Keeping up with dental hygiene is one of the most important things you could do for your health. Poor dental/oral health can obviously lead to gum disease, cavities, and tooth decay, but it is also linked to more serious issues like diabetes, endocarditis and other cardiovascular diseases, pregnancy complications, etc.; oral hygiene is also linked to our overall gut health. Brushing your teeth is one of the most effective ways to prevent diseases of all sorts, so it's important that we choose what toothpaste to use wisely.

Fluoride or Hydroxyapatite?

There has been more recent controversy if using fluoride is harmful to us or not; it's long been the standard in the U.S. to use fluoridated toothpaste and receive fluoride treatments at the dentist, since it is known to prevent cavities. Some studies have shown, however, that fluoride can have some neurotoxic effects and cause cognitive deficits in children with early exposure to fluoride; other studies say that its inconclusive and fluoride needs to be studied more to determine if it is actually to blame. Other countries like Japan, however, use an ingredient called hydroxyapatite in their dental products, which is a naturally occurring mineral found in our bones and teeth. It works to remineralize our enamel, can have a whitening effect, and has no known neurotoxic effects, so it's a great alternative to fluoride. It's important to be informed about the risks and benefits of what you put into your body, whichever decision you may choose.

Why Non Toxic?

I personally have made an effort to switch my toothpaste to a hydroxyapatite-based one. After having looking at the ingredients that were in common toothpaste brands, like SLS, artificial colors and flavors, parabens, fragrances, all of which are known endocrine disruptors and can affect fertility, I decided I wanted a product that had less of those ingredients and focused on remineralizing my teeth and reducing potential fertility issues down the line. I also enjoy experimentation, so I wanted to see if I wouldn't have any cavities by my next dentist appointment after switching toothpastes (I have a few months to go). Plus, the studies I've read made me think a little harder about fluoride, though most of the results regarding the neurotoxic effects are related to ingesting fluoride itself, like in our drinking water, but there can be residual fluoride on our teeth after we brush that we can ingest further and that can compound over time. Overall, there are some fluoridated toothpastes out there that have more minimal and better ingredients in them than most, so there are plenty of options for everybody!

Here's my recommendations for the 8 best non toxic and natural toothpastes:

Boka

Boka toothpaste was one of the first ones I switched to, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! It is formulated with nano-hydroxyapatite, which is slightly different than hydroxyapatite in the sense its particles are smaller, making it easier for our teeth to absorb it. It's also great for whitening, and doesn't contain SLS, parabens, or artificial flavors. In addition to their mint flavor, also comes in a variety of other flavors like lemon lavender, cinna mint, coco ginger, and their seasonal flavor, cherry blossom. This toothpaste has more of a gel-like consistency than that of a normal paste, but it didn't bother me that much; my go-to is the mint flavor. Boka also has a line for kiddos, with flavors like orange cream and watermelon mint that are also fluoride-free!

David's

David's is another alternative brand that I've tried that I also enjoy. It also contains nano hydroxyapatite, and is fluoride and sulfate-free. I also liked that it came in a metal tube and included a metal key that you can attach to the end of the tube, so you get every last bit of the toothpaste. It's even EWG-verified, which is a win-win! It contains baking soda, which paired with the nano hydroxyapatite, can have great whitening effects for your teeth!

Risewell

Another popular option for a hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste is Risewell. It is fluoride and sulfate-free, and contains no parabens or artificial colors or flavors. It is also triclosan-free; triclosan is an antibacterial and antifungal agent that can be found in certain products, including toothpaste. Prolonged exposure may cause bacterial resistance, and it is also a known endocrine disruptor. I'm glad Risewell doesn't include this harmful ingredient in their toothpaste. In addition, Risewell also has a PRO mineral toothpaste with nano and micro hydroxyapatite, instead of normal hydroxyapatite, that you can get on their website directly. Lastly, they also have a kids toothpaste that comes in a cake batter flavor, which is fun and different than most kids flavors you typically see!

Tom's of Maine

Tom's of Maine is a decent option on the market for both fluoridated and non-fluoridated toothpastes. It contains minimal ingredients, and the non-fluoride version contains baking soda for a whitening effect and peppermint essential oil to make your teeth feel minty fresh. However, both of these formulations contains SLS, which is a foaming agent that can strip away protective layers in our mouth and possibly cause ulcers within it; it can also cause skin and lung irritation if ingested. If you have no problems with your mouth and enjoy the feeling of a foamy toothpaste, this is a good option regarding the other ingredients being simple. It's also made its way in grocery stores, making it convenient to buy when out and about.

Dr. Bronner's

A staple brand in the non-toxic world, Dr. Bronner's toothpaste is another great fluoride-free option, and affordable, too! It's made up of 70% organic ingredients, and is free from SLS and other foaming agents, preservatives, sweeteners, and artificial colors. Baking soda and potassium cocoate are the cleaning agents of choice, and organic peppermint oil makes your mouth feel fresh!

Himalaya Botanique

Himalaya Botanique is a unique fluoride-free toothpaste, in that it uses papaya and pineapple enzymes to help whiten your teeth, and pomegranate to help fight plaque. It also contains an ingredient called Neem, which is derived from the Indian Lilac tree, and reduces plaque build-up and overall promotes gum health. This toothpaste is also free from SLS, carrageenan, and gluten. Give it a try here!

Wellnesse

Wellnesse combines both the remineralizing ingredient of hydroxyapatite and neem oil to help fight plaque, all to brighten and strengthen your smile. Peppermint essential oil is also used to give it that minty fresh flavor we love. It's free from sulfates, SLS, parabens, and even glycerin. There has been some debate of whether glycerin inhibits the remineralization of teeth, as it can leave a coating on the teeth, but it is also water-soluble, so saliva can dissolve glycerin off of your teeth. If you're cautious of glycerin, Wellnesse toothpaste is a good option.

Bite

If you're looking for a toothpaste option that is non toxic and also lowers your environmental impact, look no further than Bite toothpaste bits. You just pop one in your mouth, chew it up, and brush with a wet toothbrush and you're good to go. The ones I recommend are the ones with nanohydroxyapatite, but they make versions with fluoride and activated charcoal that are equally as good, as they are all formulated without artificial colors, dyes, flavors, and sulfates.

*Disclosure: The links in the article above are affiliate links, so if you are inclined to make a purchase based on the recommendations, the author will make a small commission. Thank you for your support if you so choose.*