Using these Natural Alternatives to Toothpaste

If you’re fascinated in healthy, alternative living, chances are you know all about the dangers of supermarket bought shampoos and soaps. Parabens, microbeads, and sodium laurel sulfate lurk in the artificially scented goop. That’s why we strive for organic hygiene products like these. But have you thought about the chemicals hiding in your favorite minty-fresh toothpaste?

Dangers of Fluoride Toothpaste

According to dentist Dr. Steve Lin, the largest toothpaste no-no is SLS, or sodium laurel sulfate. It’s added to toothpaste and other soaps as a foaming agent, but as Dr. Lin says, “There’s no benefit to your oral health.” Now, oral health is all about habits. So there’s no point to change your dental routine cold turkey! Why not try out an organic alternative each night, keeping the brand name stuff for the morning when you’re running out of time? Then, when you’ve chosen a favorite organic option, make the full switch over when your typical tube runs out.

Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening

Charcoal is a substance made of carbon. The essential difference between normal charcoal, such as the burnt woody stuff you light the barbecue with, and activated charcoal is the surface of the material.

Because activated charcoal is mostly made of carbon atoms, it has a very good porous structure on a particle scale. This means that a little amount of activated charcoal has a huge surface area! In chemistry, surface area is one of the factors that affects reactivity. The higher the surface area, the more room there is for chemical interactions to happen.

In layman’s terms, this means that activated charcoal can bond with all types of substances and molecules that you’ve ingested. It’s great for detoxing your body, like in this charcoal lemonade.

Activated charcoal’s odor-absorbing, stain-removing, and abrasive properties make it a suitable toothpaste alternative.

Other Alternatives

Dr. Steve Lin is a huge believer that the food you eat has more of an impact on tooth health than brushing! Avoid processed sugars, and get plenty of dietary fiber from fruits and vegetables. Fibrous foods such as apples and carrots are amazing for physically rubbing the plaque and stains off your teeth. (Hint: these are great for your pooch’s mouth, too!)

Disclaimer

This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist in Kennewick or other qualified health provider with any questions about your oral health, medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.