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Ingredients in Organic Toothpaste

Pumice, eggshell and burned horn are some of the ingredients used in toothpaste by ancient Romans. Other ingredients in toothpaste in history include salt, baking soda, chalk and sometimes charcoal. Today's organic toothpastes are made up of other items found in nature for flavor and detergent purposes, in direct contrast to commercial toothpastes, which add such chemicals as artificial sweeteners, detergents and preservatives. Organic toothpastes can be relied upon to combine a basis for dental health with environmental conscience.

  1. Flavors, Colors and Fragrances

    • Peppermint is a common natural sweetener in organic toothpaste.

      Only natural ingredients are used for flavors, colors or fragrances. Peppermint, wintergreen, cinnamon and anise (licorice) are popular ingredients for flavoring. Fruits like strawberry may be added to children's toothpaste. Xylitol (made from corncobs and birch) may be used as a natural sweetener. No coloring is added, so the result is usually white due to chalk or baking soda, but can appear pink if geranium oil is used or green if chlorophyllin copper complex is an ingredient.

    Detergents and Preservatives

    • Vegetable-based glycerin, such as used in natural soap, may be added as an emollient.

      No artificial detergents or preservatives are used in organic toothpaste. If glycerin is added as an emollient and humectant, it is vegetable-based instead of animal-based. Chalk, baking soda, silica and green clay are often used as mild abrasives. Zinc citrate is used to control tartar, and xylitol doubles for plaque prevention.

    Cavity Prevention

    • Rose hips are a source of calcium and Vitamin C, and are sometimes added to organic toothpaste.

      Fluoride and fluoride-free formulas are available in organic toothpaste. Currently, the US Food and Drug Administration only recognizes fluoride to prevent cavities. Three forms of fluoride are used: sodium monofluorophosphate, sodium fluoride and stannous fluoride. These are regulated at levels low enough be included in toothpaste. However, many people prefer fluoride-free toothpaste. In these formulas, calcium is often added instead, from sources such as carrots and rose hips. Vitamin C is also found in these items, and is of additional health benefit.

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