Brushing your teeth daily is one of the best activities you can do for your oral health, and what better way to explore how to care for your teeth than with toothpaste? Your toothpaste makes all the difference when it comes to cleaning your teeth, and for some people, choosing products that are all-natural and safe for the environment can mean all the difference. While many products these days claim to be all-natural, it’s important to know what ingredients are in your toothpaste and other products to make the best decisions for oral health.
What Are Good All-Natural Ingredients For Oral Care?
Using all-natural products means that you’re using ingredients that work more harmoniously with your body and your environment. But one of the big drawbacks of all-natural products is the misinformation presented to people about the safety and regulations of their products. One way to double-check your ingredients list is by looking at the ADA seal of acceptance mark on the label. If you find that label, then you know that it’s been checked through and approved by an organization that specializes in your health.
So, what ingredients are good for your oral health that aren’t fluoride? Here are a few that have been known to be all-natural and safe for your teeth:
- Tea Tree Oil: Tea tree oil is often used as a replacement for triclosan, a chemical found in toothpaste that works to reduce contamination from bacteria. However, the use of tea tree oil has shown that in oral hygiene products, it has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it a good oral antiseptic; It can also be used to strengthen the enamel and reduce gum inflammation.
- Important note: While it’s continued to be used in oral care products, tea tree oil in soaps and shampoos has been shown to cause health problems with the endocrine system and can impact the body’s ability to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Magnolia Bark Extract: Magnolia bark extract has been a popular ingredient for oral care, as it is specifically used to combat halitosis or bad breath. Beyond its breath-freshening capabilities, it can also be used to reduce tooth decay and combat the onset of bad bacteria. It’s most commonly found in sugar-free gum and natural toothpaste brands.
- Xylitol: Xylitol is most similar to fluoride in its ability to reduce the presence of bacteria in the mouth and help strengthen the enamel. In part, this is due to the ability to prevent the bacteria from sticking to the enamel and slow decay over time. This ingredient is most often found in chewing gum but can also be found in toothpaste and mouthwash.
Learn More About All-Natural Ingredients From Your Dentist
Your dentist will provide you with the best resources for all-natural ingredients, especially if you’re seeking ways to maintain a more sustainable lifestyle. By arranging an appointment with your dentist, you’ll be able to learn the best ways to care for your teeth and make sure they are clean for life.