At a glance
Regularly using toothpaste, mouthwash and floss helps clean your teeth while cutting down on plaque-causing bacteria. When plaque builds up, it creates tartar, a precursor to gingivitis. Though most conventional toothpastes use fluoride to strengthen teeth, many naturals manufacturers are now using botanical extracts to keep bacteria at bay and to fortify teeth naturally. Herbal formulations can also help whiten teeth and heal gum tissue without chemicals.
Ingredients to look for
Xylitol
Neem
Zinc citrate
Tea tree oil
Spotlight on: The Natural Dentist
The Natural Dentist, based in Medford, Mass., has been confidently using xylitol in its oral care products since 2007. The ingredient is a naturally occurring sugar in many fruits and vegetables, and adds a natural sweetness with a low glycemic index while destroying cavity-causing bacteria.
“We were so impressed by positive oral health data, from European studies of children chewing xylitol gum, that we started researching it for inclusion in our products,” says Connie Gregson, The Natural Dentist’s vice president of research and development.
The company now sustainably sources its xylitol from corn cobs. TND adds sage and peppermint oils to the xylitol found in its Antigingivitis Rinse, a powerful combination for combating gingivitis and treating inflammation.
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Editors’ picks
Kiss My Face Triple Action Aloe Vera Toothpaste: The “triple action” of this cool mint toothpaste includes Icelandic moss as a natural whitener, organic aloe vera to soothe and heal damaged tissue, and tea tree oil to clean and fight bacteria.
Natural Dentist All Natural Antigingivitis Rinse in Peppermint Sage: Relying on grapefruit seed extract and menthol to cleanse, Natural Dentist adds plaque-fighting peppermint and sage oil and soothing aloe vera to provide a fresh, clean feeling.
Tundra Trading Xylichew Mints: For on-the-go oral care, pop these mints packed with xylitol, a natural sweetening agent that also has antibacterial properties—inhibiting the production of lactic acid (which can eat away at teeth) and increasing the body’s absorption of calcium, which helps harden teeth.
Xlear Spry Coolmint Toothpaste: Another paste packed with xylitol, Xlear adds natural spearmint flavor, aloe vera and parsley seed oil to this minty brushing aid.
Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil Dental Floss: This floss gets in those hard-to-reach places and leaves behind naturally antiseptic tea tree oil.