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Taking good care of your teeth and gums is a huge part of any healthy lifestyle. Many people don’t realize, but mouth hygiene is so much more than white, shining teeth, in fact, digestion starts in the mouth and gums can absorb anything you put in your mouth, so what you use to brush your teeth matters.

Conventional toothpastes might do a great job at making your teeth sparkle, but they can contain artificial additives such as Blue #1, Yellow #5 or other Food, Drug, and Cosmetic colorants as well as saccharine, benzoic acid and artificial flavors. Other scary additives include antibacterial triclosan which is a potential carcinogen that has been linked to breast cancer (the state of Minnesota even banned it), Diethanolamine (DEA) a foaming agent that’s also a hormone disrupter and can react with other ingredients to form a potential carcinogen called NDEA. On top of that, some “added whitening” toothpastes contain plastic microbeads which can get trapped in gums and create pathways for bacteria – effectively causing gum disease.

Fluoride is also a concern for some people. While this chemical has long been lauded as the secret to strong teeth, too much can cause dental fluorosis in children – a condition where tooth enamel fails to crystallize properly, leading to staining and brittleness. It can also be toxic to your kidneys, cause gastrointestinal issues, exacerbate iodine deficiencies, and even hinder the development of fetal brains. Considering most municipalities add fluoride to drinking water, having it in your mouthwash and toothpaste isn’t necessary.

Knowing all this, you’re probably rethinking your go-to toothpaste, but don’t fret – finding a natural alternative is easier, and way more effective, than you might think. To help you find your new favorite toothpaste, we’ve compiled a list of natural ones that can get you a stress-free smile in no time at all!

  1. Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps Toothpaste

    This Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste is great if you’re looking for a vegan, fluoride-free, non-GMO paste. Made with 70 organic ingredients including Fair Trade and organic coconut flour and coconut oil which aid as a mild abrasive. Amazon reviewers have noted that this toothpaste is safe for kids and does not contain carrageenan, like some other natural brands, so it’s a good option if you’re avoiding that. You can get a tube for $9.45 on Amazon, which is a bit steeper than a conventional toothpaste, but reviewers’ comments seem to say the benefits are worth it. 


  2. Weleda: Natural Salt Toothpaste

    This Weleda: Natural Salt Toothpaste is made with a combination of baking soda and salt. It also contains Blackthorn flower extract to purify and strengthens the gums, myrrh extract and organic ratanhia, which are healthcare secrets from ancient cultures that naturally clean and tone with astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. According to Weleda, this unique formulation also works by increasing natural saliva production, which encourages your body to keep gums clean, healthy and strong. It is also fluoride free. Some reviewers on Amazon have commented that the salt flavor is a bit of a shock, but most were happy with the results. You can get a tube of this paste for $5.39  on Amazon.


  3. Kiss My Face Gel Teeth Whitening Toothpaste

    Kiss My Face triple action toothpaste uses certified organic aloe vera with a blend of natural whiteners such as silica (natural whitener), CO-Q10 (for healthy gums), peppermint (natural flavor), horse chestnut (for healthy gums), tea tree oil (cleansing and antiseptic), and menthol (natural flavor). This paste is fluoride and sodium lauryl sulfate free. Some reviewers have noted that this toothpaste is a bit runnier than traditional toothpaste. You can get one pack for around $12.80 on Amazon.


  4. Himalaya Neem and Pomegranate Toothpaste

    This Himalaya Neem and Pomegranate Toothpaste is great if you’re looking to break away from a traditional mint paste. This formula is fluoride and saccharin free and contains tested ingredients like Neem, Triphala, and Pomegranate which clean your teeth and promote healthy looking gums. It also includes Xylitol, a natural sweetener that supports healthy gums as well as Acacia Arabic Extract which is used for its soothing properties. Reviewers are saying they have seen a great improvement in their gum conditions after using this paste. This paste you can get for $19.98, which is on the more expensive side. 


  5. Tom's of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste

    This Tom’s of Maine Antiplaque and Whitening Fluoride-Free Toothpaste contains xylitol to help prevent plaque, zinc citrate to control tartar, and silica for whitening. This toothpaste is made with natural flavor oils, not artificial flavors or sweeteners. Some reviewers are warning that this toothpaste does contain sodium lauryl sulfate, an agent that makes the toothpaste foam. You can get a tube for $12.72 on Amazon.


  6. Nature's Gate Natural Toothpaste

    This Nature’s Gate toothpaste is vegan, GMO-free, gluten-free, carrageenan free, soy free, fluoride free, paraben free, sulfate free, and cruelty-free. No artificial flavors or sweeteners. Some reviewers say that the mint flavor is a bit “spicy,” which might not be as appealing to kids – however, other flavor options are available. You can get a pack of 6 tubes for $18.55 on Amazon. 


  7. The Dirt - All Natural Tooth Powder

    The Dirt All Natural Tooth Powder is made to Support your natural re-mineralization process. This powder has a sweet spiced orange flavor and is made with Extra Fine Bentonite Clay, Organic Saigon Cinnamon, Baking Soda, Organic Myrrh Gum Powder, Organic Nutmeg, Sweet Orange Essential Oil and Organic Cardamon Essential Oil. This powder is naturally whitening and is free of xylitol and fluoride. Some commenters have said the powder is a bit messy, but most love the results. As an added bonus, the glass container is recyclable. You can get a jar that lasts three months for $19.99.


  8. Primal Life: Dirty Mouth Organic Toothpowder

    Primal Life Dirty Mouth Toothpowder fills your mouth with vital and trace minerals important to maintain dental health naturally. The mildly abrasive toothpowder gently polishes, detoxifies, and refreshes your teeth while also helping to re-mineralize and strengthen them. This paste is GMO-Free, fluoride free, sodium lauryl sulfate free, in addition to being organic and vegan. This powder is made with extra fine Bentonite Clay, White Kaolin Clay, Alum-free Baking Soda, French Green Clay, and organic Essential Oil. A one ounce tube of this powder, which lasts around three months, costs $24.97 on Amazon.


  9. Davids Natural Toothpaste

    Davids Natural Toothpaste is formulated with natural fine abrasives such as baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) and  Birch Xylitol, which is added to help remineralize the enamel of your teeth and promote good oral hygiene. This toothpaste is Environmental Working Group certified and 98 percent of the ingredients are sourced in the U.S. Davids comes in a recyclable metal tube with a free metal tube key roller/squeezer included. Many reviewers have said that this is the best natural toothpaste they have tried. You can pick up a tube for $7.95 on Amazon. 


  10. Akamai Mineral Toothpaste

    If you’re looking for a toothpaste that’s free of foaming agents, artificial chemicals, silica, fluoride, glycerin, cheap fillers or sweeteners, then Akamai Mineral Toothpaste might be right for you. This paste is made with a natural clay based formula that absorbs toxins and reduces harmful bacteria. Thanks to its formula’s 72 trace minerals, fulvic acid, and liposomal CoQ10, this toothpaste whitens teeth while also helping to remineralize them. Reviewers do warn that the taste is a bit bitter – it uses peppermint, cinnamon, clove, anise, and tea tree essential oils for flavor – but gives a great clean. You can get a 3.4-ounce tube (approximately two months supply) for $12.00. 


  11. Jason Sea Fresh Toothpaste

    This Jason Sea Fresh Toothpaste is formulated with blue green algae, rich in calcium, proteins, and antioxidants. This paste is made with no preservatives, artificial colors, artificial sweeteners, saccharin, propylene glycol, sodium lauryl, or laureth sulfates. Some reviewers do warn that the formulation has recently changed, so if you’re used to a certain flavor palate, it may be different. You can get one six ounce tube for $4.89 on Amazon.

    Lead image source: accesslab/Shutterstock