In the first hours of the morning, millions of Americans head to their bathrooms for a morning ritual. With eyes still weary from sleep, they squeeze out toothpaste on their brush and start cleaning their teeth. For some of these early risers, there’s a desire to ensure the products they use are as safe and natural as possible. There are plenty of products that say they’re all-natural. However, it’s only by knowing what ingredients they hold and what purpose they serve that you can be sure. While an ADA designation can tell you that the product is safe, it doesn’t guarantee efficacy. We will introduce some common ingredients in natural oral hygiene products and what they do for you.
One of the benefits of using natural oral hygiene products is how easy it can be to read the ingredient list. Most of these products take steps to avoid using chemicals with complex names, sticking instead to plant extracts. A number of ingredients you may find in these oral hygiene products include:
You’ll frequently find tea tree oil in natural oral hygiene products as a replacement for triclosan. Triclosan was a chemical included in toothpaste due to its ability to reduce contamination from bacteria. A number of studies were done that produced evidence that there are concerns with its use in bar soap and shampoo. In addition to battling bacteria, it also was shown to cause health concerns in the endocrine system, as well as producing antibiotic-resistant bacteria. It has since been banned from being used in soap and body wash. However, the ban did not impede its use in toothpaste products.
Thankfully natural oral hygiene companies discovered that tea tree oil shared many of the same properties, without the drawbacks. This natural antifungal and antibacterial makes a wonderful oral antiseptic. It’s also been shown to strengthen enamel and reduce gum inflammation.
Halitosis, or unpleasant breath, is a concern faced by many people. Even those with excellent oral hygiene can experience episodes of bad breath. Magnolia bark is a popular ingredient in natural oral hygiene products due to its ability to battle halitosis. In addition to freshening your breath, it also does an excellent job of reducing tooth decay. Needless to say, it’s a popular addition to sugar-free chewing gum and natural toothpaste.
Xylitol has been finding its way into a growing number of natural oral hygiene products, including chewing gum. Xylitol is an extract of a plant that has a wonderful ability to reduce the presence of bacteria in the mouth. It’s also capable of reducing the ability of bacteria to stick to your teeth, further slowing decay. A benefit of including this in chewing gum is that the gum itself serves to get debris, bacteria, and plaque off your teeth.
These three ingredients are an important part of any effective natural oral hygiene product.
You’ll gain a lot of insight into the products you use by speaking to your dentist. They’re experienced with many different oral hygiene care techniques and the latest news on their efficacy. Call them today to schedule your next bi-annual appointment.
