Let's talk about toothpaste and mouthwash. You put toothpaste in your mouth two times a day. Something that is supposed to clean your teeth, right? So... my question is... why are we putting unclean ingredients in our mouth to clean something? This seems a little backward to me. Thinking of this... I quickly switched to natural toothpaste.
Mouthwash, you may use less than toothpaste. But still... why put something unclean into your mouth?
Ingredients in Common Toothpaste Brands
Big toothpaste brands such as Colgate and Crest have ingredients in them that don't need to be going in your mouth.
For example, sodium lauryl sulfate and a polymer called PEG-12.
Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent in many beauty products. It's in your shampoo, shaving creams, basically anything that has foaming action. It's not a major toxic threat but it can cause major irritations on your skin or in your mouth. Allergic reactions and contamination concerns are linked with this chemical. It is derived from coconut oil or petroleum but it is synthesized in a lab. This means that there is no way of knowing whether the company producing it is undergoing any investigation of the chemical.
PEG-12 is a synthetic polymer that is used as a thickener or softener. It is another chemical that can be modified with other compounds with no restrictions. Health impacts are contamination concerns and irritations when contact is made with the eyes. Likewise, it can cause itchiness and redness with the skin if contact is made.
Now... why would we put this in our mouth when we don't have to. There are companies out there making natural toothpaste from organic ingredients FROM THE EARTH.
So, let's dive in and find you a great natural toothpaste and mouthwash!
My Magic Mud Natural Toothpaste
My Magic Mud has many other products but I really like their Peppermint Charcoal toothpaste.
They have a really great story on how their company was founded, too! The founder, Jessica, had a daughter who was prone to cavities and very sensitive teeth. She went searching for a natural remedy that would help her. She tried sea salt, baking soda, and other things. But, of course, no child wants to put that in their mouth because it's yucky, right? So, the founder Jessica wanted to find something that worked and something her daughter would enjoy.
With a few failed attempts, she stumbled upon the ingredients she uses in My Magic Mud.
To sum it up, with a motivation (helping her daughter) and a passion (helping others with oral care) a business was born. A business built on a mother's love and compassion for her daughter.
Her peppermint charcoal formula is natural, safe, non-GMO, vegan, fluoride-free, and helps prevent cavities by using Xylitol. Xylitol is a proven method to help fight cavities (side note: that's why you should chew gum that is sweetened with it rather than other sugar).
One tip on using this toothpaste, it can be messy! At least for me, it was as a first time user. I use an electric toothpaste and it went everywhere! So, just make sure you are gentle when brushing your teeth. Otherwise, you'll have little black dots everywhere like me!
Weleda Toothpaste
Weleda is another great company that has many different products. They've got lotions, body wash, hair care, and toothpaste.
Weleda was started in 1921 as a pharmaceutical laboratory with its own plant garden. They have created products almost 100 years ago that would help reconnect the body to nature using plants!
Their mission is to create natural products by using environmentally safe and sustainable practices.
They use flowers, fruits, minerals, essential oils, and root extracts from the earth to create their products.
They've got some really great photos on their website of their employees extracting things from the earth to make their products.
I use their Ratanhia toothpaste. It's good for gum health and sensitive gums.
Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste
Tom's of Maine is one of my favorite companies and it seems to be the most known.
I've tried many of their products and their toothpaste is one of my favorites among the brands that I use.
Tom's of Maine was founded in 1970 by Tom and Kate Chappell. It started with research on food. They found the benefits of eating natural and unprocessed foods to be astounding. This led them to do some research on beauty products. They were disappointed when all they found were artificial ingredients, preservatives, dyes, and fragrances.
This disappointment inspired them to create their own Their first product was actually laundry detergent! The website shows you what it looked like. Super old school and really cool to see! You should check it out.
Anyways.. that was the start of their company and how they grew into what they are today. They now sell natural oral care, bath and body, and deodorants.
They have A LOT of different kinds of toothpaste. You will have plenty of options to choose from. Whatever your oral care needs are I can guarantee you that they have something for it.
How About Mouthwash?
For me, mouthwash has been a hit or miss.
However, this decision depends on your flavor profile. The one I have liked the most and buy the most is from Tom's of Maine. The Cool Mountain Mint flavor. It doesn't burn and it doesn't leave my mouth feeling dry.
However, when I tried Jason's Healthy Mouth and I wasn't a big fan of it. It is flavored with cinnamon and it just didn't work for me. I didn't like the flavor and I felt like it dried my mouth out.
To sum it up, I've been sticking with Tom's of Maine in the mouthwash department.
Natural Toothpaste Tablets I'd Try
A company called Hello has been making toothpaste and mouthwash for some time now.
One of their brand new products is a toothpaste tablet. I've been looking for plastic-free and travel-friendly toothpaste. This may be one I try out.
I love the simplicity of how to use it. Their instructions literally say Chew. Brush. Spit. Smile. How simple is that?!
Next, this brand called Bite. They have a toothpaste tablet in a glass jar. This one I really like because if you end up liking them they have a subscription plan you can get on. They have a four-month jar with 248 tablets in it. After the four months is up, they automatically send you a new one. For $30 every four months, I'd give it a whirl.
However, I better start with one month though to see how I like it!
Finally, a tablet I'd like to try is a mouthwash tablet. It's made by Humankind. And they thought of everything. They even give you a portable glass jar that is the perfect size to make your mouthwash. It comes with a silicone lid to make traveling easier, too. It's $10 for 60 tablets. They also have a subscription plan to refill your tablets. They send their products in compostable packaging, eliminating plastic altogether. I really like this in a company.
All three of these are plastic-free, environmentally friendly, and travel friendly. Just what I like.
Takeaway
Toothpaste and mouthwash are meant to CLEAN your mouth. Let's make sure we are putting CLEAN ingredients in there, too. Check out these brands and give them a try! Your mouth will enjoy the all-natural freshness.
Ashley
Certified Brain Health Coach
Owner of SustainaBRAIN