I do everything I can to take really good care of my teeth – brushing, flossing, regular dental cleanings, and avoiding sticky, sugary candy and soda. Bad teeth and gum health are linked to all sorts of health issues. Not taking care of your mouth can even affect your cardiovascular system, possibly leading to clogged arteries and strokes. So taking care of your teeth is more important than just having a gleaming white smile – which is an awesome bonus of course.
When it comes to toothpaste, I’ve tried many different brands and switched it up a lot over the years as I learn more about the ingredients that are allowed for use in cosmetics and personal care products. This is especially the case when it comes to toothpaste, as this is something that we are putting in our mouth at least twice a day and even if we don’t swallow it, the mouth is one of the most absorbent parts of the body. Essentially, whatever is in your toothpaste is getting a free pass into your bloodstream – and once you see the types of chemicals that you’ve been brushing your teeth with, you might start to think twice about the brand you’ve been buying.
If you thought the processed food industry was bad, cosmetics are even worse!
The cosmetic industry, which toothpaste is part of, is one of the least regulated industries in the U.S.
Just like our food, they’ve been bastardized in America with ingredients that are banned overseas and self-regulated by the industry. They don’t even need to list all the ingredients on the label! It’s pretty scary and disgusting what some cosmetic companies are getting away with while raking in billions of dollars.
Don’t believe for one minute that the FDA is protecting you from toxic ingredients in your toothpaste – in fact they are part of the problem!
Case in point: Colgate has been selling “Colgate Total” for nearly 2 decades – and the FDA has just now FINALLY gotten around to banning its active ingredient triclosan… from hand and body soaps… but NOT from toothpaste.
The FDA says it is not okay to wash our hands with triclosan and rinse it off, but it’s perfectly safe to put in our mouth??? That makes no sense and some dentists are calling them out too. Why are they protecting Colgate – the only brand approved to sell toothpaste with triclosan? The FDA is clearly not watching out for consumers and are more interested in protecting the bottom line of some big corporations.
If the FDA isn’t protecting us, how do we know our toothpaste is safe?
If you’ve read the list of ingredients on a box of toothpaste lately, you’ll know that it takes a lot of research to seek out the safest brands. Even if you’ve become an expert food label reader, the ingredients in toothpaste are a whole new animal! You can’t trust the claims like “Natural” the package either, since anyone can just slap that on a toothpaste box.
That’s why I often rely on EWG’s Skin Deep Database to help me pick out safe products – and the nonprofit watchdog group Cornucopia Institute just came out with a Toothpaste Report and Scorecard, ranking toothpaste brands from best to worst, which I found very helpful… and it’s got some BIG surprises!
Check your toothpaste for these hazardous ingredients:
Artificial colors: Toothpaste can contain colors that are considered too toxic for food. The main colors I found in toothpaste were Red #30, Red #33, Blue #1, Yellow #5 – and the brands targeting children are almost always brightly colored! Made from petroleum, these artificial colors are contaminated with carcinogens and can also contain heavy metals, such as lead, mercury, and arsenic. Do you really care what color your toothpaste is?
Carrageenan: This additive is linked to intestinal inflammation and cancer, even in small doses! According to Cornucopia, “there is no restriction on the amount of carcinogenic poligeenan in the grade of carrageenan used in toothpastes”.
DEA (diethanolamine): This foaming agent interacts with other common ingredients in toothpaste to form nitrosamines, which are strongly linked to cancer in humans. You’ll even find this one in some “natural” toothpastes!
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: There is a long list of toothpaste preservatives that release small amounts of formaldehyde right into your mouth. This carcinogen is easily absorbed through the mucosal lining of the mouth. Europe and Canada have strong restrictions on formaldehyde, but that’s not the case in the U.S.! No one is checking toothpastes to see how much formaldehyde they contain, companies are not required to test them for formaldehyde and aren’t even required to disclose to customers that it might be in their product. Preservatives to watch out for on the label: DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, polyoxymethylene urea, methenamine, quaternium-15, sodium hydroxymethylglycinate, 2-bromo-2-nitropropane-1,3-diol (Bromopol), 5-bromo-5-nitro-1,3 dioxane (Bronidox), and glyoxal.
GMOs: Unless it is certified organic or non-GMO verified, you might be supporting Monsanto with your toothpaste. Some GMO ingredients to look out for and the GMO crops they are usually derived from: Glycerin (GMO soy, cotton, or canola oil), Citric Acid (GMO sugar), Xanthan Gum (GMO sugar), Xylitol (GMO corn), and Lecithin (GMO soy).
Parabens: These endocrine disrupting chemicals mimic estrogen and can lead to cancer, which is why they are restricted overseas in other countries. That’s not the case in the U.S. where they are very widely used as a preservative in toothpastes, shampoos, lotions, deodorants, and cosmetics.
PEGs (polyethylene glycols) and Propylene Glycol: These ingredients make it easier for the other chemicals in toothpaste to penetrate the skin and get into your bloodstream, exposing you to more toxins. PEGs are notoriously contaminated with 1,4-dioxane (a carcinogen), and although there is a way for companies to remove this impurity from their products – many choose not to.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): These foaming agents break down the protective lining in the mouth. SLES is another ingredient contaminated with the carcinogen 1,4-dioxane.
Should your toothpaste have Fluoride in it?
I have not personally used toothpaste with fluoride for years and have not noticed any negative affects on my teeth. It’s been drilled into us since childhood that applying fluoride to the surface of your teeth is supposed to prevent cavities – but its effectiveness is hotly disputed (sources: 1, 2, 3). Just taking a read about why two-thirds of our U.S. public water supplies are now “fortified” with manufactured fluoride (that’s riddled with arsenic) should be enough to give you pause.
Fluoride itself is highly toxic and when it accumulates in your body can lead to skeletal fluorosis, bone cancer, and thyroid disorders. New research links it to type 2 diabetes. This is a bigger risk for children who typically swallow more toothpaste than adults, where it can affect cognitive function and can cause yellow and brown stains on the teeth.
Most people in America are already getting doused with fluoride in drinking water, packaged beverages and soups (made with fluoridated tap water), and from naturally-occurring sources like nuts and fruit – you’ve got to question whether your toothpaste really needs it too or if this is just another big myth perpetuated by the chemical industry.
Popular Toothpaste brands to avoid all costs:
These toothpastes are filled with several of the toxic ingredients listed above and got the worst ratings on Cornucopia’s scorecard. The sad thing is these are the most popular ones that fill up mass-market grocery store shelves and spend big money on advertising! I’m sure many of you grew up brushing with these…
- Crest
- Colgate
- Arm and Hammer
- Plus White Whitening
Watch out for some “natural” toothpastes too…
Desert Essence, Tom’s of Maine, Jason, Honest, Spry, Nature’s Gate and Kiss My Face toothpastes did not rank well at all… and they are sold in natural food markets everywhere. This surprised me a little bit, and I even personally have used some of these in the past when I didn’t know the risks associated with some of the ingredients. Some of these toothpastes contain carrageenan, foaming agents, possible toxic contaminants or potential GMOs.
This is why ingredients in toothpaste are so important. And that’s why I made a toothpaste.
Truvani Clean Toothpaste: It’s carrageenan and fluoride free. We also removed all other weird ingredients like DEAs, formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, sodium lauryl sulfates (SLS). Just great ingredients. All the way through.
Now, you’ll notice that our toothpaste is not USDA organic. Why?
A real toothpaste requires some ingredients that can’t be organic. Like calcium carbonate. This is a compound often made from minerals from rocks… and rocks can’t be organic. But this ingredient is essential because it’s a light abrasive that can help clean teeth.
Cornucopia also provides easy recipes to make your own homemade toothpaste in their report. I haven’t personally tried to make my own, but if you have please let me know in the comments below how yours turns out!
If you have friends and family who brush their teeth with carcinogens, please share this post with them! When more people start demanding and buying safer products, companies will take notice and better options will be made available to us all.
Xo,
Vani
Huge fan of your work. I am a full-time academic cardiologist. Have had great success with preventing disease via means of nutrition. Recently met Dr. Fuhrman and planning some joint work soon. Take a look a Utah based company called Zija international. They have released some really amazing Plant based products including a tooth paste that just came out few days ago. Almost all their products are based on the purest form of Moringa. A plant that the WHO and the NIH call the most nutrient dense botanical on the planet.
I love Zija products! Use them everyday and have been for 5 years now! I am so excited about the new toothpaste and the fact that it has essential oils in it too! You can’t go wrong with any of the Zija products. Hands down the best nutrition I have ever used.
I love when you share health articles on products that we use as well!!!
I would love to read some articles on deodorant, mouthwash, etc..!!
Thank you!!
Mersiha
If you use deodorant, mouthwash and toothpaste, you are poisoning your self. Wake up people!
I think I’ve sat next to you on a flight once. Hopefully it won’t happen again. You people are nuts.
Mersiha Sulic–easy peasy sweetie!
Mouthwash–Oil Pull instead. Youtube videos are good. Use any organic oil–coconut and sesame are favorites. Use like mouthwash, but hold and swish well working from 5 minutes daily up to about 15 minutes. Spit out in jar or trash (Never in anything with plumbing). Use first thing in morning before eating, drinking or brushing teeth. Coconut Oil is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, GREAT detoxifier. So many benefits: Fresh Breath, all the night-time nasties that collect in your mouth (part of the body’s nighttime detox routine) are pulled into that oil and spit out. Use every morning as a fantastic preventative (or healing) detox, whitens your teeth. A little gross, but if you spit in a jar after 30 days or so, you will SEE what you would have had inside of you and be very thankful its on the outside.
Toothpaste: Coconut Oil; Turmeric Paste (check pinterest)
Deodorant Options: Fresh Lime, Coconut Oil, ACV (but you smell like salad!), or most common recipe is: 1 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup arrowroot powder. Drawback is this one doesn’t let you sweat a whole lot. Can add essential oils if desired. Also: greensmoothiegirl.com has one brand she recommends. I want to get it, but haven’t looked it up. It does allow you to sweat, which is SO important. Also, if you have body odor, you know you need to cleanse! Clean inside = no bad smells coming out of you. 🙂
Cindy
Mersiha Sulic–easy peasy sweetie!
Mouthwash–Oil Pull instead. Youtube videos are good. Use any organic oil–coconut and sesame are favorites. Use like mouthwash, but hold and swish well working from 5 minutes daily up to about 15 minutes. Spit out in jar or trash (Never in anything with plumbing). Use first thing in morning before eating, drinking or brushing teeth. Coconut Oil is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, GREAT detoxifier. So many benefits: Fresh Breath, all the night-time nasties that collect in your mouth (part of the body’s nighttime detox routine) are pulled into that oil and spit out. Use every morning as a fantastic preventative (or healing) detox, whitens your teeth. A little gross, but if you spit in a jar after 30 days or so, you will SEE what you would have had inside of you and be very thankful its on the outside.
Toothpaste: Coconut Oil; Turmeric Paste (check pinterest)
Deodorant Options: Fresh Lime, Coconut Oil, ACV (but you smell like salad!), or most common recipe is: 1 cup coconut oil, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1/2 cup arrowroot powder. Drawback is this one doesn’t let you sweat a whole lot. Can add essential oils if desired. Also: greensmoothiegirl.com has one brand she recommends. I want to get it, but haven’t looked it up. It does allow you to sweat, which is SO important. Also, if you have body odor, you know you need to cleanse! Clean inside = no bad smells coming out of you. 🙂
Has your research yielded any acceptable toothpaste for sensitive teeth?
As always, thank you!
Try Squigle Toothpaste for sensitive teeth. It works really well and is pure. It also has no flavoring which I like at night.
You can find it on Amazon and LuckyVitamin
Lois, use coconut oil. (Or any other organic oil). It has so many healing and detox properties. It will even heal your receding gumlines, which is usually the cause of sensitive teeth. (It is the cause of mine anyway). I was looking forward (NOT) to the receding gumline surgery in the future. Not anymore!! If you search for oil pulling on you tube, that will heal your receding gumlines even faster. Or read my reply to Mersiha above 🙂
Annie– I just posted this answer above, and am copying/pasting here 🙂
Use any organic oil. Coconut oil is popular, and it (or many other organic oils) will actually help heal those receding gumlines that cause teeth sensitivities.
For sensitive teeth, Oil Pulling will heal you right up–receding gumlines, periodontal disease/gumline infections and even cavities that are fairly new :). Youtube videos are good. Use any organic oil–coconut and sesame are favorites. Use like mouthwash, but hold and swish well working from 5 minutes daily up to about 15 minutes. Spit out in jar or trash (Never in anything with plumbing). Use first thing in morning before eating, drinking or brushing teeth. Coconut Oil is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, GREAT detoxifier. So many benefits: Fresh Breath, all the night-time nasties that collect in your mouth (part of the body’s nighttime detox routine) are pulled into that oil and spit out. Use every morning as a fantastic preventative (or healing) detox, whitens your teeth. A little gross, but if you spit in a jar after 30 days or so, you will SEE what you would have had inside of you and be very thankful its on the outside.
Toothpaste: Coconut Oil; Turmeric Paste (check pinterest or google )
I make my own mouthwash and love it. My gums are so healthy since I have been using it twice a day.
It’s just water with baking soda , and EO- thyme, myrrh, peppermint, tea tree and drop of Trace Minerals.
Hope this helps
Great formula!
Hi Vani, Thanks for this post — my husband uses Crest and is very picky when it comes to changing products he likes. However, every time he uses it before bed, his nose gets stuffed up and he can’t lay down for a while. I keep asking him to ask his doctor about it. Ever heard of this before or any idea what that could be from? I use Tom’s of Maine, but he doesn’t like it at all.
Thanks for all this very useful info!
~Ingrid
You see how toxic this Crest is… He’s having a reaction to a chemical in that toothpaste. No doctor is going to validate that. They will laugh and be dismissive, unfortunately. May I suggest your husband change brands and see what happens. Look @ your Tom’s of Maine because it also has chemicals in it. I use Jason’s toothpaste and when I’m finished, I get hyperactive and sometimes aggressive for about 10 minutes! Very limited options. Sometimes it’s just the lesser of two evils. I will try some of the suggestions here.
Note that many products we use every day contain unnecessary ingredients that are included only to facilitate habit formation (i.e. sales). One such category is foaming/sudsing agents that are used in toothpastes and soaps (for example). We have been conditioned by years of marketing and habit to believe that toothpastes and soaps are not “working” without the presence of foam or suds, which is not true. As a result, we have non-beneficial, arguably harmful ingredients in products that we use everyday.
Thanks…I stopped using the big brands, and after I realized Tom’s of Maine wasn’t that safe I stopped it too. I’ve been using Dr. Bronner’s and after a couple of years, even my checkups are better! If fluoride actually did help prevent cavities, I wouldn’t have a mouthful of fillings today. Everything Dr. Bronner’s makes is ok with me, and their toothpaste does make my teeth feel better and cleaner. Plus I’m a big fan of their activism.
I agree Jill about the Dr.Bronner’s..I just bought my first tube and I really like it too.
It doesn’t foam up like everything else I have tried and that is ok..besides Dr.Bronner left the Organic Association he belonged to because they voted to fight GMO labeling along with Whole Foods..I like the integrity of the Bronner company for doing that.
I don’t get it.. Dr. Bronner’s has carrageenan! The exact ingredient you said to avoid. I have been using natures gate since I swear you said it was one of the safest ones on your website a couple of years ago. I am so confused. 🙁 I can never win!
Hi Kelli! Dr. Bronner’s no longer contains carrageenan is one of the top ranked brands in Cornucopia’s new scorecard.
Their scorecard indicates that Nature’s Gate contains artificial surfactants, detergents, or foaming agents, possible GMOs, may contain toxic contaminants and is not certified organic. It received a score of 2 brushes, which is not the lowest score, but the highest score is 5 brushes.
I was wondering the same thing, since all the websites I order my natural products from list carrageenan under the ingredients for Dr. Bronner’s. It also lists Xanthan gum, which is not listed as harmful but can be a GI irritant. I’m in the same boat because I started using Desert Essence toothpaste after Vani recommended it in a video ages ago. Personally I have had phenomenal results with Desert Essence because the tea tree oil is so hydrating (I have dry mouth from Sjogren’s disease) so I’m kind of torn about what to do. I will probably end up trying the Dr. Bronners, but I’m hesitant to order it online until I know the new carrageenan free formula is in stock.
I use peroxide and baking soda at home. But at work I have to rethink the toothpastes I thought were ok.
I use a dot of Toms (way too minty) plus a dot of Neem Toothpaste by Theraneem Naturals (way too cinnamon-y) together mellows out each other.
I knew Toms was commercially endorsed and I had my doubts; but the Neem also has questionable ingredients.
Sorbitol
Xylitol
Calcium Carbonate
Sodium Lauroyl Glutamate …didn’t even pass my spell check!
Wow
I use squigle. Any thoughts on this brand?
They said squigle was the best one for sensitive teeth. Oil pulling will help heal your gums and make the teeth less sensitive
I’m pleased to say that I’ve found a toothpaste that helps my dry mouth and doesn’t burn. Young Living’s Thieves toothpaste has been apart of my daily oral regimen for the past four months. Great for the whole family and contains essential oils that support the immune system. Love it!
Great article, very informative. I always wondered what would be a better option.
Michelle, just check the natural home-make (5-min) recipe I shared in a comment below. Perhaps that would help …:-)
Vani,
What’s your thought on glycerin? I’ve read it coats your teeth, preventing remineralization.
Have you looked at EarthPaste:
https://www.pureformulas.com/brand/earthpaste.html?CAPCID=11239696138&CADEVICE=c&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Earthpaste&utm_term=earthpaste&utm_content=Earthpaste_Brand&CA_6C15C=530005240007198225
We have found that good.
Also simple do it yourself: sea salt, baking soda and peroxide. Just mix in your mouth for a clean brush…
Hey Vani, great work. But why the search looking for a “natural” toothpaste?
For one thing anything (anything at all) that comes in a package ain’t natural – yes, and I mean all of the food that we get as well (but short of growing your own, that has become unavoidable in today’s world, so one tries to minimize the damage).
But toothpaste? There are a million ways to make a natural toothpaste that you can fully control, and is guaranteed to not have harmful ingredients of any sort. There are many recipes on the web here’s one such:
i) 3 parts baking soda (a cleanser and deodorizer)
ii) 1 part salt (try to get the natural rock or sea salt, not the normal table salt, although even that is probably better than any packaged toothpaste) – salt serves as an astringent – tightens gums.
iii) 1.5 part pure organic coconut oil (anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, natural massaging agent)
That’s it! My family and I have been using this for 5+ years now (ever since I read up on the poison that is Flouride and … Titanium dioxide – another poison that is there both in any white packaged food (whether on the label or not) – cream, cakes, pastries, confectionery (just read the ingredients, many have it listed!) — and in toothpaste) Turns out I found Titanium dioxide listed as an ingredient in a special children’s toothpaste that was meant to strengthen enamel, and recommended by the “natural” dentist we went to. After I looked at the ingredients I threw it out, and looked for a natural recipe, and found the one above.
Also, if you want to make it a little fancier add :
(iv) Powdered vitamin tablets containing zinc, magnesium etc. (1 part) – these work as natural re-mineralizing agents, and strengthen the enamel, by filling in micro-micro striations on your teeth.
(v) And, for flavor, a drop or two of peppermint oil or your favorite essential oil.
Takes 5 minutes to make, you control all ingredients (to the extent possible), don’t have to read unpronounceable crap on your toothpaste, and dont’ have to be beholden to any company – organic or otherwise …
Best,
-Vishal
Thanks for this recipe. Just wondering how quickly it needs to be used so I can figure out how much to make at a time. Thanks:)
Hi Sarah,
Using the measures I gave, we use 1 large teaspoon = 1 part, and that makes about 1/3 cup of toothpaste. Between the 3 of us, and assuming 2x brushing per day, it lasts about a month. BTW, this stuff doesn’t go “bad” – why? Coconut oil is a keeps great over time and certainly nothing happens to salt or baking soda.
I was traveling and my daughter made some for me, I used it for 2 months without any problem ;-).
Best,
-Vishal
I have been using dental care products and tooth care protocol from a company called ‘Living Libations’ after questioning many of the ingredients in “regular” toothpaste. They use all natural ingredients with essential oils.
It occurred to me that no matter how well or often we brushed, flossed and gargled with fluoride and mouth wash, issues with gums,teeth staining,cavities, sensitivity, etc. were on-going. It was obvious that these products were not actually preventing issues and perhaps were even causing them.
Within weeks of switching to coconut oil, baking soda, salt rinses and essential oils, I have no gum sensitivity, dry mouth, receding gumline ,plaque problems and teeth are whiter than ever.
Living Libations sea buckthorn shampoo is the best. Very, very pricey but I am learning to make do with less.
I am picky about what I put in my mouth or on any part of my body. I scan the ingredients of toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and body wash. The toothpaste I use is by The Natural Dentist, flouride-free. If in doubt, the best pick is one with all natural ingredients that you understand. If you don’t know the ingredient, look it up before you purchase. All natural is the goal. The skin absorbs many ingredients, including from body washes and shampoos. I’ve been trying to get others around me to go natural, but for the most part they just can’t give up some of their favorites. Not everyone is willing to see the illusion of commercialized products.
I like your work but like anything that sounds good, one needs to do their due diligence. Are you fully a non-profit for the cause of humanity? Do you have a disclaimer that says you don’t get paid by any of the brands you recommend? Thanks.
I like your work but like anything that sounds good, one needs to do their due diligence. Are you fully a non-profit for the cause of humanity? Do you get paid by any of the brands you recommend? Thanks.
Does anyone know if Jack N’ Jill is sold at Whole Foods?
We live in a country where none of those smaller brands are available, so after reading this, I looked into making your own toothpaste. Looks like that might be the best way to go for many people.
I love the auromere I use. It says it has sodium laurel sulfate from Indian coconut oil, and carrageenan from seaweed. Does the source make any difference or all they all bad?
Hello there, I truly appreciate all your efforts. I checked out the links for the toothpastes recommended and was shocked at how much the majority of them cost. I would imagine for your average person $17 is way too much money to spend on toothpaste. Making their own might not be the best way to Segway into a new way to approaching oral care. Any that might be a tad cheaper, Vani? Best and thanks.
We will have to get another job just to buy quality toothpaste, ??
I make my own toothpaste from good ingredients.
It’s great stuff….
http://www.bulkherbstore.com/articles/bentonite-clay-toothpaste
I have been using OraWellness, which is an essential oil blend. Works terrific and messy toothpaste doesn’t clog my sink drain.
Vani, with all due respect, the suggestions for healthy(ier) tooth paste are out of reach for most folks. $14.00, 17.00, 7.50, etc. is just way too much for a tube of toothpaste. This is why most people will continue to purchase the cheap toxic ones. Or choose the one that is the lesser of two evils. Any ideas for affordable healthy toothpaste? Thank you.
John, I just posted this above, and I will use this even when I don’t have sensitive teeth. Easy. Cheap: 🙂
Use any organic oil. Coconut oil is popular, and it (or many other organic oils) will actually help heal those receding gumlines or gumline infections. that cause teeth sensitivities
Oil Pulling will heal you right up–receding gumlines, periodontal disease/gumline infections and even cavities that are fairly new :). Youtube videos are good. Use any organic oil–coconut and sesame are favorites. Use like mouthwash, but hold and swish well working from 5 minutes daily up to about 15 minutes. Spit out in jar or trash (Never in anything with plumbing). Use first thing in morning before eating, drinking or brushing teeth. Coconut Oil is anti-microbial, anti-fungal, GREAT detoxifier. So many benefits: Fresh Breath, all the night-time nasties that collect in your mouth (part of the body’s nighttime detox routine) are pulled into that oil and spit out. Use every morning as a fantastic preventative (or healing) detox, whitens your teeth. A little gross, but if you spit in a jar after 30 days or so, you will SEE what you would have had inside of you and be very thankful its on the outside.
Toothpaste: Coconut Oil; Turmeric Paste (check pinterest or google )
John,
Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste is very affordable. You can buy it online (Vitacost, Swanson, etc.) or from Target and other retailers for about $6.
My husband and I just switched and love it. We’re converts.
Go completely natural and use the practices that have been recommended for 1000s of years in Ayurveda.
1. Meswak Root – Chew on it
2. Need Tree Stem – Chew on it
3. Charcoal powder and clove oil
4. Rock salt
I don’t think you can get any natural than these.
I’ve been using Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste for about a year. It’s great! Thank you for your informative posts!
Have you looked into Melaleuca toothpaste? I would love to hear your thoughts on the ingredients.
Thanks for the links to Amazon!!!!
Help! I have very sensitive teeth, painfully sensitive. Can you recommend any safe toothpaste that works for sensitive teeth?
Annie, use coconut oil. (Or any other organic oil). It has so many healing and detox properties. It will even heal your receding gumlines, which is usually the cause of sensitive teeth. (It is the cause of mine anyway). I was looking forward (NOT) to the receding gumline surgery in the future. Not anymore!! If you search for oil pulling on you tube, that will heal your receding gumlines even faster. Or read my reply to Mersiha above ?
Annie,, use coconut oil. (Or any other organic oil). It has so many healing and detox properties. It will even heal your receding gumlines, which is usually the cause of sensitive teeth. (It is the cause of mine anyway). I was looking forward (NOT) to the receding gumline surgery in the future. Not anymore!! If you search for oil pulling on you tube, that will heal your receding gumlines even faster. Or read my reply to Mersiha way at the top?
How about Carrageenan (Plant Derived) in the tooth paste. I use Desert Essence Natural Tea Tree Oil Toothpaste
I have sensitive teeth and use sensodyne! I don’t see this on any of the lists. Do you know anything that is organic that I could use instead.
I’m with you, happy its not on the list! I hope someone knows if there is a natural one!
Hi! Love this! We use Jason and Nature’sGate, love them. But we also use Earth Paste! From your research is that one in the top as well, or is there an ingredient we have missed that is harmful?
Thank you!
Use baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. PROBLEM SOLVED. AND its cheap.
The Dirt tooth powder is the best!
Don’t know if you’ve heard of it but I use Dr Brite. The mint for myself and strawberry for my kids.
I make my own, works much better and whitens!
I noticed that it said Colgate was bad but the Colgate I use isn’t listed? Does that mean the one I still use is bad?
Oh wait… I looked at the ingredients and it doesn’t have Triclosan in it. This must means I’m safe, right?
Don’t know of you’ve heard of it, but I use Dr Brite. Mint for myself and strawberry for my kids.
Oops forgot recipe! I use bentonite clay, coconut oil, baking soda and a few drops of peppermint oil.
What do you know about Perio Brite, Ecodent, Coral White or Earth Paste toothpaste?
I love this one, I have been using it for months. I don’t see it on EWG, but other Theraneem products get a ‘1’ on their site.
http://www.iherb.com/Organix-South-TheraNeem-Naturals-Neem-Toothpaste-with-Mint-4-23-oz-120-g/17636
I noticed a lot of comments regarding the price of clean toothpaste.
Check out iherb.com for Vani’s suggestions, the prices are way more reasonable than Amazon.com
Are the Spry products that contain xylitol safe?
Hello, thanks for this article. Here in Hungary a lot of people are trying to live according to the rules of Nature.
I have just changed my “cosmetic world” in my bathroom: I bought online from the Hungarian MANNA (www.manna.hu), their products are fully and really 100 % natural, and their components, too. I use only Manna soap, hair washing Manna soap, 100 % virgin coconut oil and shea butter for my face, natural toothpaste,
natural body shower and I even changed my full of chemicals washing powder into washing nuts and washing soda.
Keep your fight against the dramatic world of food and cosmetic industry!
Take care of yourselt, Vani
Best Wishes,
Violet from Hungary/Europe
You should check out Poofy Organics. They are a family run company based in NJ and they have the options of a toothpaste, a tooth powder, and a children’s toothpaste (the only one I will use for my son). They were the first USDA Organic toothpaste on the market. The website explains exactly what the ingredients in the toothpaste are there for. Here is a link to the mouth care section…
https://maryc.poofyorganics.com/category/175-organic-toothpaste-and-mouth-care.aspx
What about THE HONEST CO. toothpaste?
Starting using Cleure original no flavor toothpaste, because of recently discovered allergies, I only have a couple of choices on my safe list.
What about the glycerin in some of these? From all the research I have done it coats the teeth so that they can’t remineralize. What is your take on this? I am thinking making it yourself is the best way to get clean ingredients. Right now I use North American Herb & Spice paste and Theraneem toothpowder… great ingredients but not organic =(