Conventional toothpaste is something that most of us use twice a day, 365 days a year. After all, the vast majority of people are brought up being told that it’s important to clean our teeth in order to have good dental health and avoid nasty conditions such as plaque, abscesses, or gum disease. And, it’s true – keeping teeth clean and healthy is vital to not only our oral health but our physical health overall. But, did you know that toothpaste contains a serious toxin that can cause harm? Fluoride can be so poisonous, that there is a warning on each tube of toothpaste advising people to call Poison Control if they accidentally swallow more than the amount used for brushing. Because of this, it’s no surprise that more and more people are turning to natural alternatives for brushing their teeth.

Do We Need Fluoride?

The truth is, the science behind fluoride backs the fact that fluoride is not necessary for either toothpaste or water to keep teeth clean and healthy. Tooth decay is on the decline, both in countries that do and don’t fluoridate their water, proving that the addition of this toxin to water and toothpaste is not actually necessary to good oral care. Even those who have studied at the best dental assistant schools are recommending alternatives to some patients.

Fluoride Free Toothpaste

As more and more people begin to realize that swallowing even a small amount of this toxin each day is not going to do them much good, fluoride free toothpaste is in high demand. Along with making your own using a range of different ingredients, there are a number of natural brands which supply non-fluorinated paste that you can use without worrying. However, if you’re planning on buying a branded fluoride-free toothpaste, it’s good to keep in mind that they often contain glycerin, a material which can coat the teeth and block them from re-mineralizing.

Bicarbonate of Soda

For many people who choose natural alternatives to fluorinated toothpaste, bicarbonate of soda paste is a go-to. Using this popular kitchen cupboard ingredient, you can make a range of different pastes, for example, a bicarbonate of soda and lemon juice paste which can help to whiten the teeth. However, be careful as to how often you use this ingredient as a toothpaste, as prolonged use over time can actually cause enamel erosion.

Sea Salt

Sea salt is a natural antibacterial agent, which can be used for brushing and cleaning your teeth. Literally just using sea salt on its own to brush your teeth with is often enough to keep them clean, although it may take a while to get used to the salty taste. You can also mix with some natural soaps such as Bronner’s liquid soap, which will keep your teeth clean and healthy, once you have gotten used to the soapy taste.

If you’re worried about the amount of fluoride in your toothpaste and don’t like the idea of putting this toxic substance in your mouth each day, these natural alternatives can do just as good a job of keeping your teeth and mouth clean and healthy.