Fluoride and Sulfate Free: Do You Need a Natural Toothpaste?

Davids natural toothpastes

The Davids brand only has two toothpastes, but all of them are made with the maximum use of the gifts of nature in the USA. Calcium carbonate is obtained from natural limestone mined in Pennsylvania. It, as the brand’s official website promises, is used as a soft abrasive and prevents the appearance of plaque. The mint for the brand is grown in several American states at once - it goes through a steam distillation process, after which the essential oil becomes the basis for the aroma of Davids pastes. The pastes do not contain sulfates and fluoride (the labels on the packaging literally scream about this), are not tested on animals and are bottled in metal tubes that can be recycled.

What is sodium lauryl sulfate

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an anionic surfactant whose main properties are to dissolve fats, cleanse, form foam and wet.

The cleansing function of lauryl sulfate is its ability to oxidize, which is why after using cosmetics with SLS a film remains on the skin and mucous membranes. Its effects are manifested by the following symptoms:

• rash;
• redness;
• irritation;
• peeling;
• allergic reactions.

In addition, the water-fat balance of the skin is disrupted and sebum production is stimulated. Lauryl sulfate easily enters the internal organs through the epidermis, accumulating in them. The kidneys, heart, liver, brain and especially the eyes can be affected. The chemical affects the protein tissue of the organs of vision, causing cataracts.

SLS has not been proven to be carcinogenic, but it is known that it can cause cancer when it reacts with other substances. In men, SLS can lead to decreased fertility.

Organic Lebon pastes

The Lebon brand is a love story between the art and science of natural cosmetics. Its founders are a married couple: art critic and professional photographer Stephanie and her pharmacist and dermatologist husband Richard. Lebon toothpastes contain organic green tea and aloe vera, which prevent the growth of bacteria and plaque, protecting teeth and gums. A separate line of Whitening whitening pastes contains papaya extract - it gently removes plaque without causing damage to the enamel. The brand is based in France, and their products smell as if the aromatic compositions were collected in the perfume laboratories of Grasse - there are aromas of yuzu and ylang-ylang, orange blossom and mint, rooibos tea and pineapple.

What is the composition of other oral products

Modern toothpastes include calcium compounds instead of fluoride. Among the most popular types are lactate, citrate, pantothenate and calcium glycerophosphate.

Calcium-based dental gels and toothpastes help protect against caries, and also prevent possible inflammatory processes and bleeding gums.

Healthy toothpastes are made from herbs and extracts, and also include enzymes that can effectively clean plaque. In addition, they may contain mineral salts, oils, fragrances, mint and other herbs.

Fluoride-free products are available for children, adults, people with especially sensitive teeth, for those who suffer from gum inflammation, etc.

Weleda, salt toothpaste

Weleda is a world-famous manufacturer of organic cosmetics that has also encroached on the territory of dental care. Their paste, of course, does not contain surfactants or fluoride, or any synthetic dyes or preservatives. The main component is sea salt, which stimulates salivation and increases the cleansing ability of the remaining ingredients. Among them: myrrh extract and chestnut bark to tone and strengthen gums, mint essential oil for fresh breath and soft abrasive particles to cleanse teeth.

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Fluoride-based compounds used in toothpastes have both positive and negative effects.

Modern scientists have proven that an excess of fluoride is the cause of many nervous and bone diseases, and the amount of fluoride in one small tube is deadly for a child.

So what is included in popular and advertised toothpastes?

• Aminofluoride (or olaflur) is known for its high remineralizing function. It affects the enamel, creating a special film on it, due to which fluoride will affect the enamel for a longer period.
• Tin fluoride. Despite its high remineralizing ability, tin fluoride stains weakened areas of enamel, leaving dark spots and streaks.
  This component of the pastes can change the color of fillings, and in addition, aggravates inflammatory processes in the gums.
• Sodium fluoride. This component is used for antibacterial oral care.
  The main feature of this compound is its rapid strengthening effect on teeth. For adults and children, sodium fluoride has good anti-caries protection. Upon contact with saliva, this component instantly releases active fluorine.
• Aluminum fluoride is almost not excreted from the body. This element can be deposited in nerve cells, thereby causing dementia and mental disorders.
• Sodium monofluorophosphate. It can have a positive effect on teeth only if you brush your teeth for a long time, that is, more than two minutes. Forms a quickly washed off protective layer.

Fluoride-free toothpastes Kiss My Face

Despite the name, the Kiss My Face brand has products not only for facial care, but also for hair, body and three lines for the oral cavity: for children, with fluoride and without fluoride. All fluoride-free toothpastes, which are now so exciting for the organically minded public, contain olive, tea tree and aloe vera oils with the addition, of course, of mint. The rest of the formula varies depending on the function of the paste - some are designed for sensitive mouths, while others are for whitening.

What's the harm?

Fluorine is part of more complex elements called fluorides, which are found in soil, water and vegetation.

Fluorides are considered toxic elements, thanks to this property they successfully defeat bacteria and harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity.

Fluoride resists the development of caries, but at the same time it has an aggressive effect on the dental shell itself, slowly killing beneficial bacteria in the mouth.

Fluoride has the following negative effects:

• in large quantities it is toxic to the body;
• increases the risk of bone tissue diseases and fluorosis;
• limits the normal absorption of iodine;
• accumulates in the thyroid gland;
• adversely affects the cardiovascular and nervous systems.

Excess fluoride and frequent use of “wrong” pastes lead to the accumulation of this element in the body. To avoid this, dentists recommend using such pastes once a week, and residents of some regions of Russia, where fluoride levels in water exceed the norm, completely abandon them.

An increased fluoride content in drinking water, that is, an indicator equal to 1.1 mg/l and higher, is observed in the following regions of Russia:

• Western part of Siberia;
• Mordovia;
• Ural region;
• Tambov;
• Nizhny Novgorod Region;
• Leningrad region;
• Tver and Moscow regions.

The following video will supplement the information about the dangers of fluoride on the human body:

Auromere, Ayurvedic toothpaste without mint

Suddenly, mint (and with it menthol and eucalyptus) fell out of favor with the Ayurvedic brand Auromere - they produce a paste where, instead of mint, licorice root is responsible for the freshness and taste. They describe the paste formula as “gentle but effective.” 24 components of natural origin, approved by the teachings of Ayurveda, are responsible for effectiveness. For example, neem, which, judging by the description, treats everything, including vegetative-vascular dystonia, but in the paste acts as a gum protector. Or miswak - an extract of the root of the El Salvador tree. Since ancient times, sticks from this root have been used to clean teeth, and it is added to Auromere paste in the form of an extract to prevent the formation of caries.

What is sodium laureth sulfate

Another aggressive component of household chemicals and cosmetics is sodium laureth sulfate (SLES). It is especially valued by manufacturers because, being cheap, it creates thick foam and the illusion of an economically consumed product.

Sodium laureth sulfate irritates the oral mucosa and epidermis, especially in people with sensitive skin and allergies.

Like SLS, it reacts with other ingredients in skin care products to form dioxins and nitrates, and increases the risk of cancer. Laureth sulfate, like its analogue, suppresses the immune system and destroys skin proteins.

At first glance, it seems that both types of sulfates cause the same harm to the skin, hair, mouth and internal organs. But laureth sulfate (SLES) has a less aggressive and irritating effect on the skin, although it dries it more. Its side effects on the body are lower than those of lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Where else is SLES and SLS used?

Initially, sodium sulfates were used in industrial cleaning agents for machines and mechanisms, for degreasing engines and various surfaces.

In medicine, substances have found use as skin irritants for experimental purposes. In this way, scientists tested the effectiveness of drugs to relieve irritations.

Sulfates are most widespread in the production of household chemicals, decorative and caring cosmetics. About 90% of all shampoos contain sodium lauryl and laureth sulfates. Also, these elements are often found in shower and wash gels, shaving foam, dishwashing liquid, makeup remover and intimate hygiene, washing powders, and liquid soap. Sulfates in creams and products that are not washed off the skin are especially harmful.

How to choose a safe toothpaste?

When buying a hygiene product, you should look at the order of the ingredients in the composition. The higher the concentration of a substance in a product, the closer to the beginning of the list it is listed and vice versa. It is important that all ingredients, not just the active substances, are listed both on the packaging and on the tube. If this is not the case, perhaps the manufacturer is unscrupulous and is hiding something from the consumer.

If you have any doubts about whether to take a product with or without fluoride, you should review your diet and roughly calculate your daily intake of the microelement. It is also important to take into account the fluoridation of tap water and the degree of filtration. In some cities, water is saturated with fluoride in large quantities, and then it is better to abandon fluoride-containing pastes.

List of the best

People increasingly began to carefully study the composition of the components in teeth cleaning products, trying to abandon harmful chemicals. Unfortunately, today's market is still filled with hygiene products that are not fully natural in composition.

But still, there are not so few manufacturers of organic cosmetics, so anyone will have plenty to choose from.

Thai

Natural toothpastes from Thai manufacturers are unique in their own way. They have practically no analogues and have a basic set of properties necessary for complete oral care.

The pastes whiten well, regenerate gums and strengthen enamel, contain essential oils and are characterized by a powdery structure.

• Herbal remedies help get rid of plaque;
• An alternative is an organic gel cleanser made with mangosteen bark. Its color is also black, it has a pleasant smell and taste. Able to cope with tartar in a few weeks.
• inflammation of the gums and weakening of the enamel will be corrected by a hard paste with clove extract;
• A black cleanser, which has such an unusual color for this product due to the content of bamboo charcoal, will do an excellent job of cleaning tooth enamel;

The main feature of natural Thai pastes is their fairly concentrated composition, so they should be used strictly in doses. To do this, you can purchase a special toothbrush and spatula.

Indian pastes are a good alternative. They are also famous for the predominance of natural ingredients. Indian manufacturers have only positive consumer reviews.

Table 4. The best examples of “healthy pastes” and powders from Thai and Indian manufacturers.

• Quick view
  Toothpaste with pineapple and cloves 5 Star Toothpaste with pineapple extract and cloves 5Star 5A Herbal has such a pleasant, tropical aroma that many people choose it because of this. The ability to freshen breath for a whole day is not the only advantage of the drug. Its ability to improve the microflora of the oral cavity, strengthen the gums and roots of the teeth, and eliminate plaque and tartar is also well known.

  160 ₽

• Quick view
  Thai toothpaste with cloves ISME Rasyan Thai whitening toothpaste with clove extract ISME Rasyan Herbal Clove Toothpaste witch Aloe Vera & Guava Leaf​ is a natural product for daily oral hygiene. The product effectively whitens, freshens breath, and prevents the development of caries. It has a powdery consistency and a pleasant aroma.

  220 ₽

• Quick view
  Thai toothpaste with noni extract 5 Star herbal 5Star Cosmetic toothpaste with noni extract copes with oral problems much faster and more effectively than other products. Caries, periodontal disease, tartar, smoker's specific plaque, bleeding gums - all this recedes before the powerful healing effects of 5Star toothpaste with noni extract.

  160 ₽

• Quick view
  Whitening toothpaste with clove 5 Star 5A Toothpaste with clove 5 Star 5A gently whitens teeth, freshens breath and prevents the development of oral diseases. The product has a pleasant herbal aroma and powdery consistency, due to which it is consumed economically. It is made on a natural basis and is suitable for frequent use.

  160 ₽

• Quick view
  Toothpaste with papaya and clove extract 5 Star 5A Toothpaste with papaya and clove extract 5 Star 5A Herbal Clove & Papaya is a natural product for daily oral care. The product has a powdery consistency, pleasant taste and aroma. It prevents the development of dental diseases, freshens breath and whitens enamel.

  160 ₽

Ayurvedic powders

For those who prefer to use non-foaming teeth cleaning products, Ayurvedic tooth powders are suitable. You can purchase them in environmentally oriented online stores.

Most tooth powders are made in India. A distinctive feature of these products is their varied composition and bright aroma.

Domestic tooth powders are more accessible and cheaper. However, they have nothing worthwhile in their composition. That is, they are neither harmful nor beneficial. In their production, no more than 2-3 ingredients are used. Moreover, Russian powders made according to GOST contain calcium carbonate, that is, chalk. And it is a fairly rough abrasive substance that can damage tooth enamel.

For children

Among well-known manufacturers of natural teeth cleaning products, you can easily find toothpaste for children. When choosing, again, you should pay attention to the fact that the product is free of chemicals, parabens, sulfates, antibiotics and other harmful substances.

Children's toothpastes are manufactured under such popular brands as:

• neoBio. Produces fluoride-free products containing a cleansing bio-extract and xylitol that fights pathogenic microorganisms;
• natura Siberica. The manufacturer produces natural products based on Siberian oils, extracts and herbs.
• twin Lotus. It is a line of herbal pastes from Thailand. Children's products are presented in a large assortment. You can choose among dozens of pasta flavors and aromas;
• weleda. German manufacturer of organic pasta for adults and children;

How dangerous substances are masked in formulations

Often, manufacturers of hygiene products deliberately distort the names of harmful components in the composition and replace them with others. Thus, lauryl sulfate, obtained during oil refining, is often disguised as an analogue extracted from coconuts or coconut oil (Sodium Coco Sulfate).

The inscription “Paraben free” (without parabens) on the label is not always true. The manufacturer may deceive customers by indicating methyl paraoxybenzoate or ethyl paraoxybenzoate in the composition. But this does not change the essence: these substances still remain parabens, although the word “paraben” is not present in their name.

What are parabens in toothpastes?

Parabens are substances added to increase shelf life. Thanks to them, the composition is stored for many years without spoiling the product.

In addition to serving as a preservative, parabens are intended to do the following:

• destruction of bacteria that cause infection on the gums and teeth;
• suppression of the growth of fungal microflora, preventing stomatitis.

Parabens have the ability to accumulate in tissues and gradually cause toxic effects. In some patients they lead to allergic reactions, which are harmful to health.