Toothpaste - Natural Ways to Clean Your Teeth

People who have allergies, chronic health concerns or who are just looking for an alternative to commercial chemical-filled toothpastes may want to consider one of the many safe and effective toothpaste natural brands now available in natural food stores and reputable Internet sites. These can be an especially good choice for people who are allergic to mint or to sodium laurel sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that's included in most commercial toothpaste brands. (SLS has long been known to cause mouth ulcers and rashes around the mouth.)

Many people turn to organic toothpastes out of concern that the chemicals in their regular toothpaste are harmful. Most dentists disagree, noting that any chemicals which could pose a threat - such as fluoride and hydrogen peroxide - are found in too-small amounts to cause a health problem. Even SLS, which is the source of many allergic reactions, is merely an irritant, and not a cancer-causing carcinogen, according to the American Cancer Society.

However, at the same time, manufacturers are required to put warning labels on commercial toothpastes, which can be poisonous to infants and young children. Further, it comes as a surprise to many people to learn that fluoride - commonly added to municipal drinking water supplies and all commercial tooth-cleaning products - has NEVER been approved by the Food & Drug Administration. Controversy now rages in scientific circles over reports linking fluoride consumption to dental deformities, arthritis, allergic reactions and some types of cancer. Other concerns have stemmed from the chemical dyes, detergents and whiteners (specifically Blue Dyes #1 and 2, triclosan, SLS and hydrated silica) included in many toothpaste brands.

If you prefer to avoid any potential risks try choosing an herbal or organic tooth-cleaning treatment. Typical ingredients in these products are herbs with established historical uses, such as chamomile to decrease gum inflammation; Echinacea to stimulate the immune system; myrrh to help kill plaque-causing bacteria; sage and rhatany to lessen bleeding; and essential oils like peppermint, spearmint, clove, ginger, almond and tea tree, which add flavor and relieve pain and inflammation. Occasionally, mint flavorings can irritate the skin lining the mouth and gums, so many homeopathic or "natural" toothpastes are mint-free.

If you regularly use organic or herbal dental products, be aware that the abrasives in some aren't strong enough to clean your teeth properly, so check with your dentist to make sure the one you're using is effective and appropriate. Products such as OraMD®, for example, work by penetrating below the gum line, making them especially effective.

As long as a person is brushing two or more times a day, the battle against plaque is half won. Still, it's good to know the ingredients in the toothpaste brand you use regularly. Some of the added ingredients in toothpaste have been know to help form canker sores. If you have any concerns about the dental care products you use, ask your dentist.