Maintaining good oral hygiene is important for a healthy smile and overall well-being, and one of the most essential tools is toothpaste. However, not all toothpaste products are created equal, and it's crucial to choose the right one for your dental needs.
While many toothpaste brands promise fresh breath and whiter teeth, some contain toxic ingredients that may do more harm than good. These toxic ingredients can cause a range of health problems, including hormone disruption and allergic reactions.
Some of the most common toxic ingredients found in toothpaste include triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial sweeteners, and microbeads. Triclosan, for example, is an antimicrobial agent that can disrupt hormone regulation and contribute to antibiotic resistance. Sodium lauryl sulfate is a foaming agent that can cause mouth sores and increase the risk of canker sores.
To avoid these toxic ingredients, it's important to read toothpaste labels carefully and choose a product that contains safe and natural ingredients. Look for toothpaste brands that are free of artificial sweeteners, microbeads, and harsh chemicals.
In addition to avoiding toxic ingredients, it's also important to choose a toothpaste that is appropriate for your specific dental needs. For example, if you have sensitive teeth, you may want to choose a toothpaste that is designed to alleviate sensitivity. Similarly, if you are prone to cavities, you may want to choose a toothpaste that contains fluoride to help strengthen your tooth enamel.
What are my favorites? It depends on the use case and desired results. Here are a few that work well for various applications.
Boka - great for remineralization, contains hydroxyapatite, no toxic chemicals, and good flavor. Enough abrasives to leave the teeth feeling squeaky clean and there are a couple great flavors to choose from. My favorite is mint!
Risewell - also great for remineralization. I’m a big fan of their kids toothpaste - safe to ingest, which is helpful since the cake batter flavor is appetizing and makes kids look forward to brushing! Their PRO Mineral toothpaste can help with sensitivity.
CariFree Pro Gel 5000 - prescription strength fluoridated toothpaste. I’m generally not a fan of fluoride since it is often used indiscriminately and has some potential health risks. That being said, sometimes in a high-risk environment for developing cavities it can be useful. This toothpaste also has other ingredients to help fortify teeth and prevent tooth decay (hydroxyapatite, xylitol, pH buffers).
This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are a lot of great products out there! Tom’s of Maine and JASÖN are good brands to check out as well.