PASTE TO POWDER - 5 OF THE BEST NATURAL TOOTHPASTES
There are many reasons to revisit your toothpaste brand, especially as it’s something you put in your mouth twice a day, which then goes into your body. Oral hygiene is big in the modern world - especially when cavities prevail from the abundance of sugary food and drinks available as well as many other factors. A book I read 20 years ago was a huge eye-opener for me and if you want to get nerdy I recommend getting your hands on a copy of Nutrition and Physical Degeneration by Western A Price where you can read about a dentist and his wife in the 1930’s exploring rural tribes and communities the world over to discover why the majority, rather than minority, had almost picture perfect teeth with an excellent bone and jaw structure, naturally spaced teeth and zero if few cavities despite no ‘toothpaste’, access to fluoride (the golden child of medical oral health), orthodontics or commercial toothbrushing equipment. Oral health has always been a part of ancient philosophies of health and today we have the science to show how connected the microbiome (that is the living dynamic environment made up of a community of microorganisms that dictate so much of our overall health and wellbeing) of the mouth is directly related to the microbiome of the gut. Hence Ayurveda teaches tongue cleaning, oil pulling and toothbrushing as part of its dinacharya (daily routine).
Meanwhile, most commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes contain the synthetic version of fluoride - a substance that helps to remineralise teeth which are under attack (demineralisation) from the acid by products as the result of the digestion that starts to take place in your mouth - but too much fluoride can cause the opposite effect and if half a tube is accidentally ingested it can be fatal to a child. Additionally, unless it is produced and sourced ethically, and sustainably managed to reduce industrial wastewater runoff, it can cause damage to plants, animals, and entire ecosystems. Fluoride is not the only concern, there are many other chemicals found in conventional toothpastes such as SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate) which comes with its own concerns to human health read here. Choosing natural oral care is overall the safer route, plus nature provides so not only can you find toothpaste with natural fluoride to remineralise your teeth, many health care brands use Xylitol (made from birch trees but can also be sourced from corn) which provides a protective coating to your teeth against cavity-causing bacteria.
Many brands interested in natural oral care for health are naturally concerned about the environment and use conscious, sustainable packaging - this can mean they cost a bit more but you only need a small amount anyway - remember it’s more the action from the toothbrush anyway that helps remove plaque! Plus I’ve included a make-your-own toothpaste recipe below as well as a mouth rinse recipe to add to your routine when it suits:
EARTHEN LIVING HERBAL TOOTH POWDER
This tooth powder protects against plaque and is pungent, bitter and astringent, and not sweet as we traditionally know toothpaste. This 100% plant-based formula, formulated without fluoride is a more natural way to keep your teeth in optimal condition formulated with the basis of Ayurveda in mind. The glass jar and aluminium lid mean that it can be put in with your household recycled once you have finished with it. Be aware it is a little more messy than your usual tube of toothpaste but a little goes a long way and you can perhaps take a bit more time on the weekend to master it and benefit from the herbs and spices weekly like a face or hair mask.
WELEDA SALT TOOTHPASTE
This Weleda fluoride-free toothpaste is made with sea salt and gentle mineral cleansers. The salty taste of this toothpaste is complemented with a little undertone of peppermint which makes for minty fresh cleaning without feeling like you’re burning off your taste buds like some commercial toothpastes can. It is also verified as a natural product and formulated with sustainably sourced ingredients. The use of sea salt stimulates salivation, helping to increase the cleaning power of the natural ingredients. Weleda also produces a mouthwash should you need one that is free from SLS and contains extracts of natural essential oils and chestnut bark which helps to tone your gums and keep them healthy. The tube is made from completely recycled aluminium and is 100% microplastic-free.
KURIN STRAWBERRY (also good for kids)
Kurin puts the focus on powerful ingredients so that you can have a healthy and clean mouth, with a natural strawberry flavouring that kids prefer and you might find that you’re partial to too (I know I am!). A little bit goes a long way, and once you have brushed for 3 minutes it will leave your kids' teeth clean and healthy. Formulated without any nasties, fluorides or SLSs it uses natural ingredients instead like Xylitol extract from Birch (or Corn) and Lauryl Glucoside from Coconuts. Kirin also offers an Aloe vera with peppermint version and another with fennel. Each tube is 100% recyclable with your curb-side collection.
GEO ORGANICS FLUORIDE TOOTHPASTE
This non-foaming toothpaste contains naturally occurring Calcium Fluoride that helps remineralise enamel and prevent tooth decay as well as added kaolin that helps to get rid of any extra plaque. It is also vegan, cruelty-free and (synthetic) fluoride, SLS and glycerin free. The recyclable glass jar and aluminium lid means that all of the packaging is recyclable with your everyday household recycling.
KIDS
Jason strawberry’s toothpaste helps make brushing kids teeth fun with a naturally-derived delicious and refreshing strawberry flavour. Not overpowering or too sweet, it helps to protect their teeth when they are still developing and growing. Better yet, it is formulated with no harmful ingredients such as no SLS, parabens, artificial colours, flavourings or fluoride - so it is safe for young children. The easy-to-squeeze tube makes it easy for kids to use which can then be fully recycled afterwards.
This gel formula toothpaste is gentle and non-foaming, meaning no water is needed. This allows your kids to be able to brush their teeth anywhere or even on-the-go if needed. The natural properties of Xylitol along with Calendula help to soothe their gums and stop any early signs of tooth decay popping up. It is also formulated without any fluoride, SLS or artificial preservatives. The packaging is BPA-free and the squeezy tube is easy to use and importantly fully-recyclable.
NATURAL TOOTHPASTE RECIPE FOR WARM WEATHER:
A warm weather paste since this contains both coconut oil and peppermint which are cooling and refreshing in nature. Coconut oil is antifungal, viral and bacterial and peppermint is antioxident rich and can help lower inflammation. Coconut oil is also easier to handle in warmer weather - on a cold day it sets hard and can be a little more difficult to work with when you’re in a rush!
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp tulsi powder (grind dried leaves)
1tsp bicarb of soda
1 tsp xylitol
1 tbs coconut oil
3 drops peppermint essential oil
METHOD:
Mix all of the ingredients* in a small glass jar with a lid.
To use, stir and scoop a pea-sized amount of paste onto your toothbrush.
* If the coconut oil is hard, gently melt it by placing the jar in a bowl of hot water.
NATURAL MOUTH RINSE
For thousands of years, natural salt has been used to pull infection from inflamed tissues, and in Ayurveda salt is known to calm the body and help restore the mouth’s pH balance, discouraging bacterial growth. Amla or Indian gooseberry is considered a superfood/fruit in India - when it comes to the teeth as it helps protect from decay, cavities and bad breath. Use this recipe as a mouth rinse after dry brushing your teeth.
INGREDIENTS:
1 tsp amla powder
½ tsp of fine sea salt
1 cup of water
METHOD:
Add the ingredients, as and when you want to use it, to a cup of warm water and mix well.
Dry brush your teeth using a gentle natural bristle toothbrush and then rinse and gargle with the amla-salt water mixture, ‘pulling’ it through your teeth and around your gums in the same way as ‘oil-pulling’ for a few minutes or more.
Note: If you only end up using half the amount per session then half the ingredients so that you have a fresh batch without waste each time.
READ MORE ON ORAL HEALTH THE AYURVEDA WAY: