Natural Alternatives to Toothpaste

Your smile is a huge factor that doctors (and even scientists) use to figure out how healthy you are. Good oral health will allow you to sidestep thousands in medical bills and dental care bills, so yes, you do need to keep care of your teeth.

While it's great to brush your teeth on occasion, the fact is that many mainstream toothpaste brands are really not that healthy for you. They may contain fluoride, which kills bacteria but weakens teeth. Others may contain aluminum, which has been shown to increase Alzheimer's risks. Most contain titanium oxide, which has been linked to cancer.

Fans of a crunchy lifestyle often look for natural alternatives to toothpaste as a way to avoid the bad chemicals and reap the rewards of a healthy lifestyle. Here are some of the best alternatives — of both the DIY and ready-made kinds.

Natural DIY Toothpaste

One of the best natural alternatives to toothpaste that you can find is the one that you make at home. Simply put, when you know for a fact that there's no aluminum and grossness in your toothpaste, it's easy to feel safer while using it.

This recipe uses the cleaning power of baking soda, the lubrication of coconut oil, and the flavoring of stevia to create a great DIY toothpaste that tastes yummy and protects your teeth naturally.

Want to have a regular brushing experience, but don't want the possibility of fluoride in your toothpaste? One of the better natural alternatives to toothpaste on the market would be Uncle Harry's Fluoride Free Toothpaste, which comes in a variety of different flavors and is backed by dentists as being a good cavity prevention.

In terms of chemicals, there really aren't any aside from natural essential oils, sea salt, and natural mineral clay. So, you really can't get much more natural than this.

Peroxide and Baking Soda

If you're looking for natural alternatives to toothpaste that still offer whitening power, then why not go for this classic option? Mixing equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda makes for a great toothpaste that kills bacteria, prevents cavities, and also whitens teeth.

You can also get a similarly good, anti-plaque toothpaste going on by dipping your toothbrush into a tablespoon of baking soda, mixed with a pinch of salt.

If you enjoy trying to save money at Whole Foods, then you already might have noticed this brand in the grocery store's aisles. Tom's of Maine has been making quality, all-natural toothpaste for ages — and as such, has become a crunchy mainstay.

It's easy to find, inexpensive, and is made of natural ingredients. In other words, it's one of the best natural alternatives to toothpaste made by mainstream, fluoride-touting companies out there... and it's also one of the most convenient.

Sea Salt

Did you know that Ancient Romans actually used to brush their teeth with sea salt? It's true. Sea salt, though not the tastiest toothpaste alternative out there, does prevent cavities and whiten teeth due to its naturally abrasive texture.

As such, natural ol' sea salt is one of the oldest natural alternatives to toothpaste out there. If you wanna brush it like the Romans did, just dip your brush in sea salt, or dissolve the salt in water to enjoy the benefits of natural toothpaste.

Have kids? Well, peppermint toothpaste and such things may end up being difficult to get them to use. In these cases, one of the best natural alternatives to toothpaste would have to be from Earth's Best Toothpaste.

This toothpaste comes in a fruity, sweet, apple-pear flavor that kids love. It's fluoride-free, and is actually safe if swallowed — unlike many of the other toothpaste alternatives you'll find.

The safety alone speaks volumes about the quality and ingredients put into it. If you have a child under three years of age, this is one of the best natural toothpaste alternatives you can choose for your tot.

Coconut Oil

If you're looking for a more tropical twist when you're enjoying natural toothpaste, then why not try brushing your teeth with coconut oil. Coconut oil, when applied to a toothbrush, is one of the best natural alternatives to toothpaste out there.

The reason why is because coconut oil has natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. So, those properties kick into gear when you dip your toothbrush into a little bit of coconut oil during your tooth-brushing time.

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