How Natural Toothpaste Options Compare to Traditional Formulas
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By PAGE Editor
In the past couple of years, it seems as if the world has decided to embrace more natural alternatives, which was particularly noticeable in the industries that are dedicated to our health, such as the healthcare industry, cosmetic industry, and such.
A product that “succumbed” to these changes was the toothpaste. Although conventional toothpastes are still very high in demand, more and more people are turning to healthier, more natural options.
This typically refers to products that are plant-based and do not contain as many (or any) chemicals as conventional toothpaste. But does it mean that they are equally as effective and safe? Keep reading to find out!
So, How Can Natural Toothpaste Be Defined?
Natural toothpaste usually refers to the ones that are plant-based, mineral-based, and high in natural ingredients. Unlike commercial toothpaste, these do not contain synthetic preservatives, artificial sweeteners, detergents, artificial colors, and other ingredients that aren’t very safe and healthy.
Instead, they mostly rely on natural things that are completely safe and aren’t harmful in any way. Many brands (that promote natural toothpastes) utilize hydroxyapatite because they know that whitening with hydroxyapatite isn’t going to negatively affect teeth, and will, in fact, strengthen tooth enamel, making your teeth more resilient. This mineral is perfect for those who want to whiten their teeth and, at the same time, decrease sensitivity.
That's precisely one of the main reasons why so many natural toothpastes contain it. But is it the only natural ingredient that's employed? Most definitely not! Many others are normally added to them, such as:
Essential oils, like tea tree, clove, and others, not only boost flavor but also come with phenomenal antimicrobial properties
Baking soda is excellent for teeth whitening
Aloe vera and coconut oil have amazing anti-inflammatory properties and are generally very healthy
Xylitol is a natural sweetener that serves as a great prevention against cavities caused by bacteria
What’s Inside Commercial Toothpaste?
Traditional toothpaste formulas focus on lab-tested ingredients that are intended to fight against things, such as tooth decay and plaque, prevent or treat gum disease, etc. Ingredients that can commonly be found inside include the following:
Fluoride is supposed to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a perfect cleanser
Artificial sweeteners such as sorbitol and saccharin are here to make the toothpaste more flavorful
Preservatives, synthetic flavoring agents, and artificial colors
This may sound scary to some of you but don't fret. All of these ingredients are considered safe as long as they are employed properly.
Which Option Is Better At Cavity Prevention?
The biggest argument when it comes to this revolves around cavity prevention and the use of fluoride. To be honest, commercial toothpastes are packed with fluoride, which represents the mineral that's intended to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel.
The World Health Organization, the American Dental Association, and other dental associations praise it, perceiving it as a great tool for those who want to maintain their oral health. Now, what about natural toothpastes?
Do they also contain it? Unlike traditional toothpaste, these are completely free from fluoride. Those who are solely utilizing natural ingredients may perceive this as great news, but the question is, does it mean that these toothpastes are equally as effective since they do not have fluoride at all?
There’s a certain level of skepticism as far as this is concerned because natural toothpastes may not be capable of providing the same level of protection as opposed to conventional ones. However, the good news is that lots of brands that promote natural ingredients have found a good replacement for fluoride, which comes in the form of hydroxyapatite, which is a mineral that can be beneficial for oral health, too.
The bottom line is that both natural and traditional toothpaste can fight against cavities; however, the ones that are high in fluoride are slightly more effective, and that's a fact that has been proven numerous times before.
What About Tooth Sensitivity?
Tooth sensitivity is another common problem that can be addressed with conventional toothpastes that come with stannous fluoride and potassium nitrate. They are great at reducing tooth sensitivity.
Do natural toothpastes contain them? A vast majority of them do not, even though more and more brands are starting to embrace ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite, which turned out to be effective, as well.
The only thing that can be concluded after enumerating all these facts is that both natural and traditional toothpastes come with positive sides, and it’s up to you to weigh these options to determine which of these two will be more beneficial.
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