Finding an Effective Natural Toothpaste

A report from the Surgeon General revealed that Americans have a general lack of awareness regarding the importance of oral health.  This is largely because the link between overall health issues and that of oral health has not been broadly relayed.

As a result of this lack in education, the Surgeon General called for a promotion of access to oral health care for all Americans.  Today, many people are aware that daily brushing and flossing are constituents of strong oral health.

Research shows, however, that equally important to these actions are the tools used.  Perhaps most important is that of the right toothpaste, which has shifted attention away from traditional toothpastes and to natural counterparts.

Natural versus Traditional Toothpaste Brands

While dentists agree that the right toothpaste is essential to healthy teeth, many disagree on the benefits of those ingredients found in toothpaste.  One of the most controversial debates surrounds fluoride, which has been promoted by health care professionals for years.  This element is even added to community water supplies in order to increase tooth fluoridation.

According to dentists, fluoride helps strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.  In truth, however, many people ardently oppose fluoridation of any kind.  This includes that which occurs at the dental office and from brushing with traditional toothpastes.

Studies have shown that fluoride is linked to such health complications as cancer and adverse changes to bone structure.  The Department of Health in New Jersey determined that bone cancer in male children was between two and seven times greater in areas of water fluoridation.  

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is another controversial ingredient of many traditional toothpaste brands.  This is used to create the foam that occurs during brushing.  However, SLS has been linked to cell damage and may cause skin problems like canker sores.  Tears in the mouth have also been associated with SLS.  Petroleum dyes as used in commercial toothpastes also raise concerns among some health professionals. These may cause allergic reactions as well as cancer tumors.

To deter from such serious health hazards, many people now look to natural toothpastes instead. These are made from natural ingredients and lack dyes or artificial flavors.  Some are even fluoride-free, while others still contain this element to strengthen teeth.  Typical ingredients found in natural toothpastes are as follows:

• Chamomile
• Coriander
• Sage
• Ginger
• Green tea
• Clove

Choosing the Best Natural Toothpaste

While many naturopath and holistic health professionals advocate natural toothpastes, finding the right one for each individual can be a challenge.  Above all else, it is recommended that persons evaluate their own needs and beliefs.  For example, those who need extra whitening can commonly find natural brands that offer ingredients such as papaya plant.  Similarly, those who need anti-cavity action may select a brand that knowingly fights tarter.  Still other brands are designed for sensitive teeth.

Texture and taste should also be considered, as these are important during brushing times.  Some natural toothpastes tend to be chalky or pasty, while other more closely emulate traditional brands.  Tastes vary considerably with natural toothpaste brands, ranging from mildly minty to cinnamon to licorice-like.   According to researchers, some brands to consider when shopping for a natural toothpaste are as follows:

• Dr. Ken's All Natural Maximum Care: fights bacteria, bad breath and tarter while whitening teeth
• Tom's of Maine: one of the most highly-visible natural toothpaste brands
• J/A/S/O/N: offers several brands that promote dental health with different ingredients
• Kiss My Face Triple Action Whitening: this aloe vera gel is not tested on animals and contains natural ingredients
• ToothSoap: a natural soap made just for teeth.  It does not contain glycerin, which knowingly coats teeth and prevents minerals from reaching them

Another alternative to purchasing natural toothpaste is to make it at home.  Several variations of natural toothpaste recipes can be found, but most of them require baking soda, table salt, hydrogen peroxide, Stevia and flavoring oil such as peppermint, vanilla or cinnamon.  Once the ingredients are assembled, the following steps can be taken for mixing:

1. Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into a mixing bowl.
2. Add a pinch of salt and Stevia.
3. Add 1/4 cup of hydrogen peroxide.
4. Add 1 drop of flavoring oil.
5. Mix all ingredients until a paste forms. More hydrogen peroxide can be added to achieve the desired consistency.

Sources:

http://www.holisticmed.com/fluoride/

http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/library/oralhealth/

http://www.thedailygreen.com/living-green/natural-toothpaste-ingredients-0307

http://naturalhealthezine.com/make-your-own-natural-toothpaste/

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