There's no arguing that toothpaste is a beauty essential. However, it can be difficult to decide which one to buy. I often change between toothpastes and tend to pick popular brands, but I'd love to try some great alternative toothpastes. Commercial, popular toothpastes tend to have an awful lot of ingredients in them and some chemicals that I have no idea how to pronounce, let alone what effect they may have on the human body. Anyone else know the actual effects "Sodium Lauryl Sulfate" or "Hydrated Silica" have on the body without looking them up? Me neither. I am putting these ingredients (and others) into my mouth each day and I have no idea what they are. This kind of scares me.
Sure it would be difficult to track every single ingredient in the processed foods we eat, personal care products we use, and makeup items we can't live without but it could be a good idea to educate ourselves a little more. There are organizations such as the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics that educates consumers on the potentially harmful products they may encounter in their beauty products. In any case, sometimes natural options are the best for your body.
So here are a selection of alternative, (mostly) natural toothpastes to help you avoid any nasty chemicals.
1. The Refreshing Toothy Tabs
Ultrablast Toothy Tabs, $11, Lush
Have you ever tried a toothpaste containing triple mint, wasabi, and lavender? How about a solid toothpaste? Well now you can experiment with Lush's creative and exciting invention, Toothy Tabs. All you have to do is crunch the tabs up using your front teeth and begin brushing with a wet toothbrush and they'll start to foam just like a commercial "soft" toothpaste. If "Ultrablast" doesn't sound like your cup of tea, Toothy Tabs are available in a thrilling range of flavors with fantastic names such as "Breath of God" which contains sandalwood, fennel, and vanilla or "Aquatic" which contains jasmine, lime, and Earl Grey. Toothy Tabs are so intriguing and innovative and they remind me of something Heston Blumenthal might have cooked up.
2. The Antiseptic Pink Toothpaste
Euthymol Original Toothpaste Tube, $4, Amazon
I was first introduced to Euthymol through having sleepovers at my friends' house and they were using this toothpaste option. Euthymol contains no fluoride, which is commonly found in many commercial toothpastes. In Dr. Joseph Mercola's article for The Huffington Post he reported that, "Studies have repeatedly linked fluoride to reduced IQ and brain damage," which is terrifying considering he also found that, "Despite the evidence against it, fluoride is still added to 70 percent of U.S. public drinking water supplies." So it would seem most sensible to attempt to decrease the amount of fluoride we put into our bodies. There are now a range of fluoride-free toothpastes out there, but Euthymol is awesome because it's antiseptic and pink; which is a fun novelty bonus!
3. The Salt Toothpaste
Have you ever thought about using a toothpaste containing salt? On talking about the benefits of salt water mouthwash rinses, Dr David Kerr informs readers on Today's Dentistry that salt is a natural disinfectant. Weleda's unique Salt Toothpaste was "Developed with the cooperation of European dentists" and includes organic blackthorn flower extract to purify your gums. I'm chomping at the bit to give it a try!
4. The Toothpaste From The Earth
Earthpaste Wintergreen, $5, Amazon
The makers of Earthpaste couldn't find a toothpaste which didn't include coloring, fluoride, glycerin or foaming agents so they decided to make their own. Earthpaste is made from only five ingredients which come from the earth, hence the name. This flavor named "Earthpaste Wintergreen" seems very fitting for the approaching winter season, but they have a selection of flavors available from "Earthpaste Cinnamon" to "Earthpaste Lemon Twist" depending on your preference. This particular flavor includes Wintergreen Essential Oil, Menthol, and Tea Tree Oil which sounds like a fresh combination.
5. The Ayurvedic Toothpaste
Ayurvedic Licorice Toothpaste, $9, Amazon
Auromere Ayurvedic Toothpaste is fluoride and gluten free and is comprised of entirely natural botanical extracts and essential oils. Auromere is comprised of barks, roots, plants and flowers, which makes this toothpaste a must have personal hygiene product for nature lovers. Plus it sounds like a toothpaste a fairy might use, which makes me want to order some right away.
6. The Coconut Oil Toothpaste
Coconut Oil Teeth Whitening Toothpaste, $12, Amazon
Coconut oil is used in so many products and can be used for plenty of purposes; it can be used in an array of beauty routines and coconut oil can be used for cooking. So it makes sense that someone would make a coconut oil toothpaste. The Cocodent Toothpaste formulation is based on a recipe from the founder's grandmother and it's so safe and mild that it can be used to clean the teeth of adults, kids, and pets.
7. The Contemporary Toothpaste
Marvis Toothpaste Flavor Collection Gift Set 7 Count, $32, Amazon
If you haven't visited the Marvis website you need to check it out ASAP. It features a sci-fi, interactive Home Page showcasing the flavors in their new "Different Collection." The whole thing reminds me of a cross between the Jurassic Park movies and modern sci-fi films like Elysium and Ex Machina. If that's not enough to convince you, according to the Marvis website, "Marvis is a stunning pleasure, a sensation of permanent wellbeing, an unbeatable smile." Which is advertising at it's finest. Consequently, I want one in every flavor.
Break out from beneath the influence of the commercial giants and try an alternative toothpaste. They could help decrease your fluoride intake, amuse you with their unusual color, or provide you with "a stunning pleasure." The choice is yours!
Images: KevinSchmitz/Unsplash; Courtesy Brands
