Discover the Wholesome Goodness of Natural Toothpastes

What Is Natural Toothpaste?

Natural toothpaste is made using natural, non-synthetic ingredients. It avoids artificial colors, flavors, sweeteners, preservatives, detergents, and other chemicals often found in regular toothpaste.

Instead, natural toothpastes use wholesome ingredients like:

• Food extracts - coconut oil, peppermint, cinnamon, lemon, etc.
• Healing herbs - neem, clove, turmeric, echinacea, etc.
• Essential oils - tea tree oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, etc.
• Minerals - bentonite clay, calcium, silica, etc.
• Gentle cleaning agents - baking soda, calcium carbonate, etc.
• Mild preservatives - vitamin E, vegetable glycerin, grapefruit seed extract, etc.

These natural ingredients help clean and freshen your teeth without harsh chemicals. They remove plaque, tartar, and stains while fighting bad breath.

Organic natural toothpastes also use minerals and sustainably grown plants. This makes them gentler on the planet too.

Comparing Regular and Natural Toothpaste Ingredients

To see why natural toothpaste is a healthier option, let's look at some key ingredients in regular vs. natural toothpaste:

• Fluoride – Added to many regular toothpastes to strengthen enamel. Too much fluoride may be risky. Natural toothpastes use safer mineral alternatives.
• Detergents – Regular brands often use sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) which can irritate the mouth. Naturals use mild coconut-derived detergents.
• Sweeteners – Artificial sweeteners in regular toothpastes may disrupt gut bacteria. Naturals use low-calorie xylitol or stevia.
• Flavors – Most regular toothpastes use artificial flavors. Naturals use real food flavors like peppermint and cinnamon oils.
• Preservatives – Regular brands often include parabens, formaldehyde, and triclosan which may be unhealthy. Naturals use non-toxic vitamin E and plant extracts instead.
• Colors – Synthetic dyes in regular toothpastes may contain heavy metals. Naturals use plant-based colors from turmeric, chlorophyll, etc.

As you can see, natural toothpastes use healthy, wholesome ingredients while regular toothpaste often contains non naturally derived chemicals. Let's look at the great benefits you can get from natural toothpaste.

The Benefits of Using Natural Toothpaste

From reducing plaque to safely whitening to healing inflamed gums, here are some science-backed benefits of natural toothpaste:

• Fights cavities and plaque – Ingredients like xylitol and essential oils stop cavity-causing bacteria. Baking soda gently reduces plaque too.
• Soothes gum inflammation – Anti-inflammatory herbs like aloe vera and neem and coconut oil reduce gum irritation and sensitivity. .
• Naturally whiten teeth – Baking soda, calcium carbonate, and lemon oil gently lift stains without harsh peroxide.
• Freshens breath – Essential oils like peppermint and tea tree fight germs that cause bad breath.
• Strengthens weakened enamel – Minerals like hydroxyapatite help remineralize and rebuild enamel.
• Detoxifies the mouth – Clay absorbs toxins and removes heavy metals from plaque and saliva.
• Boosts oral immunity – Herbs like echinacea support healthy mouth bacteria and immunity against pathogens.

Natural toothpaste takes a holistic approach to oral health with ingredients that go beyond surface cleaning. Next let's look at some of the top botanicals used.

Key Botanical Extracts in Natural Toothpastes

For thousands of years, plants have been used in oral health treatments. Many contain compounds that fight plaque, reduce gum inflammation, strengthen enamel, and combat harmful mouth bacteria.

Some of the most common and beneficial botanicals in natural toothpaste include:

• Neem has antibacterial compounds that combat plaque and gum disease-causing bacteria. Also antifungal against oral thrush;
• Clove has the compound eugenol, which boosts antimicrobial effects against cavity-causing bacteria. Also reduces gum inflammation;
• Turmeric has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It inhibits plaque and gingivitis. Also shown to naturally whiten teeth;
• Echinacea boosts immunity against bacteria that cause cavities, gum disease, and periodontal disease. Also directly fights these bacteria;
• Peppermint has cooling, antibacterial effects. Peppermint oil reduces bad breath compounds in the mouth;
• Tea Tree has strong antimicrobial effects against plaque and gum disease-causing oral bacteria;
• Plantain has antibacterial compounds to fight bacteria. Also helps heal gum tissue and reduces bleeding;
• Sage is an antimicrobial against cavity-causing oral bacteria. Also has antioxidants that fight gum inflammation.

There are so many beneficial botanicals to try out! Mix it up by using toothpastes with clove, turmeric, neem, and more.

How to Use Natural Toothpaste for Best Results

To get the most from your natural toothpaste, follow these tips:

• Brush for 2 minutes 2-3x daily, focusing on your gum line and other problem areas.
• Apply toothpaste directly onto teeth and gums instead of just the brush, to maximize benefits.
• Rinse mouth minimally after brushing so active ingredients stay on teeth and gums longer.
• In the US, look for ADA certified natural toothpastes to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Store toothpaste in a cool, dark place and close the tube tightly because natural preservatives have a shorter shelf life.

With regular brushing, you’ll soon notice cleaner teeth, healthier gums, less plaque buildup, and long-lasting fresh breath from using natural toothpaste. But for those who want to take it up a notch, let's get into some simple homemade versions.

Quick and Easy DIY Natural Toothpaste Recipes and oil pulling formula

One of the coolest things about natural toothpastes and Ayurvedic oil pulling  is that you can easily make your own at home using kitchen ingredients. Try these recipes:

For the oil pulling formula

Ingredients:

100 gr sesame oil

100 gr coconut oil

Measure the ingredients in a container and put them in a water bath until fully melted, pack the oil in a bottle and put the lid on once the oil has cooled down. Swish a small amount of oil around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit it out, similar to a mouthwash.

Basic Baking Soda Toothpaste

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1-2 drops essential oil like peppermint or cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of green clay

In a small bowl, mix baking soda and green clay. Add the essential oil. Scoop onto a toothbrush and brush as normal. Rinse mouth well after brushing.

Simple Coconut Oil Pulling Paste

Ingredients:

• 20 gr coconut oil
• 20 gr  baking soda
• 15 gr Sodium coco sulfate SCS
• 15 gr green clay
• 5 drops essential oil (optional)

Gently mix ingredients in a bowl, place the container in a water bath until fully melted, let it cool down. Scoop paste onto toothbrush and brush teeth and gums for 2 minutes. 

Clay and Botanical Tooth Powder

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup bentonite clay
• 1 tablespoon activated charcoal
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon clove, cinnamon, and turmeric powder

In a bowl, mix all ingredients together well. To use, dip a damp toothbrush into the powder and brush as normal. Rinse mouth thoroughly after brushing. Store any leftover powder in an airtight container.

Here is the video of the demonstration: https://youtu.be/BzwAANyPOn4

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As you experiment with homemade recipes, you can add custom ingredients like neem powder or crushed peppermint leaves.

Should You Use Natural Toothpaste Every Day?

Natural toothpastes are gentle enough to use daily on teeth and gums. In fact, you'll gain the most benefits from the botanical ingredients by using them consistently.

Natural toothpastes are even safe for kids with proper supervision. However, children under 3 should use just a smear of toothpaste to avoid swallowing too much before they can fully spit and rinse.

The key is choosing natural toothpastes without harsh ingredients that may irritate delicate mouth tissue or get absorbed.

Carefully read labels and do your research to find the cleanest, purest natural toothpaste for your needs. Aim to brush with your chosen natural toothpaste at least twice a day. You'll soon notice the positive effects!

Unlocking Nature's Healing with Natural Toothpastes

Hopefully you now feel excited to tap into the full potential of natural oral care with wholesome, non-toxic toothpastes.

Ditch the mainstream brands with artificial ingredients. Instead, look for small-batch artisanal toothpastes from green companies using organic sustainably sourced plants, or get creative in your kitchen crafting homemade toothpaste potions with simple ingredients.

However you choose to use natural toothpastes, they offer an easy way to unlock the healing power of plants for a brighter, healthier smile. Ready to experience the benefits yourself? Just open wide and brush your way to naturally better oral health!

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