What is natural toothpaste ?

Issa D | 13 August 2023
Reading time : about 6 minutes
What is natural toothpaste ?
Contents

    A natural toothpaste is one that is made from natural ingredients, such as plants, essential oils and minerals, rather than synthetic chemicals. The aim of using these natural ingredients is to clean and protect teeth naturally, without using chemicals that can be harmful to the body. Natural toothpastes can be an interesting option for those looking to use healthier, more environmentally-friendly products. However, it's important to note that, as with all oral care products, it's important to follow the instructions for use and consult an oral health professional before starting to use natural toothpaste.

    Plants in natural toothpaste

    Many natural toothpastes are made from natural ingredients such as plants, essential oils and minerals. Some examples of ingredients commonly used in natural herbal toothpastes include :

    • Baking soda powder, which is a natural whitening agent that can help remove stains from teeth and reduce plaque build-up.
    • Clay, which can be used as a gentle cleansing agent and help balance the pH of the mouth.
    • Coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants and can help protect teeth against decay and strengthen gums.
    • Peppermint, an essential oil that can help freshen breath and soothe inflamed gums.
    • Activated charcoal, which is a natural whitening agent that can help remove stains from teeth and improve tooth whiteness.

    It's important to note that, as with all oral care products, it's important to follow the instructions for use and consult an oral health professional before starting to use natural herbal toothpaste.

    Essential oils in natural toothpaste

    Many natural toothpastes are made from natural ingredients such as plants, essential oils and minerals. Essential oils are aromatic substances extracted from plants and used in perfumery and natural medicine for their therapeutic properties. Some essential oils commonly used in natural toothpastes include :

    • Peppermint, which is a refreshing essential oil that can help freshen breath and soothe inflamed gums.
    • Tea tree oil, an antiviral and antimicrobial essential oil that can help prevent mouth infections and reduce bad breath.
    • Eucalyptus oil, an expectorant essential oil that can help relieve headaches and reduce gum inflammation.

    It's important to note that, as with all oral care products, it's important to follow the instructions for use and consult an oral health professional before starting to use natural toothpaste with essential oils. It is also advisable to be careful with essential oils, which can be irritating or toxic when ingested or inhaled in large quantities.

    Origin and history of natural toothpastes

    The use of natural substances to clean teeth and protect the mouth dates back to ancient times. In many cultures around the world, substances such as salt, charcoal, clay and herbs have been used to clean teeth and improve breath.

    The first known toothpaste in paste form was made in ancient Egypt from a mixture of salt powder, sand and tree bark powder. The Romans also used natural toothpastes, made from ingredients such as vinegar, garlic and honey.

    Over the centuries, new substances were added to natural toothpastes to improve their performance and taste. In the Middle Ages, for example, Europeans began using soap to clean teeth and adding herbs and spices to enhance the aroma.

    Over the last few centuries, natural toothpastes have become increasingly popular due to their potential to be more environmentally friendly and to offer health benefits by avoiding the use of synthetic chemicals. Today, there is a wide variety of natural toothpastes available on the market, made from a wide range of natural ingredients such as plants, essential oils and minerals.

    How to make your own natural toothpaste

    You can make your own natural toothpaste at home from simple, natural ingredients. Here's a simple recipe for making homemade natural toothpaste :

    Ingredients :

    • 2 tablespoons baking soda
    • 1 tablespoon white clay
    • 2-3 drops peppermint essential oil
    • water

    Directions :

    1. In a bowl, mix the baking soda and white clay until well blended.
    2. Add 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil and enough water to make a smooth paste.
    3. Use the toothpaste as you would conventional toothpaste, putting it on your toothbrush and brushing as usual.

    It's a good idea to add other ingredients such as coconut oil or activated charcoal to add whitening properties. It's also important to remember to follow the instructions for use and consult an oral health professional before starting to use natural homemade toothpaste.

    The benefits of natural toothpastes

    Natural toothpastes can offer many oral health benefits. Here are just a few of the potential benefits of using natural toothpastes :

    • Gentle cleaning : Natural toothpastes can be gentler on teeth and gums than conventional toothpastes, as they are made from natural ingredients rather than synthetic chemicals. This can be particularly beneficial for those with sensitive teeth and gums.
    • Protects against decay : Many natural toothpastes contain ingredients such as coconut oil, which is rich in fatty acids and antioxidants and can help protect teeth against decay.
    • Freshens breath : Certain essential oils used in natural toothpastes, such as peppermint, can help freshen breath and soothe inflamed gums.
    • Non-toxic : Because natural toothpastes are made from natural ingredients, they can be considered less toxic than conventional toothpastes, which often contain synthetic chemicals.

    It's important to note that, as with all oral care products, it's important to follow the instructions for use and consult an oral health professional before starting to use a natural toothpaste. In addition, it's advisable to research different brands and choose those made with quality ingredients and independently tested to guarantee their efficacy and safety.

    Precautions when using natural toothpastes

    It's important to follow certain precautions when using natural toothpastes :

    • Follow instructions for use : As with all oral care products, it's important to follow the instructions for use of natural toothpaste, including how much to use and recommended brushing frequency.
    • Consult an oral health care professional : If you have any doubts about using natural toothpaste, or if you have any oral health problems, it's advisable to consult an oral health care professional before starting to use toothpaste.
    • Be careful with essential oils : Some essential oils can be irritating or toxic when ingested or inhaled in large quantities. It's important to be careful about the essential oils used in natural toothpastes, and to ensure that they are of the right quality and diluted appropriately.
    • Beware of allergies : If you are allergic to an ingredient used in a natural toothpaste, it is important not to use it, and to consult an oral health professional if you experience allergy symptoms.

    By following these precautions, you can use natural toothpaste safely and enjoy its oral health benefits.

    Published on 13 August 2023 at 12:33

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    Issa D

    Issa D

    Web Editor

    I am a doctor and the dean of the Naturopatandco team. My main role is to popularize the information as much as possible to make it pleasant to read. My family has always valued the use of nature and plants to heal itself.