We all have certain products that make up the staples of our daily routines. One product that everyone has in common is toothpaste. Considering how frequently we all use toothpaste, it is important to take a closer look at the ingredients that we are using to care for our oral health. Now you may have heard that natural toothpastes are better for you, but do you know why? There are certain ingredients in common drugstore toothpaste brands that you are better off avoiding. Let's start with some of the most common toothpaste ingredients.

Fluoride

This is one of the main ingredients that natural toothpastes are marketed as being free of. While the debate is still on-going about whether or not fluoride is necessary for the prevention of tooth decay, many people searching to eliminate chemicals in toothpaste are choosing to forgo it. While we always suggest consulting with your dental professional before making changes to your oral hygiene care, for those who are seeking a non-toxic lifestyle using a fluoride free toothpaste can be a great choice. There have been studies showing that there can be a chance of long-term health risks associated with over-use of fluoride products. There are many natural toothpastes on the market these days that do not contain fluoride and instead contain all-natural ingredients such as xylitol, green tea extract, papaya plant extract, citric acid or baking soda.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate - SLS is a common ingredient in almost every common drugstore toothpaste brand. It is generally added to toothpastes as a foaming agent. We all love a nice foaming toothpaste for that squeaky clean mouth feeling it give us, so why is SLS harmful? There have been studies conducted that show a correlation between the use of sodium lauryl sulfate toothpaste and irritation of the tissues in your mouth. It has been found in some instances to cause canker sores, skin irritation and stripping of the mouth’s natural lining. While everyone’s personal experience with SLS can be different, if you are experiencing any of those signs it may be time to try eliminating SLS from your oral hygiene routine. Another interesting thing to note is that manufacturers may sneakily add SLS to the ingredient list on your toothpaste so make sure you look for other names, such as sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) or sodium salt. If you’re unsure if you have found a SLS free toothpaste, you can look up all the additional names SLS can also be listed under. Natural toothpastes have swapped SLS for non-toxic ingredients such as soapberry or quillaja Saponaria (soap bark.)

Triclosan

Triclosan is a pesticide that is added to many products as an antibacterial agent. While the FDA has banned the use of triclosan in soaps and body washes, it has yet to be removed from toothpastes. This leads us to believe that if something is not considered safe to be used on your body, we should consider removing it from our toothpaste since it is likely to also not be safe to use in your mouth. This chemical has been shown to be considered as toxic in many animal studies and has in some cases led to risk of cancer and weakened heart function in such studies. While we do not have concrete evidence for any human based studies as of yet, we would much rather not take the risk and eliminate this chemical from our toothpaste.

Parabens

Parabens can be a tricky ingredient to avoid because they are present in almost every type of cosmetic item. This is because these chemicals are used as a preservative to extend the shelf life of products. While the FDA is still actively reviewing the claims of harmful side effects from using parabens, they have been linked to hormonal disruptions. There have even been claims of a higher risk of breast cancer from high accumulations of parabens in the body. While we don’t know for certain the long-term risks of parabens, it can be beneficial to eliminate them where possible from your hygiene and cosmetic products. Some of the ingredients to watch out for are: methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben, and benzylparaben among others.

As you can see, there are a variety of ingredients in popular consumer brands of toothpaste that are better off being avoided. While it is entirely up to your own discretion and research, an all-natural toothpaste can be a great alternative for those looking for a better, cleaner option. Our Earthy Good Toothpaste Kit is a great way to not only ensure that your toothpaste is free of toxins, but to also make it yourself in the comfort of your own home. Our Toothpaste Kit is made up of all-natural ingredients such as calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, xylitol, coconut oil, peppermint oil and safflower seed oil. It is based on a homemade toothpaste recipe that is easy to follow to create your very own natural toothpaste.

Making your own DIY version of your favourite products is a great way to get involved in the process of switching your cosmetics to cleaner versions. It can be confusing to look at a long list of drugstore product ingredients and know exactly what each and every one does. At Earthy Good, we believe that your products should contain only exactly what is necessary for them to be effective. Plus, when you make your homemade toothpaste, you can be confident that it was made in a clean, safe environment free of toxins. Our Earthy Good Toothpaste Kit also contains a 2oz re-usable silicone tube and a bamboo toothbrush so that your natural toothpaste is also low-waste and eco-friendly.

The full list of contents for our Earthy Good Toothpaste Kit is listed below.  

Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate & Sodium Bicarbonate, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil & Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Xylitol, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil.

Included: 2.2 oz (60ml) Silicone Tube, 1 Bamboo Toothbrush, 1 Drop Counter, 1 Wood Spatula, 1 Furoshiki Wrapping Cloth, Instructions.

Click here to view the full instructions to make your homemade Earthy Good toothpaste.