The Best Non Toxic Toothpaste Guide
Written by:
Maia James
01/29/2024
Updated: 04/04/2024
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It’s one of those everyday essentials–and one that goes in our mouths–so I’m not surprised that so many of you are interested in finding the best non-toxic toothpaste.
Finding a truly safe toothpaste goes far beyond looking for a “fluoride-free” label. (And even the fluoride thing can be controversial—some of you may want it in toothpaste!).
Many toothpastes—both natural and conventional, for adults and kids–include a lot of ingredients, many of which are sneaky or bad. I guess that’s what happens when we expect a product to do a lot of things, like look appetizing, taste good, feel sudsy in our mouth, whiten our teeth, prevent cavities, and leave us with a “fresh” feeling.
Read on to learn what’s unsavory about most toothpaste, and how to find the best non-toxic, natural toothpaste for adults, kids, and even babies.
Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Adults)
Essential Oxygen Organic Natural Toothpaste
If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste that tastes and feels like the old ones you used to brush with, you’ll want to try Essential Oxygen. It’s minty, foamy, and non-gritty, all with completely safe ingredients.
Why Safe, Natural Toothpaste Matters
Choosing a non-toxic, natural toothpaste is important for both adults and kids. Because we use toothpaste multiples times a day, we have frequent exposure to the ingredients.
Also, toothpaste ingredients can be absorbed into the body through the lining of our mouths. And little kids, of course, end up swallowing more toothpaste than they spit out. (Can you blame them? Kids’ toothpastes come in flavors like bubble gum and strawberry!)
Many parents ask me, “Is it safe to swallow toothpaste?” The answer to that question depends entirely on the ingredients list. If you prioritize natural, clean foods, you should also prioritize natural toothpaste and oral hygiene products.
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What’s Wrong with Conventional Toothpastes?
Most toothpastes are full of ingredients I wouldn’t want to put on my body, let alone in my mouth. I’m particularly disappointed to see how many kids’ toothpaste options contain bad stuff, given how much kids tend to swallow. Even many “safe to swallow” toddler or baby safe toothpastes have ingredients I wouldn’t consider edible.
For instance, Colgate’s supposedly kid-friendly toothpastes contain concerning ingredients like propylene glycol (linked to cancer and reproductive damage), artificial colors (linked to ADHD), and PEG-12 (can be contaminated with toxic 1,4-dioxane and ethylene oxide).
Toxic Ingredients in Toothpaste
Fluoride is the most controversial toothpaste ingredient, and I will get to that in a minute. Here’s what else you need to look for when reading a toothpaste label:
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used to make products foam. SLS can irritate the skin or lining of the mouth, and its cousin SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) is often contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane. I don’t worry about SLS as much in soaps or shampoos, which we wash off, and I’m fine with it in household cleaners. Because toothpaste goes in our mouths where it can be absorbed and swallowed, SLS should be avoided in toothpaste.
- Artificial preservatives such as parabens are everywhere, including in toothpastes. Parabens mimic estrogen and are implicated in breast cancer. No causal relationship has been proven, but because we’re exposed to parabens from many cosmetic sources, I recommend avoiding them wherever you can.
- Artificial colors, some of which are linked to ADHD, are used in many conventional toothpastes, especially kids’ gel formulas. White toothpastes usually get their squeaky clean look from coloring agents such as titanium dioxide. Titanium dioxide can be carcinogenic in nano-particle form, and nano-particles could be absorbed through the lining of the mouth.
- Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin are often used to sweeten toothpaste. Saccharin has neurotoxic effects in some people who consume it in low-calorie or sugar-free foods. It’s a bad idea for kids’ toothpastes, given the potential for swallowing.
- Propylene glycol is linked to cancer, reproductive damage, and extreme skin irritation, and is often used in toothpastes to give them a smooth texture.
One formerly common toothpaste ingredient you no longer need to worry about is triclosan. This antibacterial agent forms carcinogenic chloroform when it comes in contact with water that contains trace amounts of chlorine, and has been banned in soaps. At last it’s been phased out of all toothpastes sold in the United States–even Colgate Total!
Our Top Pick: Best Natural Toothpaste (Kids)
Jack N’ Jill Calendula Natural Toothpaste
This natural toothpaste comes in nine fruity flavors and is safe for babies as young as six months. Xylitol, which has anti-cavity benefits, is the primary ingredient. All flavors are free of fluoride.
What About Fluoride in Natural Toothpaste?
Fluoride is supposed to prevent tooth decay and cavities and help us have strong bones. But for decades, there’s been a debate about whether fluoride is healthy and effective as an additive to drinking water and toothpaste.
I’m definitely not a fan of fluoride in drinking water. The Harvard School of Public Health reported that fluoride “adversely affect[s] cognitive development in children,” causing as much as a 7-point lower IQ. There is also persistent concern that fluoride can cause reproductive damage in high enough doses.
If you’re worried that skipping fluoride means inviting a mouth of rotten teeth, there is evidence that vitamin D may help prevent cavities.
For these and other reasons, I recommend filtering fluoride out of drinking water–but if you have a cavity-prone child like I do, you might decide to use a natural toothpaste with fluoride.
Best Natural Toothpaste with Fluoride
Attitude Natural Toothpaste
My pick for those of you looking for a natural toothpaste with fluoride is Attitude–they have formulas with fluoride for adults and kids. The only downside (besides the fluoride!) is the inclusion of sodium benzoate in Attitude’s toothpaste. Otherwise, the clean ingredient list is about as good as you can get.
Is Hydroxyapatite a Safe Alternative to Fluoride?
Hydroxyapatite, a naturally occurring mineral and the main component of tooth enamel, has gained recognition for its role in oral care products, including toothpaste. As an ingredient in toothpaste, hydroxyapatite has shown promise in remineralizing tooth enamel. Its ability to form a protective layer on the tooth surface helps repair microscopic enamel damage, contributing to improved overall oral health.
What (Else) Is Wrong with Natural Toothpaste?
For most people, I recommend choosing fluoride-free toothpaste. And yet toothpaste has to be more than fluoride-free in order to be safe.
Unfortunately, many “natural” toothpaste contain concerning ingredients similar to what’s found in conventional toothpastes, such as:
- Surfactants, usually coconut-derived substitutes for sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), are popular ingredients in many “SLS-free” toothpastes. I’m concerned about some of these SLS alternatives in natural toothpaste because of the delicate and absorbent lining of the mouth. Examples of these kinds of surfactants are sodium coco-sulfate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, potassium cocoate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, and sodium methyl cocoyl taurate. It’s confusing, though, because when you look at each of these SLS substitutes one by one, some really do appear to be benign. For instance, sodium cocoyl glutamate and potassium cocoate each gets only a 1 from EWG, and they seem like a great substitute for SLS/SLES. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, on the other hand, gets as high as a 5 from EWG, so I recommend avoiding toothpastes that contain it. It may, however, be okay as a foaming agent in products that you do not put in your mouth–such as shampoo.
- Preservatives will show up in paraben-free toothpastes, and they still worry me. Sodium benzoate is suspected to cause damage to mitochondrial DNA, and is a persistently controversial ingredient. More research (especially long-term studies) is needed, but for now, this ingredient knocks brands out of our Best Stuff category, though they may still be Good Stuff. Potassium sorbate and sorbic acid have raised concerns due to mild allergic reactions in some users, but you will find these in brands we call Best Stuff.
- Carrageenan, derived from seaweed, is a common thickening agent in toothpaste. Animal studies suggest that it leads to intestinal inflammation and colon tumors. It’s probably fine in toothpaste for adults, but I’d avoid it in products used by swallowing-prone kids.
Natural Toothpaste Ingredients I am NOT Worried About
There are several controversial ingredients that I’m not so worried about in natural toothpastes. These include:
- Glycerin. There’s a small but heated debate about whether glycerin, a very common ingredient in both conventional and natural toothpastes, is healthy for teeth. Some people claim that glycerin in toothpaste coats the teeth, blocking their ability to re-mineralize (or repair themselves with minerals from our saliva). It’s true that re-mineralization is crucial to the health of our teeth. It’s not clear, however, that glycerin-based toothpastes seriously interfere with this process. Honestly, I’m on the fence about this, so I’m giving the Okay Stuff label to otherwise safe toothpastes that are glycerin-based. (See Good Stuff for glycerin-free toothpastes).
- Clays are a potentially problematic ingredient in natural toothpaste because they can contain trace amounts of lead. After lots of research and digging into the independent testing of the bentonite clay used in Earthpaste, I’m convinced that it’s safe. The amount of lead in clay is much less than the naturally occurring amounts found in food like spinach or sweet potatoes. Also, the lead in clay doesn’t seem to be bio-available (meaning your body won’t absorb it even when it is present). Even better, there is compelling evidence that bentonite clay might actually RID the body of lead. You should always do your own research, but this is where ours has lead me, and I feel confident calling Earthpaste Good Stuff.
- Sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and erythritol are used in toothpastes for sweetness and anti-cavity benefits. When consumed in high enough amounts (usually as sugar replacements in food and beverages), they can cause digestive upset in some people. As a result, many parents ask me for recommendations of xylitol free toothpaste. Ultimately, I think this is more or less unnecessary. I don’t think they’re harmful in the small amounts found in toothpaste, and I like that xylitol and erythritol have anti-cavity benefits. The bottom line here is that there’s no need to go out of your way to choose a non toxic kids toothpaste without xylitol or sorbitol. (If you’re concerned about sugar alcohols, Earthpaste’s peppermint flavor is xylitol free, as are Tooth Soap’s products.)
- Essential oils are used in some natural toothpastes in place of artificial or natural flavors, and sometimes for added anti-cavity/pro-mouth benefits. Some people don’t like the idea of using essential oils in ingestible products, and some people have sensitivities to specific oils. I think that high-quality essential oils like the ones in the Good Stuff are safe in the amounts found in toothpaste, but if you want to avoid them, check out Poofy Organic’s toddler tooth gel, Jack n’ Jill’s toothpastes, and some of the Tooth Soap products (all Best or Good Stuff). Limonene, in particular, is found in various cosmetics, many of which are natural and organic. EWG considers limonene a definite skin and respiratory irritant, with potential carcinogenic properties. But there are different forms of limonene, and some research suggests that it has antioxidant and anti-cancer properties. Confusing? Yes. Deadly in toothpaste? Probably not, especially if you’re not guzzling it by the tube.
What Is the best Non Toxic Baby Safe Toothpaste?
Many kids’ toothpastes are officially for ages two and up. So what about younger toddlers and babies?
Teaching little ones to brush and getting them used to the tickling sensation of bristles is definitely important, but all you really need to use is water plus a soft-bristled brush or silicone toothbrush beginning with their earliest teeth.
You can hold off on toothpaste until they’re toddlers, or later. (Toothpaste isn’t actually essential to oral health—the brushing action of the toothbrush is. Flossing and a healthy diet are crucial, too, of course.)
If you feel compelled to use more than water (and/or kid’s your doc or dentist says you need to), try some of the Best or Good Stuff listed below. Our favorite brushes for the little teeth are as follows:
Best Stuff: Best Natural Toothpaste Brands
Earthpaste Natural Toothpaste
Earthpaste is a clay-based toothpaste with only four or five ingredients: purified water, food-grade bentonite clay, sea salt, essential oils, and xylitol. For those of you concerned about xylitol, the spearmint flavor is xylitol-free. It’s safe for all ages and the lemon flavor is particularly popular with kids.
Ingredients: cinnamon water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, cinnamon leaf, sea salt, cinnamon bark essential oil, tea tree essential oil peppermint water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, sea salt, peppermint essential oil, menthol, tea tree essential oil lemon water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, lemon essential oil, sea salt, tangerine essential oil, lime essential oil, lemon verbena essential oil wintergreen water, bentonite clay, non-GMO xylitol, nano silver solution, sea salt, wintergreen essential oil, menthol, tea tree essential oil spearmint water, bentonite clay, nano silver solution, sea salt, spearmint essential oil, menthol, tea tree essential oil
Price per ounce: $2.10 (the most affordable Best Stuff!)
Essential Oxygen Organic BR Toothpaste
This natural toothpaste gets extra points for being organic, and is free of glycerin, sodium lauryl sulfate, and fluoride. It contains hydrogen peroxide for whitening, and is low-abrasion. It contains aloe vera and a blend of essential oils for a pleasant, minty flavor. My husband prefers this one over Earthpaste.
Ingredients: Active Ingredients: Hydrogen peroxide, food grade 1.5% Inactive Ingredients: Aloe vera solution, deionized purified water, guar gum, calcium phosphate, coconut flour, peppermint oil, spearmint oil, stevia, clove oil, lemon oil, rosemary oil, cinnamon oil, witergreen oil, eucalyptus oil, frankincense oil, coconut oil.
Price per ounce: $2.25
Poofy Organics Toothpaste
Poofy Organics toothpastes are unique because they’re entirely organic. Poofy’s adult toothpaste and tooth powder are for ages five and up. (The tooth powder is also clay free in case you’re not as comfortable as I am with responsibly sourced clay. Poofy gets theirs from Living Clay because they test it thoroughly.)
Poofy also makes an organic baby/toddler toothpaste that I like, but I’m listing it under Good Stuff because it contains glycerin.
Ingredients: Distilled Water, Organic Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Organic Maranta Arundinacea (Arrowroot) Powder, Bentonite Clay, Aluminum-Free Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Organic Erythritol, Organic Menthol Crystals (crystals produced from cornmint (Metha arvensis) essential oil extraction), Organic Peppermint Essential Oil, Organic Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Essential Oil, Organic Eucalyptus Globulus (Eucalyptus) Essential Oil, Organic Elettaria Cardamomum (Cardamom) Essential Oil, Organic Cinnamomum Zeylanicum (Cinnamon) Essential Oil
Use code: MAIAJAMES for 10% off
RiseWell Natural Toothpaste
RiseWell remineralizing toothpaste contains hydroxapatite in place of fluoride (you can read about this natural toothpaste ingredient above). RiseWell is flavored with only essential oils, and free of surfactants of concern. And those of you who have tried it say it’s incredible! Use code GIMME10 to get 10% off everything on Risewell’s site.
Ingredients: Silica, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Xylitol, Hydroxyapatite, Calcium Carbonate, Propanediol, Potassium Cocoate, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract, Mentha Arvensis (Wild Mint) Oil, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Cinnamomum Cassia (Cinnamon) Bark Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Peel Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil, Cellulose Gum, Sodium Gluconate, Menthol, Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract, Erythritol, Xanthan Gum, Eucalyptus Globulus Extract, Illicium Verum (Anise) Extract.
Price per ounce: $4.13
Tanitabs Natural Toothpaste Tablets
Tanitabs are toothpaste tablets that employ the cleaning power of charcoal. We love that these eco-friendly toothpaste products don’t require you to toss yet another non-recyclable toothpaste tube into a landfill when you’re done.
Tanitabs are made with scientifically-backed ingredients like hydroxyapatite and xylitol. One order should last you for about two months, and the jar they come in is fully reusable or recyclable.
Use code GIMME at checkout for 20% off anything at Tanit.
Ingredients: Xylitol (35%), Calcium carbonate, Kaolin (White Clay), Hydroxyapatite (10%), Sodium cocoyl isethionate, Aloe barbadensis (Aloe Vera) leaf juice powder, Stevia, Natural flavor, Sodium Bicarbonate, Mentha virdis (Spearmint) extract, Camellia sinensis (Green Tea) extract, Senegalia senegal (Acacia) gum, Melaleuca alternafolia (Tea Tree) leaf oil, Citrus grandis (Grapefruit) seed extract
Price per gram: $0.12 per tablet with our discount code
Tooth Soap
Tooth Soap makes a line of unique tooth-cleaning products that aren’t toothpaste, per se. Tooth Soap comes in gel, whip, liquid and “shred” forms.
I like that their formula is very simple and therefore skips almost all of the ingredients that are obviously or subtly concerning. They use a saponified extra virgin olive oil, coconut oil, water, essential oils and/or natural flavors as their base. I haven’t used any of these products, but based on the good ingredients and their cult following, I’d say they’re worth trying.
Ingredients: Saponified Olea europaea (organic extra virgin olive oil) and cocos nucifera (organic coconut oil), distilled water and essential oil.
Price per ounce $6.24
Wellnesse Natural Toothpaste
Wellnesse toothpaste has a clean list of ingredients, and their formula is fluoride and glycerin-free. Wellness uses hydroxyapatite for remineralization.
Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Sorbitol, Purified Water, Sodium Bicarbonate, Xylitol, Silica, Hydroxyapatite, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Flavor, Xanthan Gum, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Seed Oil, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract
Price per ounce $3.75
Good Stuff: More Natural Toothpaste options
The reason these brands aren’t listed as the Best Stuff is because they contain: 1) glycerin, which I’m personally not concerned about in toothpaste, but some people worry that it blocks teeth from re-mineralizing; and/or 2) limonene, a citrus-derived ingredient that I’m on the fence about; and/or sodium benzoate, a controversial food-grade preservative.
Attitude Natural Toothpaste
We had to downgrade Attitude to the Good Stuff because this toothpaste does include SLS and sodium benzoate on the ingredients list. We are leaving it as Good rather than Okay because we believe it is the best natural toothpaste with fluoride for those of you in search of that. This product is EWG verified.
Ingredients: Active ingredient: Sodium fluoride (0,243 % p/p) Use: Anti-cavities. Inactive ingredients: sorbitol, aqua, glycerin, hydrated silica, sodium sorbitol, aqua, glycerin, hydrated silica, sodium lauryl sulfate, mentha piperita (peppermint/menthe poivrée) oil*, xanthan gum, citric acid, stevia rebaudiana leaf / stem extract, sodium benzoate, carica papaya leaf extract, camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf extract, titanium dioxide, potassium sorbate, hydroxyapatite. Naturally contains: D-limonene.
Price per ounce $2.85
Bite Toothpaste Bits
This is another tube-free toothpaste alternative that comes in reusable or recyclable packaging. We like that these as an eco-friendly option for those who want a fluoride-free toothpaste. Instead, Bite contains hydroxyapatite, the non-toxic fluoride alternative we mentioned above. There are no preservatives, artificial flavors, or sulfates on the Bite ingredients list. Bite also offers a version with fluoride for those with cavity concerns. Note that Bite contains zinc citrate, which EWG considers moderately toxin.
Ingredients: Erythritol, Xylitol, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor (peppermint), Hydroxyapatite (nano), Sodium Bicarbonate, Guar Gum, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Zinc Citrate, Silicon Dioxide, Menthol
Price per tablet: $0.24
David’s Premium Natural Toothpaste
I am not worried about the carrageenan in there if this is used by adults, but I know it’s something a lot of people want to avoid. If you can overlook it, you might love the fresh, all-natural citrus flavor, which is surprisingly refreshing and leaves your mouth feeling clean.
Ingredients: calcium carbonate (limestone abrasive), vegetable glycerin, purified water, sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), xylitol (birch derived), hydrated silica, sodium cocoyl glutamate, carrageenan (seaweed derived), mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, menthol, elettaria cardamomum seed oil, illicium verum (anise) fruit oil, eucalyptus globulus leaf oil, citrus aurantium amara (orange) peel oil, eugenia caryophyllus (clove) flower oil, citrus limon (lemon) fruit oil, cinnamomum zeylanicum bark oil, capsicum frutescens (cayenne), stevia (leaf extract).
Price per ounce: $1.89
Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste
We love Bronner’s, and my parents have been using their products since the 1970s. I consider this natural toothpaste a safe option, but we put it in Good Stuff because of the glycerin that some of you may be seeking to avoid.
Ingredients: Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrated Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with Organic Coconut Oil), Organic Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Organic Mentha Arvensis (Menthol) Crystals, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Flour, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Organic Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf / Stem Extract
Price per ounce: $1.02
Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste
Jack N’ Jill Natural Toothpaste is a xylitol- and glycerin-based toothpaste for babies and toddlers (six months and up). Even picky kids are likely to find a favorite among one of their nine different fruit flavors. Xylitol, which has anti-cavity benefits, is the primary ingredient.
This is a good option if you’re concerned about using essential oils in an ingestible product. This is what my kids use and love! (And like I say above, I’m not worried about the glycerin.)
Ingredients: Flavor Free: Xylitol, Purified Water, Vegetable Glycerin (Coconut derived), Silica, Xanthan Gum, Potassium Sorbate (Naturally derived), Citric Acid.
Price per ounce: $0.25
Jason Sea Fresh Adult Toothpaste
Ingredients: Calcium Carbonate, Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Leaf Oil, Carrageenan, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (Certified Organic Ingredient), Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Powder, Carum Petroselinum (Parsley) Extract, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Seed Extract, Chlorella Pyrenoidosa Extract, Perilla Ocymoides Seed Extract, Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf/Stem Extract, Silica, Sodium Bicarbonate (Certified Organic Ingredient).
Price per ounce: $3.00
Poofy Organics Cheery Cherry Toddler Toothpaste
Poofy Organics Cheery Cherry Toddler Toothpaste is unique because it’s organic. It can be used as soon as baby’s first teeth emerge. I like that it only has a handful of organic ingredients: arrowroot powder, glycerin, erythritol (a sugar alcohol with properties similar to xylitol), bentonite clay, and cherry flavor (organic vegetable oil plus natural flavors). If you’re concerned about using essential oils in an ingestible product, this is a good option.
Ingredients: Distilled Water, Organic Arrowroot Powder, Organic Glycerin (soybean, maize or mustard), Organic Erythritol, Bentonite Clay, Organic Cherry Flavor Oil (organic sunflower oil, natural flavors)
Use code: MAIAJAMES for 10% off
Price per ounce: $0.41
Radius Natural Toothpaste
Radius Toothpastes contain glycerin, which I feel fine about but which some of you might avoid. None of the other ingredients is concerning.
My kids love the dragon fruit gel, and I like their whitening formula. Perhaps my favorite product from the Radius line is their dental floss –which contains no gross PFOAs or nylon. I’m also a fan of their eco-friendly toothbrushes.
Ingredients Dragon Fruit: Water, Glycerin*, Erythritol*, Chamomile Flower Extract*, Organic Flavors*, Guar Gum *, Aloe Vera Leaf Juice*, Neem Leaf Extract*, Coconut Water Concentrate*, Tapioca Maltodextrin*, Quillaja Saponaria Wood Extract*, Citric Acid, Hibiscus Flower Extract*, Holy Basil Leaf Extract*, Rose Flower Extract*, Radish Root Extract, Maltodextrin, Xanthan Gum *certified organic
Price per ounce: $3.30
Weleda Natural Toothpaste
Weleda Children’s Tooth Gel is a glycerin-based formula. It gets an EWG score of 2, but their calculation doesn’t include limonene.
The ingredients I’m not crazy about include the limonene and the “flavor.” The flavor is derived from essential oils, so skip this product if you’re worried about oral ingestion of essential oils.
I do like that this formula is relatively easy to find at brick-and-mortar stores and is pretty simple, with only 9 ingredients (including the limonene, which is part of the oils used in the flavoring).
Ingredients: Glycerin, water, silica , sodium alginate, calendula flower extract, sweet almond oil, esculin, aroma, limonene
Price per ounce $3.95
Okay Stuff: Not Our Favorite Toothpaste Brands
Boka Ela Mint
The combo of glycerin, sodium benzoate, and sodium lauryl sarcosinate lands Boka Ela in Okay rather than Good Stuff, but overall this is a decent choice for a hydroxyapatite-based natural toothpaste.
Ingredients: Water, Vegetable Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Sorbitol Powder, Silica, Nano-hydroxyapatite, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Mentha Piperita Essential (Peppermint) Oil, Mentha Viridis (Spearmint) Oil, Illicium Verum (Star Anise) Oil, Gaultheria Procumberis (Wintergreen) Oil, Xylitol, Xanthan Gum, Stevia Rebaudiana Extract Powder, Methylsulfonylmethane, Aloe Barbadensis (aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Sodium Bicarbonate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract, Mangifera Indica (Mango) Fruit Extract, Menthol, Elettaria Cardamomum Miniscula Seed (Cardamom), Potassium Chloride.
Price per ounce: $1.89
Theodent Natural Toothpaste
Theodent stands out because of one unique ingredient, rennou. This is an all-natural compound that remineralizes the teeth. In other words, it naturally strengthens your tooth enamel to eliminate sensitivity over time.
We looked into rennou, and it’s a safe-to-swallow ingredient. Interestingly, its most active compound, theobromine, is derived from the cacao plant. If you want a flouride-free product, this one is worth a a shot. We are calling this one Okay Stuff because it contains sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, which we prefer you avoid in general.
Ingredients: Purified Water, Hydrated Silica, Sorbitol, Xylitol, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Xanthan Gum, Titanium Dioxide, Citric Acid, Spearmint Oil, Sodium Benzoate, Stevia Extract, Sodium Bicarbonate, And Sugar-Free Vanilla Extract., Rennou(Tm) Theobromine, Calcium Acetate, And Sodium Hydrogen Phosphate
Price per ounce $4.70
Trader Joe’s Anticavity Peppermint Toothpaste
Not a bad option for a fluoride toothpaste, but it does contain carrageenan. All said, it is probably the most natural toothpaste you can pick up during an everyday grocery run. The convenience might be worth it!
Ingredients: Calcium carbonate, water, glycerin, xylitol, sodium cocoyl glutamate, foeniculum vulgar (fennel) oil, commiphora myrrh (myrrh) resin, hydrated silica.
Price per ounce: $1.19
Bad Stuff: Big Name Toothpastes to Avoid
The worst of the bad—thanks to the fact that they’re kids’ toothpastes that are supposedly “safe to swallow”—are Orajel’s toddler toothpastes. Even the ingredients in their fluoride-free toothpastes are awful, including propylene glycol, methylparaben and propylparaben, saccharin, potassium sorbate, and unspecified “flavor.” Orajel’s claim that they’re the “#1 pediatrician recommended brand for infants and toddlers” is baffling!
Otherwise, pick any mainstream toothpaste brand, and you’ll find at least a handful of concerning ingredients on the label. For example, Crest uses parabens and other concerning preservatives, cocamidopropyl betaine, artificial colors, PEG-6, PEG-8, PEG-12, and a bunch of other stuff you don’t want in your mouth.
Bottom line: When it comes to toothpaste, conventional brands you remember from the 1990s are Bad Stuff.
Sneaky Stuff: Greenwashed Natural Toothpastes
Most of Tom’s of Maine toothpastes have sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)—even the children’s formula. Tom’s admirably defends their use of SLS, but because there are SLS-free toothpastes available, I say skip it—especially for kids.
Tate’s The Natural Miracle Toothpaste (which I used to use and love!), for adults, has several concerning ingredients, including PEG-6 (can be contaminated with yucky stuff like1,4-dioxane), saccharin (can have neurotoxic effects in some people), and clove stem (natural, but a possible immune system toxicant).
Spry’s kid formula uses grapefruit seed extract, which sounds nice, but can be contaminated with scary stuff like triclosan. Even The Honest Company’s toothpastes—both the adult and kid formulas—have sodium lauroyl sarcosinate. Sodium lauroyl sarcosinate is also used in Nature’s Gate Natural Toothpaste for Kids.
Carrageenan is a potentially problematic ingredient in kids’ toothpastes, thanks to the potential for swallowing. You’ll find carrageenan in The Honest Company’s Strawberry Blast, Kiss My Face Berry Smart Obsessively Kids Toothpaste, Xyliwhite Orange Splash Toothpaste Gel for Kids, and Tom’s of Maine fluoride-free toothpastes for kids and toddlers.
You’ll find sodium benzoate in the tooth wipes Spiffies, and I say skip this one for the tiniest teeth.
I hope this updated toothpaste shopping guide makes finding the best natural toothpaste a little bit easier. Please comment with brands you’d like us to include in the next update!
Stay sane,
Maia, Founder & CEO
PS: A little more about my thoughts on fluoride here:
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170 responses to “The Best Non Toxic Toothpaste Guide”
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Thank you so much for updating the Toothpaste Guide, I really appreciate the great options and variety of choices listed!
I noticed Dr. Brite toothpaste was not in the list as well as the Hello brand. Curious where you would rank these brands based on their ingredients below? I appreciate any feedback you might be able to provide, thank you very much!– Dr Brite Whitening Toothpase Ingredients: aloe barbadensis (aloe vera) leaf juice, vegetable glycerin (soy free), hydroxyapatite (mineral), hydrated silica (mineral), xylitol, calcium carbonate (mineral), organic cocos nucifera (coconut oil), mentha piperita (peppermint oil), mentha spicata (spearmint leaf oil), mentha arvensis (menthol crystals), potassium cocoate (from coconut oil), sodium cocoyl isethionate (from coconut oil), calcium ascorbate (vitamin c), melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree leaf oil), xanthan gum (thickener), stevia rebaudiana leaf/stem extract, citrus aurantium dulcis (orange peel oil), citrus limon (lemon peel oil), azadirachta indica (neem extract), activated (coconut charcoal), illicium verum (anise extract), sodium chlorite
-Hello Activated Charcoal Toothpaste Ingredients: sorbitol (humectant), hydrated silica (polishes and cleans teeth), vegetable glycerin (soothes and moisturizes), xylitol (sweetener), purified water, charcoal powder (whitens, polishes and cleans teeth/ freshens breath), flavor (freshens breath), xanthan gum (thickener), titanium dioxide (mineral), cocamidopropyl betaine (cleanser), sodium cocoyl glutamate (cleanser), coconut oil (soothes and moisturizes), potassium sorbate (maintains stability), stevia rebaudiana leaf extract* (sweetener).
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Thanks for the updated list. What about the brand Hello?
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Thanks for this, Maia! I’m curious if you’ve taken a peek at FYGG (Feed Your Good Guys) as an HA toothpaste, allegedly even cleaner than Risewell and Boka. Thanks!!!
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Hi there! It seems like the Burt’s bees kids has been discontinued and wonder what you recommend now for a fluoride toothpaste?
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Hey Maia,
I hope you update this one soon. We were avoiding fluoride completely and were following the Weston A Price diet, but then I got my first cavities at age 30 and my daughter has had some bad cavities and my opinions on fluoride changed. I’m still trying to figure out the best ways to use fluoride and the best amounts. We’re using the more natural fluoride toothpastes, but they still have funky foaming agents—Sprinjene, Hello, and The Natural Dentist are the brands we’ve been using. I’m assuming they’d be sneaky stuff… We’ve also tried OraWellness tooth powder which seems good. Thanks for your guides!
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Looks like the Burt’s bees kids toothpaste has been discontinued too! 😕
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It appears as if UGLY by Nature toothpaste has been discontinued. It’s the only brand my seven year old likes and I’m sad to see it go. We’ll try Dr. Brite as an alternative. It looks pretty decent but I’m curious what you think. Thanks for putting together this invaluable guide!
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What about a toothpaste, with no flavor, for extremely sensitive teeth? HELP.
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I would love to know what you think of Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Whitening Toothpaste, Simply Mint. It’s fluoride, SLS, carrageenan and gluten free! Does it crack the Best Stuff list? ?
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How about something that doesn’t come in a plastic container? Anyone putting toothpaste in a tin or glass container? Or a recipe for making your own?
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I’m alergic to sugar alcohols, so no xylitol or erythritol for me. I’ve only found one toothpaste, so far, that I like. Dr. Shuch’s Remarkable toothpaste. I highly recommend it.
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Thank you for your page. Very valuable.
Kiss my face Kids BER Size 4z Kmf Kids Toothpaste Berry Smart 4z has now a Floride-free Toothpaste. You stated the rest of the ingredients were fine but I see Sorbic Acid and Carrageenan on the ingredients.
What do you think about that??? -
Earth paste has prop 65 warning for testing positive for LEAD in the clay. This is absolutely not safe.
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Can I get your thoughts on some toothpaste tablets, such as ‘Change’ toothpaste or Nelson’s Naturals? Both Cdn made and no plastic packaging.
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Hi Maia! What do you think about Bite toothpaste bits? I saw them on Shark Tank and have started using them recently. Thanks!
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I was able to find the KMF fluoride toothpaste on Amazon. Would you still recommend this one over the burts bees fluoride?
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Have you been able to look into Risewell or Boka toothpastes? I am interested in moving on from the Essential Oxygen toothpaste we currently use for something with hydroxyapatite in it to help tooth enamel.
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Earthpaste has lead. Why would you recomend a product with lead? I generally trust your site very much, but I think I have to research myself as well. You never mentioned that it has a Proposition 65 WARNING. I purchased them and found out later. That is upsetting.
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I ended up with severe dysplasia of the tongue & had surgery to remove it. Thankfully, it wasn’t cancer. I don’t smoke, vape or do any drugs. However my head/neck surgeon advised me to toss toothpaste & stick with basic Crest with/without tartar control. All others r full of chemicals, including Tom’s, Biotene, all the rest.
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Hey just wanted to let everyone know If your needing to know if a product is safe and dont have time to wait on a reply there is a great tool avaiable. Maia has posted an ingredient glossary you can use in a pinch. It has helped me tremendously and now I can look over a package and know immediately what products are safe to try and what I should pass on. Of course there are days that I space out and need a refresher lol. I love using this site as a reference and the glossary is just an amazing added bonus for me. Hope this helps others like it does me. Another helpful tip is any ingredient w a number is an automatic No-No for me which sadly eliminates so many products even at the health food stores.
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Can you please post a link to the guide? I can’t find it. Thanks!
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Hi! Do you have any toothpaste recommendations for a child with a history of canker sores?
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Hi there,
I noticed that you said you were not a fan of potassium sorbate for indigestible products, but I believe that Jack n Jill has this. Yet you mentioned you use it for your kids :). Is this considered safe?
Thanks!
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Any thoughts on the Hello brand for kids and adults?
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Hi – curious about a good toothpaste for use during pregnancy. Some of the good stuff options have ingredients that are not ideal when pregnant. Thanks!
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Thank you so much for all the research you do! Do you have any recommendations for nontoxic dental floss pick? These are so much easier to use for my 6-year-old.
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Hi I was wondering about Schmidt’s toothpaste for adults? Is this considered good stuff?!
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I just got Redmond Earth Paste that you recommended and after brushing my 3 year olds’s teeth and her swallowing most of it, I read right on the containner-
“Proposition 65 WARNING- This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause bith defects or other reporductive harm. This product may not be appropriate for consumption by children or pregnant women.”
Why would you have this product on your website? I bought 3 of them thinking they were safe!-
Jennith, I noticed the same thing and wondered that myself so I did a little research of my own. After spending hours searching through peer-reviewed articles (because that is the college student coming out in me) I found some interesting, yet reassuring, research and I thought I would share them with you and everyone else.
Good news, EARTHPASTE is everything this site has claimed it to be and it really is THE BEST STUFF. Here is a little background on the warning label you found… (I am coping and pasting mostly because it is late and I really do not feel up to paraphrasing right now)“In spirit, prop 65 is a great idea: In 1986, California lawmakers decided the public needs to know if their water supply contains toxic chemicals. So they compiled a list of 800+ substances and required any business using the substances to proclaim the use publicly. As a result, there are warnings all over the place — at banks, theme parks, grocery stores — which tends to confuse us as much as protect us.”
“Earthpaste’s most important ingredient is Redmond Clay, a food-grade bentonite clay that is naturally an amazing polishing agent for our teeth. Redmond Clay is ancient volcanic ash embedded in the earth’s crust, and like everything that comes from the earth, you’ll find the tiniest bit of naturally-occurring lead, which is on the prop 65 list.
Redmond Clay probably falls under the proposition’s exempted product definition — it is naturally occurring, in much smaller amounts than indicated by government agencies as dangerous, but the legislation is just ambiguous enough for us to worry about potential litigation. We’re pretty cautious around here, and not terribly interested in defending civil action by prop 65 watchdogs hoping for a settlement or share of daily fines. So we changed some packaging and added the warning.
We know the language on proposition 65 warnings is pretty heavy, but we wouldn’t sell any product if we weren’t completely satisfied by its safety. Like so many other companies, we’ve decided it’s simpler to change our packaging than worry about possible complications down the line. Fortunately, like so many other customers, you probably see so many prop 65 warning labels that you already understand our reasons. If you didn’t, we hope you do now!”
You can check out the sources yourself if you would like:
https://oehha.ca.gov/proposition-65/general-info/proposition-65-plain-languagehttps://www.earthpaste.com/prop65/regulation/
I hope this was helpful 🙂
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I was looking at the Burt’s Bees for kids but it contains carrageenan. I haven’t seen the Kiss My Face in stores either. Any other suggestions on fluoride toothpaste for kids that doesn’t contain carrageenan?
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Another brand I was interested in hearing your thoughts on was Davids Natural Toothpaste. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!
https://davids-usa.com/products/davids-premium-natural-toothpaste-5-25-oz?variant=767211221
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is earthpaste ok for very young kids who swallow the toothpaste (for example, a 2-year-old)? or is it more for older kids/adults? i emailed earthpaste a few times about any concerns with swallowing tiny amounts (like the size of rice), but they never wrote back. thank you!
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Hi! My husband was told by our doctor to use Tom’s SLS-free toothpaste… I know you wrote Tom’s is sneaky because of the SLS… but what do you think of their SLS free toothpaste? Thanks
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You should really give Pure Haven a try. Our products are 100% toxin free guaranteed. Maia, I’m happy to send you a tube to try so you can begin to evaluate our amazing products!
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I have to use toothpaste for sensitive teeth. Do you have any recommendations for that?
Thanks!
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Thank you so much for all of your research!!! I consult your website before I make any purchases! I was discussing toothpaste with my pediatrician recently and she said her holistic dentist reccomends PerioPaste and I was just wondering what are your thoughts on this product?
PerioPaste™ Organic Toothpaste 4oz Tube https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003NNBDAW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_0ruHCbG7F0SHT
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Also here to see if there is another recommendation for fluoridated toothpaste since KMF is no longer available!
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Hi. Love this site. Use it constantly. I recently learned that Kiss My Face was bought out a few months out and most stores have been unable to restock their products. I’m wondering if you have another recommendation aside from KMF for a toothpaste WITH fluoride!
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Hi! I’m having a hard time finding the KMF berry smart toothpaste for kids with fluoride- I believe they may be discontinuing it?! Could you recommend another toothpaste with fluoride?
Thanks!-
Hi, Vanessa. Yes… I’m having trouble finding it as well! Looks like KMF was bought out a few months ago. Most stores have sold out of their products and are unable to stock more. Hoping Maya will leave a recommendation for another toothpaste with fluoride!
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This brand looks pretty good:
https://www.akamaibasics.com/products/mineral-toothpaste
Any experience with them?
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It is best to choose carefully what toothpaste is good for our little kiddos. Thank you for sharing some of the best toothpaste to choose.
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Hi there! Thank you for all of this. What about Earth’s Best for kids? In the little yellow tube? I see you mentioned Earth’s Best in the header, but I can’t find it in the post.
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Hi! Thanks for this info! I love Auromere’s ayurvedic toothpaste, available at health food stores near where I live. What do you think of it?
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What do you think about Hello brand’s watermelon toothpaste?
I was using Jack n Jill, but my son ate it like crazy and it was so expensive anyway that I had to switch.
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Hi, what are your thoughts on Schmidts toothpaste?
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On the updated guide, the KMF toothpaste is your recommendation for fluoridated toothpaste but it also appears to be listed under your Sneaky Stuff. Is this the same product or a different version!
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Do you know anything about The Natural Dentist toothpaste with Flouride?
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As parents, it is really important to know the ingredients of the product that your kids use to ensure that the ingredients used can’t harm them. It is applicable not just for the toothpaste but all the products that they use often.
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I am so grateful for all your guides! I find myself visiting your site first when looking into trying new healthy products. Thank you, all your information and time is highly appreciated. One question, what do you think of Uncle Harry’s Toothpaste?
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We haven’t researched Uncle Harry’s toothpaste but I just looked at it and at first glance it looks like Good Stuff!
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Hello,
I am wondering what are your thoughts about Silca Herbal flouride free toothpaste. I have been using it for over a year now but I am now wondering about the silica and hydrated silica included, not to mention the SLS etc.
Thanks -
Hi Maia, I’d like to thank you for your explanation about getting a fluoride-free toothpaste for my kids. I had no idea that it can cause reproductive damage with its high doses. Once we do our weekly grocery, I will look for a fluoride-free product. More power!
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Thank you for sharing to us some of the tips on choosing the right toothpaste for our kids.
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You mentioned that Earthpaste Spearmint does not have xylitol, but the detail information on Amazon says xylitol is added ingredient. Which is correct, please? I cannot have xylitol.
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Hi Howard, The Earthpaste spearmint does not have Xylitol because it is unsweetened. Hope you buy from us!!!
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Have you ever heard of radius brand organic coconut oil toothpaste? I just got some at whole foods and it looks like it might be OK?
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Thank you for this list. Is Xylitol safe for toddlers considering that they swallow toothpaste? I looked online and there is a lot of negative about it in large quantities. If it’s the first ingredient in toothpaste does that mean it’s in a large quantity? I’m considering using Jack And Jill toothpaste for my 2 year old. Thank you!
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Hi! No, the amount a toddler might smaller is definitely not a large quantity. (You should only be using a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, no matter the brand, for a child that age.)
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Hi there. Jack n Jill toothpaste have reformulated and added “potassium sorbate (naturally derived)” as their last ingredient. What are your thoughts on this?
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I’m fine with potassium sorbate as a (food-grade) preservative.
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Why do you pick Kiss My Face Berry Smart Obsessively Kids Toothpaste over Tom’s of Maine for Flouride toothpaste? I’ve been using a rice sized spec of Tom’s of Maine with my LO (who is now 2.5 years old) for a while now but I’m starting to get concerned that many others use flouride free toothpaste. My pediatric dentist of course recommends the flouride toothpaste (twice a day), our pediatrician once a day. What to do what to do?
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Sound ok for toothpaste?
Thank you!Calcium carbonate, sorbitol, aqua, glycerin, sodium bicarbonate, silica, xylitol, mentha piperita (peppermint) oil, citrus medica limonum (lemon) extract, calcium ascorbate, melaleuca alternifolia (tea tree) leaf oil, menthol, sclerotium gum, coco glucoside, xanthan gum
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Sorry I should have added that this is green beaver toothpaste from r others who may be interested – but only their frosty mint flavour as I thought some of the others had more questionable ingredients.
Thanks!
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Redmond Earthpaste – On the toothpaste tube, it says Warning as it contains LEAD and may not be safe for children and pregnant women. How can it claim to be natural and safe? Got me worried there… Any thoughts?
Thank you!
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Oh found your comments about earth paste with lead. Still concerning to me so I guess I am back to looking for a more comfortable option.
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Would you still ok using Earthpaste while pregnant? Are you aware of anyone who has checked lead levels before and after use?
I’m interested in Nelson Naturals toothpastes. Ingredients:
Calcium Carbonate, Sodium Bicarbonate, Colloidal Silver, Sea Salt, Xylitol, Castile Soap, Trace Mineral Concentrate, Essential Oil (Flavourings). A little iffy about the Colloidal Silver and exactly what the trace minerals are.
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Hello! Thank you for all of the great research! I have been using Jack n Jill toothpaste for my 20 month old, but saw that Hello Organic Apple tooth paste have been doing a lot better in reviews on Amazon. The ingredients are as follows: Vegetable Glycerin (Soothes and Moisturizes), Sorbitol (Humectant), Purified Water, Aloe Vera Gel (Soothes and Moisturizes), Hydrated Silica (Thickener), Xylitol (Sweetener), Erythritol (Sweetener), Xanthan Gum (Thickener), Flavor* (Yum), Calcium Glycerophosphate (Mineral), Potassium Sorbate (Maintains Stability), and Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf Extract (Sweetener). *Certified Organic
What do you think! The cost is 1/2 of Jack n Jills so thought if this one seems as good as Jack n Jills, I should go with this one 🙂
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I’m curious about this one too!
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Hi, I know this is about a year after most of the comments, so fingers crossed that you see this! But my 18 month old son has sensitive skin and I was told to get a non flavored toothpaste for him. Do you know of any toothpastes that are non flavored and don’t have any of the bad ingredients in them?
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I’ve read reviews that say Earthoaste turns your teeth a dullish color (from the clay base); that their teeth take on the color of the earthpaste. Have you had this issue?
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Hi Maia,
Thank you as always for all of your great info!! I was wondering about Trader Joe’s floride free toothpaste?? I’ve been using it for years for me and my kids. My hubby refuses to change his toothpaste!! Hoping I get good news!! Thanks so much!! -
Personally I gave up using ANY toothpaste years ago, when my hygienist was worrying I was wearing the dentin off my teeth, and my dentist pointed out that toothpastes are abrasive – he said to just use the brush!
I was thrilled, and so enjoy not having any tastes in my mouth after I brush – which I can now do at my desk, in my car, wherever I am, as I just rinse and swallow pure filtered water after! I also get rave reports at my checkups – no issues, and I don’t even floss – though I do use tiny brushes or tiny toothpicks to clean between my teeth, every day or so. Glad you mentioned, near the end, that toothpaste is not essential – it is the brushing that is important!
Hubby is not so happy with no toothpaste, so I found this one to substitute for the toxic one he used to use: https://www.vitacost.com/coral-llc-coral-white-toothpaste-mint
I was particularly concerned with avoiding glycerin, as you mentioned. He’s pretty happy with it. And it leaves his breath less toxic than when he used Listerine or Colgate eek! -
I have dry mouth. I would love to find a toothpast and mouthwash that accommodate my problem and are safe-ish but, most importantly, cruelty-free. I’m an adult past child-bearing years, so I’m not as worried about certain contaminants as some of you are.
I also have an interest in ayurvedic dental hygiene products. -
What do you think about Uncle Harry’s toothpaste? This is the ingredient list:
Bentonite clay, calcium carbonate, Purified, deionized, microfiltered water and ten parts per million of silver mineral (99.000% pure), sea salt, ionic minerals, mustard seed, essential oils of peppermint, eucalyptus, clove, wintergreen, and oregano.
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What are your opinions on the toothpastes were currently using?
For me it’s this one http://www.naturesanswer.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2748 (PerioBrite Natural Toothpaste Coolmint).My brother uses this one: https://www.hello-products.com/product/kids-fluoride-free-toothpaste-natural-watermelon/ (natural watermelon fluoride free toothpaste).
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What about doterra on guard toothpaste ?
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Sorry- that posted too quick! What are your thoughts on Radius organic coconut oil toothpaste? Just came across it at Wegmans and wanted your opinion before I buy.
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Hi, what are your thoughts on Radiis organic coconut oil toothpaste? Just came across it at Wegmans and wanted your opinion before I buy.
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Hi Maia – any thoughts on the below opposing argument on lead/clay?
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Found my answer further up in the feed. Thanks 🙂
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I planned to order Earthpaste. However, the website I was using had a customer warning as per California Residents Prop 65; advised it contains trace amounts of naturally occurring lead. Are you still using this product? Is it still recommended?
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Jack N Jill recently changed their formation to add potassium sorbate and citric acid. What’s your take on these ingredients?
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Hello! Have you looked at Young Living KidScents Slique Tooth Paste? I’m trying to decide if this is a sneaky product or not. It does contain Glycerin. My daughter really likes it, and I would like to stick with it, if it turns out to be an okay product. Any insight would be appreciated. In the meantime, I’m going to try out Earth Paste for myself. Thank you for posting.
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Jack n Jill has grabbed my attention. I was using dr. Brown tooth wipes and switched to j&j. What are your thoughts on their toothpaste? Thank you for all of your hard work and advice!
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What are your opinions on Hello Toothpaste?
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We actually have a tube of this now because my son loves it, but I’m not a huge fan–it’s got SLS, for one.
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I believe HELLO has two SLS free toothpastes; the kids watermelon and the adult sensitivity. I would also like to know you’re opinion on this toothpaste brand, as I’m in transition to cruelty free toothpaste and of course not filled with bad stuff. My family is so stuck on there old usual drug store brands, and I’ve heard good “tasting” reviews, as that has been a huge problem in trying to get my family to switch. I hope to hear from you!
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Oh and a section on nursery playroom items like a toddler kids table please would be great. Or just an opinion or feedback with your personal choice would be stellar. Thank you so much!
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Hi ladies, thank you so much for all of he research you have done and advice you have given. I’m looking for a non toxic crib and wish you could give me options that make your list of good stuff and the bad stuff. Currently thinking about the IKEA sniglar crib but have to check with them if their mattress board is from solid wood or plywood. Please let me know if any cribs that you think are the safest and non toxic but don’t cost more than $ 2-300.
Thank you!!!!
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Sniglar is a great option! you can get it completely unfinished:)
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Any suggestions for a kids and adult mouthwash?
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Hello, is Jason Naturals Healthy Mouth mouthwash any good?
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How do you feel about Dr Brite (adult and children). We just switched to using their products. I also use their mouth spray for my kids. I have been very happy with their customer service as I’ve asked them a lot about their ingredients (eg is their aloe pre-preserved, etc), and generally seem like a pretty great company all around!
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What do you think of the toothy tabs by Lush: http://www.lush.ca/en/face/teeth/
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I like Himalaya. I work in the industry (not for them) and as far as ingredients and taste, it’s my favorite. Second would be Weleda.
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How do you feel about Dr. Bronner’s toothpastes?
Thanks for all your research and hard work! Makes it so much easier to go natural =)
Organic Glycerin, Organic Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Hydrated Silica, Calcium Carbonate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda), Potassium Cocoate (made with Organic Coconut Oil*), Organic Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) Oil, Organic Mentha Arvensis (Menthol) Crystals, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Flour*, Organic Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil*, Tocopherol, Citric Acid, Organic Stevia Rebaudiana Leaf / Stem Extract
*Certified Fair Trade Ingredient-
Never mind I just found it in the sneaky stuff =) thanks again
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What do you think about David’s premium natural toothpaste?
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Hi. What are your thoughts on Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste?
Here are the ingredients for the Green Beaver Frosty Mint Natural ToothpasteCalcium Carbonate, Aqua/Water/Eau, Sorbitol, Glycerin, Hydrated Silica, Mentha Piperita (Peppermint) leaf Oil, Menthol, Xylitol, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract, Xanthan Gum, Coco-Glucoside, Calcium Ascorbate, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil.
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Hi there – what about Earth’s Best? Here are the ingredients: Glycerin Aqua (water), Xylitol, Panthenol, Cellulose Gum, Calcium Lactate, Beta-Glucan Beta-glucan, Natural Strawberry, Avena Saliva (oat) bran, Flavor. Certified Organic ingredients.
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Thanks for the great guides. Have you looked into safe toothbrushes? I am currently using a silicone finger brush for my son and this brush for myself which has “vegetable oil based” bristles https://www.amazon.com/Bamboo-Toothbrush-Adult-Size-Pack/dp/B009O3BCT2/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1486050885&sr=8-1&keywords=brush+with+bamboo+toothbrush. There seem to be many “BPA free Nylon” toothbrushes out there, but seems suspect. The only non-plastic option I have found seems to be very expensive and hard to find pig hair bristle brushes. Would love to know your recommendations.
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I’d love to know the answer to this, as well.
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How do you feel like toms childrens anticavity fluoride toothpaste?
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Hello,
There is clay in earthpaste, and poofy organics toothpaste. I’ve been doing some of my own research and see that poofy organics uses a different brand of clay,living clay, and earthpaste uses Redmond clay. I noticed you said you’re comfortable with the clay used in earthpaste,redmond clay. Are you comfortable with the brand of clay used in poofy organics toothpaste, living clay? I know it’s okay stuff based on the glycerin, but I just wanted to know if Living Clay met your standards for clay!
Thank you for your time!
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Could you give some suggestions for mouth wash to use?
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Hi! Dr. Brite is Good Stuff (although insanely expensive on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2jPivGM).
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i just found your article and i can’t thank you enough. I have oral thrush for over 2 years which is a fungus in the mouth that feeds on sugar. i have been using regular toothpaste at bedtime and i wake up after 3 hours and have to clean my tongue. Want to try Redmond Spearmint and Toothsoap in whip form. Unfortunately many of the reviews on Amazon spoke of stale or close to expiration date products in regards to Toothsoap nd Vitacost does not carry the Toothsoap in the whip form, which i read most people prefer. Iherb website said Toothsoap is discontinued. I’m not sure but no one else carries the whip outside of Amazon-
I went to the company website and they are moving to West coast and website won’t be running until Feb. 1, 2017.
Do you know of any other places that I could try to get the Toothsoap whip or have you heard it was discontinued? I wonder if that’s why there were so many complaints on Amazon about expiration dates.
Please let me know of any new products that are sugar derivative free. Thank you so much for your expertise and help.-
Hi there-I don’t know where else to purchase Toothsoap. If you want a toothpaste without any sugar, you can try the spearmint flavor of EarthPaste.
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Have you heard of a brand called Dental Herb company? I’ve used their products for many years but was curious to see if you had any experience with their products.
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I know the name but haven’t researched deeply enough to give you my opinion. Will add to our list for a future investigation!
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What are your thoughts about Active Charcoal Toothpaste? Looking at win Lotus Active Charcoal Toothpaste Herbaliste. Ingredients are: Sorbitol, Silica, water, Glycerin, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Guava, Clove, Flavor TransatakTM (Herbal combination), Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Charcoal Powder, Clove Oil, Menthol, cellulose Gum, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Saccharin, Disodium EDTA, Titanium Dioxide
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Meh, not so great. Cocamidopropyl betaine and a bunch of other synthetics.
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Any suggestions on good toothpaste safe for pregnancy?
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I would recommend any of the fluoride-fee options in this guide. My top pick and what we use is: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/redmond-earthpaste-natural-toothpaste/
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I was doing some research, and came across The Natural Dentist. They have a Fluoride Free toothpaste with the ingredients listed here: http://www.bleedinggums.com/toothpastes/fluoride-free-toothpaste/fluoride-free-ingredients/. Are you familiar with this brand? Would love to know your thoughts. Thanks!
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I don’t love this one(mostly because of Cocamidopropyl betaine)
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Looking at trying to find something with fluoride to supplement a good toothpaste and came across the Natural Dentist Flouride Rinse. Is this a good addition for someone looking for Flouride but none of the other bad stuff?
Purified water, vegetable glycerin, aloe Vera gel, sodium phosphate monobasic, xylitol, natural flavors, polysofbate 80, citric acid, grapefruit seed extract, menthol.
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I have sensitive tears is there a brand you recommend for help with sensitive teeth?
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We actually haven’t looked into that yet, but I will do some investigating!
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What about tooth polish from melaleuca.com?
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I haven’t seen and can’t find a list of ingredients for this, so I am sorry that I can’t weigh in.
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which toothpaste would you use if you are allergic to quaternium 15 and Isothiazolinone. My tongue swells and has sores around the edges. I have had every test and even a biopsy. This has been going on now for almost 2 years. I’m thinking it may be the toothpaste.
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Oh my goodness, so sorry to hear this! Because your symptoms are so severe, I would have a physician look over any toothpaste before using. I would also probably try going toothpaste-free for a while and see if your suspicions are correct and that clears up the problem.
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Any thoughts on Himilaya Botanique Neem and Pomegranate fluoride free toothpaste?
Thanks so much!
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I don’t know that brand, but will add to our list to investigate!
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Hello and thank you for all of the wonderful and helpful research that you do, to help us all keep ourselves and our families as healthy and toxic free as possible!!! How do you feel about these ingredients in a kids toothpaste?
Water, Calcium carbonate, Cocos nucifera (Coconut) oil, Sodium bicarbonate, Glycerin*, Xylitol, Xanthum gum, Citrus paradise (Grapefruit) peel oil, Stevia rebaudiana leaf extract, Citrus reticulate (Tangerine) oil, Mentha spicata (Spearmint) leaf oil, Citrus limon (Lemon) peel oil, Lecithin*, Ocotea quixos (Ocotea) leaf oil, Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove) bud oil, Cinnamomum zeylanicum (Cinnamon) bark oil, Eucalyptus radiate leaf oil, Rosmarinus officinalis (Rosemary) leaf oil.
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Looks fine to me, although EWG expresses concern over clove bud oil (you can look it up).
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Ok great! Thank you! 🙂
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In your awesome detox ebook you wrote Jason’ Naturals sea fresh toothpaste was good stuff, but I don’t see it on here.. is it still good stuff??
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I think so, yes. It does contain glycerin, which some people don’t like. But I still use it if I run out of Earth Paste:).
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Wonderful website. Thank you. What would you recommend as a safe affordable adult toothpaste. I ask because not everyone is able to order toothpaste from Amazon on an ongoing basis.
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Any of the brands listed above are safe for adults.
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What about weleda?
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It’s okay but it does contain glycerin.
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Hello,
Thank you for this incredible site. I’m in the process of replacing all the bad stuff. So scary.
Question regarding coconut oil. I was using babyganics to brush my one year old teeth. How much coconut oil is ok to use on him?
Do you recommend a certain brand of coconut oil?
Thank you!-
You should ask your dentist or pediatrician about how much coconut oil is safe, but I will tell you to definitely opt for unrefined coconut oil, as the refined variety is deodorized and bleached. And while there is a distinction between virgin and extra virgin olive oil, when it comes to coconut oil, these terms mean the same thing. Of course, I would recommend option for an organic coconut oil.
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Apologies, for above. The product in question is Earthpaste. Thanks.
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Just went to Amazon and looked at the back of the ingredients: the company states that there are trace amount of lead because of the clay. I feel like you should have addressed that in your review for full clarity and also because you recommend and carry the product. Even a small amount may be harmful for a child, especially at a younger age.
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We did address the lead issue. (Bottom of the page here: https://gimmethegoodstuff.org/store/redmond-earthpaste-natural-toothpaste/
). This is what we said: *A note about lead: When we first were looking into clay toothpastes, we were really worried about the possibility of trace amounts of lead, especially since our kids are brushing with this. After lots of research and digging into the independent testing of the clay used in Earthpaste, we are convinced that it’s safe, mostly because the amount of lead in clay is much less than the naturally occurring amounts found in food like spinach or sweet potatoes, but also because the lead in clay doesn’t seem to bio-available (meaning your body won’t absorb it even when present). Even better, there is compelling evidence that bentonite clay might actually RID the body of lead. You should always do your own research, but this is where ours has led us, and we feel fine with our kids using–and likely swallowing!–Earthpaste twice a day.
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I see you’re recommending Carlsons baby drops, I too use drops but when I was searching for some I noticed carlsons baby also have another vitamin thrown in there I think it was vitamin e? But the kids drops just had vitamin d and the preservative. I ended up purchasing baby d drops? How do you like those in comparison? We’re almost out and will be purchasing more but now reading this I’m torn for which to buy.
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I would go for the one with fewer ingredients, especially if you’re just looking to supplement vitamin D.
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Hi
Just wondering what your take is on Green Beaver to use for toddlers? Also how long can i continue to use just coconut oil?
Thanks so much-
P.S. is it necessary for adults to use toothpaste? Can we just use coconut oil too?
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I don’t know the grand Green Beaver, but I will look into it. You can use coconut oil as long as it’s working for you! You should ask your dentist about only using coconut oil, but I definitely know people who skip toothpaste!
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Thanks so much. It’s a Canadian company. They have other products too like deodorant and shampoo. The ingredients are on their website. I’d love to know what you think of their products in general
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Yes please! Let us know what you find out. I curious about Green Beaver as well.
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Hi, Have you looked over the Green Beaver toothpaste ingredients?
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Hi, thanks for all the great info! What do you think about the Hello toothpaste?
Thanks-
What about the Hello toothpaste? They have one with or without fluoride. Are these safe?
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I have the same question as a pervious commenter: do you have any recommendations for safe fluoride toothpastes for kids? My dentist really wants my toddler on a fluoride toothpaste because of some early concerns but I don’t want to get anything with the rest of the bad stuff!
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Unfortunately, I don’t know of a brand that has no other Bad Stuff but that does contain fluoride. Tom’s has SLS and carrageenan, but otherwise not horrible so I would go with one of those (we’ve used this: http://amzn.to/2bWzW3V).
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How do you feel about the, My Dentist’s Choice Tooth Tissues, product for baby teeth cleaning? Are they safe for an 11month old?
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I’m not seeing anywhere on their website where they list the ingredients, so I can’t weigh in!
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How much vitamin D drops do you give to toddlers and adults when using Earthpaste?
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Did you come across any brands that include fluoride for those of us still undecided about it but the remaining ingredients are good stuff? Or do all the natural brands tend to not use fluoride at all.
Thanks!
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I am curious about this as well. I am looking for the safest toothpaste that contains fluoride.
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Sadly, I don’t know of a brand that has no other Bad Stuff but contains fluoride. Tom’s has SLS and carrageenan, but otherwise not horrible so I would go with one of those (we’ve used this: http://amzn.to/2bWzW3V).
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Love your lists! I’ve been making our toothpaste for a few years (pretty much homemade Earthpaste but with a calcium carbonate base instead of bentonite clay) and I got tired of doing it and bought Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste in a pinch. Of course we all LOVE it so much more than the homemade, and I knew I was making compromises, but now I see there are a few other good brands I can try if I don’t want to resort to homemade again! Thanks for all your hard work and for sharing your findings freely!
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How do you feel about tooth builder toothpaste?
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Don’t know that brand, but will look into it:)
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Hi, been reading your blog and you have me hooked! I have replaced a bunch of household/beauty stuff since I started coming here. Quick question on the earthpaste, are they good for one year old? Thanks!
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I would personally feel comfortable using Earthpaste (small amount, obviously), but you should ask your pediatrician!
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is honest kids ok ?
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I read this article about toothpaste. It said that Earthpaste has lead in it.
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I saw on the earthpaste packaging, it said California Resident Proposition 65 warning. What is it about and should we be worrying about it? It said “This product contains a chemical known to the state of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product may not be appropriate for consumption by children or pregnant women.
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CA Prop 65 warning label (LEAD traces) does more to scare people than it does to inform people. This toothpaste has bentonite clay in it, which calls for the Prop 65 warning. long story short: carrots, potatoes, and turnips (root vegetables) are just as likely to contain higher amounts of lead than this product, along with many other products that carry the Prop 65 warning label.
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Love your blog and guides. Just a note on Jack n Jill natural toothpaste.
EWG states that it now has POTASSIUM SORBATE (3) in its latest formulation.
The overall rating is now a 2 on EWG.
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