Toothpaste Alternatives

Commercial toothpaste contains chemicals, artificial flavors, preservatives and artificial sweeteners. Toothpaste is meant to work in tandem with a toothbrush and floss to clean teeth and gums and to maintain overall oral health. Proponents of toothpaste alternatives claim that this goal can be achieved with safer, all-natural products.

Sea Salt and Baking Soda

• Kitchen staples sea salt and baking soda can be used as an alternative to commercial toothpaste. Baking soda whitens teeth, while sea salt encourages salivation and eases toothaches. The increase in saliva production acts as an antibacterial solution for teeth, and the the baking soda even alkalizes saliva. HealingTeethNaturally.com encourages people to use sea salt rather than table salt because of sea salt's minerals and trace elements. Because all salts are corrosive, this method should not be used by people with metal fillings, crowns or braces.

Tooth Soap

• NaturalHealthRestored.com highly recommends Tooth Soap. It is a commercial product made with natural ingredients and essential oils that promote healthy gums. None of the Tooth Soap products contain fluoride, glycerin or sodium lauryl sulfate. Customers can choose between different flavors, including traditional peppermint, and between liquid and dry flakes.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Hydrogen peroxide is an alternative that naturally helps whiten teeth. There are a variety of hydrogen peroxides on the shelf, but if it is going in your mouth, it's important to buy food-grade hydrogen peroxide with a concentration of 3 percent or weaker. Both HealingTeethNaturally.com and NaturalHealthRestored.com recommend using hydrogen peroxide as an alternative periodically when you want a little extra whitening power. Prolonged exposure to hydrogen peroxide may penetrate enamel and weaken teeth.

White Clay

• Finely ground white clay is used as a toothpaste alternative by mixing it with boiling water, sea salt and tea tree or peppermint oil. Moistened white clay does not have a long shelf life, and although the oils prevent bacteria from breeding, it is best to make small batches of white clay toothpaste. HealingTeethNaturally.com argues that white clay is easy on enamel, increases tooth strength and helps prevent decay.

Xylitol

• Xylitol is a sugar alcohol sweeter used in cavity-preventing chewing gums. HealingTeethNaturally.com suggests brushing with pure xylitol powder as an alternative to toothpaste. Brushing with xylitol allegedly kills bacteria that causes tooth decay and plaque formation, eliminates tongue coating and prevents periodontal (gum) disease.