For most of us, the morning starts with a dental hygiene routine that involves brushing and flossing. It often starts by placing toothpaste on a toothbrush and a couple of minutes of thorough brushing to ensure the best coverage. Americans are growing increasingly concerned about their impact on the Earth and using products that align with their concerns. Some feel that switching to toothpaste with more naturally sourced ingredients is better for them and their teeth. If you’re among these individuals, it’s vital to understand the components included in your toothpaste.
Natural Ingredients In Environmentally Safe Toothpastes
Natural toothpaste products typically have ingredient lists more conveniently read than traditional kinds of toothpaste. This convenience is due to the ingredients being the names of plants and naturally occurring plant substances. These ingredients are great for patients who want to ensure their natural toothpaste is safe and effective. Some ingredients shared by these toothpaste are:
- Tea Tree Oil – Triclosan is a common ingredient in traditional toothpaste that provides antibacterial traits to teeth. However, Triclosan has been found to cause medical concerns in the endocrine system. Tea Tree Oil is an effective replacement since it provides the same antibacterial properties as Triclosan without impacting the endocrine system. It has been shown that Tea Tree Oil doesn’t promote the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Magnolia Bark Extract – A significant benefit to daily oral care is avoiding the risk of halitosis, known as bad breath. This concern is one that many people struggle with every day. Magnolia Bark Extract has been shown to aid in combatting halitosis without the risk of side effects through compounds labeled magnolol and honokiol. It also has been shown to aid in the prevention of tooth decay by eradicating the bacteria responsible.
- Xylitol -This plant extract is prominent in numerous dental products, such as sugarless chewing gum and natural toothpaste. Xylitol has been revealed to minimize the number of bacteria in the mouth. It prevents them from attaching to the dental surfaces by maintaining a neutral pH, causing the bacteria to use more energy to change the pH and less to reproduce.
These ingredients of natural dental hygiene products are known to be safe and effective. The American Dental Association (ADA) has recognized them as suitable for preventing poor oral health. However, these three substances only represent a small portion of ingredients used in natural toothpaste products.
Consult Your Dentist About Natural Oral Hygiene Alternatives
If you want to ensure that natural toothpaste gives proper oral protection, consult your dentist. They’ll review the ingredient lists in natural toothpaste versus those in traditional toothpaste and advise you if the natural product can defend your oral health. It’s vital to choose from products approved by the ADA with an ingredient list backed by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). With these two certifications, you can confidently select a natural toothpaste for you and your family. Schedule your next appointment for a consultation today!