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Natural Alternatives to Toothpaste

Brushing your teeth is essential to dental health, but controversy about the health effects of fluoride and other additives in toothpaste prevents many people from embracing toothpaste as part of their dental cleaning regimen. However, natural alternatives to toothpaste are available and inexpensive. Always consult with your dentist before beginning any natural dental cleaning program.

  1. Baking Soda

    • Baking soda cleans and deodorizes teeth, kills bacteria and acts as a natural whitener. Many manufactured toothpastes contain baking soda, which works well on its own as a natural alternative to toothpaste. Mix baking soda with enough water to make a paste and then apply it to your toothbrush. Although its flavor is strong, you can freshen your mouth afterwards with mint or mouthwash.

    Hydrogen Peroxide

    • Another natural toothpaste alternative is hydrogen peroxide, which you must purchase in its food-grade form, a 3 percent solution that is weaker than the kind commonly found in drug stores. Even though you cannot apply this liquid to your toothbrush, hydrogen peroxide will fulfill toothpaste's purpose and sterilize your toothbrush. Like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide cleans, deodorizes and sanitizes your mouth and it has a strong flavor.

    Coconut Oil

    • Brushing or rinsing with coconut oil immediately after you consume sugary or acidic foods will protect your gums and fight bacteria in your mouth. Coconut oil acts as an alkaline and neutralizes the acid that corrodes teeth and leads to the formation of cavities. Compared to baking soda and hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil is more expensive but has additional culinary uses.

    Other Sources of Fluoride

    • Although some seafood contains minute amounts of fluoride due to the natural presence of fluoride compounds in the ocean, no substantial source of fluoride exists in food or liquid form apart from fluoridated tap water, which is easily available in the United States. If you choose not to use manufactured toothpaste, drink tap water to acquire a regular dose of fluoride, which protects teeth against dental caries.

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