain natural toothpastes contain gentle stain removers and polishers like baking soda, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, and calcium powders that lift surface stains. However, avoid abrasives if you have sensitive teeth.
What’s the difference between regular and natural toothpaste?
Conventional toothpastes often contain detergents, artificial flavors and colors, fluoride, and ingredients like triclosan. Natural varieties focus on food-based ingredients like coconut oil, essential oils, xylitol, and clay.
Should I still see my dentist if using natural toothpaste?
Yes, visiting your dentist regularly for professional cleanings and checkups remains vital for good oral health, regardless of what toothpaste you use.