Today, organics are praised as being the healthiest options. But how do organics fit into your dental hygiene? There are many types of toothpaste on the shelves today, including organic brands like Tom’s of Maine. What distinguishes them from other brands like Colgate or Crest is the ingredients they contain. How do you know if an organic toothpaste is right for you? We’ve put together a list of the top ingredients to help you make an informed decision.
Sweeteners
Although no toothpaste contains sugar – it leads to tooth decay, after all – nonorganic products do often contain some type of sweetener, such as saccharin, to improve the taste of the paste. Saccharin is much sweeter than real sugar, and experts debate its health benefits. By contrast, natural and organic products often contain sweeteners like xylitol and stevia, which come from natural herbs.
Dyes
Have you ever noticed that a lot of traditional kinds of toothpaste are blue? This is due to artificial dyes that give the paste a little pop of color to make it more appealing and attractive. Natural and organic toothpaste, however, is often white because it doesn’t use man-made dyes.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring tooth-strengthening mineral recognized by the American Dental Association (ADA) as a cavity fighter. There has been some debate surrounding fluoride, and some experts are concerned about its health effects. Many organic and natural toothpaste don’t contain fluoride, but you should check the ingredients of any toothpaste, natural or not, to confirm.
Animal Testing & Products
The other big difference between traditional toothpaste and organic or natural toothpaste is if they are tested on animals or use ingredients that come from animals. So, if you are passionate about animal rights, it might be important to you to use organic or natural toothpaste. They often don’t contain animal ingredients. However, they aren’t always free of animal testing or product, so be sure to call the manufacturer if you have any concerns.
Similarities
You might be wondering, with all these differences, if there are any similarities between organic and traditional toothpaste. Both share some of the same ingredients like carrageenan, a thickening agent that comes from red seaweed. They also both often contain glycerin, which contributes to its soft texture, but its source can be synthetic, animal-based, or plant-based.
Whether you are using organic, natural, or traditional toothpaste, be sure to check for the ADA Seal of Acceptance when choosing your toothpaste. This seal can help you determine the best toothpaste for your dental needs. But if you are still not sure if organic toothpaste is right for you, schedule an appointment with us today! At River Vista Dentistry, Dr. Marshall and his team are dedicated to helping you figure out the best course of treatment to keep your smile healthy and bright.