We all have a morning routine. You’re in a hurry. You grab your toothpaste to start brushing your teeth. You fix your hair, pour your coffee, and you’re out the door. Next time you’re at the sink brushing, pause to take a look at what’s in your toothpaste, and consider natural toothpaste.

Why does it matter? You’re not ingesting your toothpaste (well hopefully not). You brush and rinse the toothpaste down the sink. It matters because the mouth is one of the most absorbent parts of the body. That means most of the ingredients inside your toothpaste immediately enter your bloodstream when you brush. 

Yet toothpaste falls into the cosmetics category. As I’ve discussed in other articles, cosmetics is one of the least regulated industries in the U.S. Even many “natural” brands contain toxic ingredients. If you’re brushing a couple of times a day, your exposure to these harmful ingredients adds up over time. 

Check out the top common ingredients to avoid in toothpaste below. Then, learn how to choose a natural toothpaste you’ll love.

Common Toxic Ingredients To Avoid In Toothpaste 

1 – Artificial Colors

Found mostly in children’s toothpaste, many artificial colors contain petroleum. They also tend to contain carcinogens and heavy metals such as lead and mercury.

2 – DEA (diethanolamine)

This foaming agent is an endocrine disrupter, which affects your hormone balance. In addition, it can interact with other ingredients to form nitrosamines, which are linked to cancer.

3 – GMOs (Genetically Modified Organisms)

Genetically modified organisms have a negative effect on the body. According to the Institute of Science in Society, “It is clear that genetic modification is inherently hazardous, as it invariably results in unpredictable and uncontrollable changes in the genome and the epigenome (pattern of gene expression) that impact on safety.”

4 – Artificial Sweeteners

That minty fresh after-brush taste feels great. But make sure your toothpaste isn’t artificially sweetened. Artificial sweeteners (like aspartame) increase gut inflammation, increase your risk of diabetes, and create a glucose intolerance in your body, among other negative side effects. 

5 – Parabens

Parabens are known as endocrine disrupters. They pose as estrogen and can lead to cancer and hormonal issues. You may know to check your beauty products for parabens. But toothpaste often contains this harmful ingredient.

6 – Propylene glycol and PEGs (polyethylene glycols)

These ingredients are called “penetration enhancers.” Their job is to purposely help product ingredients absorb into your skin more easily. That means any toxic ingredients in your toothpaste absorb into your mouth and bloodstream more quickly. Companies put these toxic chemicals in beauty products, lotions, and . . . toothpaste.

7 – (SLS and SLES) or General Sulfates

Toothpaste companies add sulfates as foaming agents to help spread the product throughout the mouth. Sulfates break down protective lining in your mouth, called the oral mucosa. This leaves your mouth more susceptible to germs and other irritants. 

8 – Fluoride

When fluoride accumulates in the body, it’s highly toxic. Unfortunately, most tap water contains fluoride. That means most people are already exposed to it on a regular basis.

Some experts believe fluoride helps protect against cavities. So you may have difficultly finding fluoride free toothpaste. The cons of fluoride arguably outweigh the pros.

For example, Fluoride is linked to increased risk of cancer, fertility issues, thyroid and kidney disease, among other health complications. In addition, a recent study even found that exposure to fluoride during pregnancy can harm IQ and cognitive development in children. 

9 – Triclosan

Triclosan acts as an endocrine disruptor, linked to hormone imbalance, cancer, and thyroid disorders. The FDA banned Triclosan from antibacterial soap for safety reasons in 2016.

Yet somehow Triclosan is still legal in toothpaste. Why? Because it’s believed to help fight gingivitis. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have something the FDA deemed as toxic for my hands inside my mouth two times a day.

Disclosure: Thank you for reading and sharing my content! The suggested products are ones that my family and I would also use, but I may collect a small commission on purchases made through some of the affiliate links on this page.

Find The Best Natural Toothpaste

Prebiotic Natural Toothpaste

Your oral cavity is an extension of your digestive system. That’s why I suggest swapping out your toothpaste with an all-natural, prebiotic toothpaste. Prebiotic toothpaste helps to support a healthy microbiome and supplies the mouth with vitamins, enzymes, and minerals. This cleans the teeth and encourages the healthy growth of good oral bacteria.

I use Revitin toothpaste–an all-natural, fluoride-free prebiotic toothpaste. It’s a great option for cleaning your teeth, supporting healthier gums, and overall wellness. I love this toothpaste–it leaves my teeth feeling fresh and clean.

And, although I don’t eat my toothpaste, it’s safe enough to swallow. Chemicals in other toothpastes may break down your mouth’s natural defense. That’s why doctors created this toothpaste; it helps maintain and rebalance your mouth’s natural shield.

Check out the full ingredient list and product description HERE.

Homemade Natural Toothpaste Recipe

Do you love DIY products? Another healthy option is to make your own toothpaste. Check out my favorite recipes for toothpaste below:

• Recipe for Probiotic Toothpaste
  
• Recipe for Remineralizing Toothpaste

Is Your Toothpaste Safe?

Wondering how your current toothpaste rates? The answer may surprise you. Well-known toothpaste brands that advertise as “natural” still contain toxic ingredients.

You can easily check your toothpaste’s scorecard here. This chart lists dozens of toothpaste brands and what potentially harmful ingredients they contain.