The Truth About Toothpaste: Harmful Chemicals Hiding In Plain Sight
When was the last time you actually read the label on your toothpaste? If you’re like most people, you probably grab the same familiar tube out of habit, minty fresh, foams up nicely, gets the job done. But here’s the thing: many conventional toothpastes are loaded with questionable ingredients that could be doing more harm than good. This is alarming, since we are brushing our teeth and swallowing tiny amounts at least twice a day, 365 days a year!
Let’s break it down and brush up (pun intended!) on the surprising truth behind what you’re really putting in your mouth, and the clean alternatives that are just as effective (and way better for you).
The Sneaky Ingredients In Most Commercial Toothpastes:
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
That satisfying foam? It’s likely caused by SLS, a detergent also found in shampoo and floor cleaners. It can cause mouth irritation and canker sores for some as well as build up in the body and start to cause health problems.
Triclosan
An antibacterial agent that’s been banned from hand soaps but still shows up in some toothpaste. It’s linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance. Even a study by the FDA linked Triclosan with decreased thyroid hormones. Enough said to avoid this ingredient! Beware, this can also show up in some body washes and some cosmetics. I also like to verify my cosmetics and cleaners by the EWG rating.
Artificial Sweeteners (like Saccharin or Aspartame)
These give your toothpaste its sweet flavor but are controversial in the wellness world due to their potential health effects, synthetic origins and raise red flags for metabolic and neurological health.
Fluoride
Also known as sodium fluoride, is highly absorbent and is synthetic (not naturally made by nature). While fluoride is included in toothpaste to prevent tooth decay it is associated with serious health effects such as neurological and endocrine dysfunction. There is a warning label on most conventional brands – A WARNING LABEL!!! That is insane that our toothpaste should have a warning label on it. I don’t know about you but that is enough for me to make the switch! Learn more about Fluoride here by Ask the Dentist – he is such a great resource for learning about all things holistic dental care and health.
Propylene Glycol
Used to smooth texture, but it’s also found in antifreeze. Yikes.
Synthetic Dyes
Your toothpaste doesn’t need to be blue or sparkly. Artificial colors like Blue 1 and Yellow 5 can trigger allergic reactions and have been flagged for behavioral concerns in children.
DEA (Diethanolamine)
Used as a foaming agent, but it’s a known carcinogen that disrupts hormones and affects the liver that has also been found in antifreeze and brake fluid!
Parabens
Used as preservatives to extend shelf life, but they mimic estrogen in the body and have been linked to breast cancer.
So…What Should You Be Brushing With?
Clean, non-toxic toothpaste options are now better than ever, they work and they ditch the sketchy ingredients. Have you ever heard of Hydroxyapatite? Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium that gets absorbed by your teeth and helps re-mineralize your enamel naturally, Hallelujah! Here are some of the best natural toothpaste brands:
Boka Ela Mint Toothpaste
- Uses nano-hydroxyapatite and has a bright, refreshing mint flavor.
- A go-to if you want a toothpaste that looks, feels, and works like the mainstream brands—without the toxic load.
👉 Get Boka Toothpaste
FYGG Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
- Dentist-developed option with a minimalist vibe and powerful botanical ingredients.
- Free of SLS, parabens, and artificial dyes, with a clean, spa-like taste that feels luxe.
- Made for wellness lovers looking for high-performance oral care that looks good on the counter too.
👉 Try FYGG Toothpaste
Risewell Natural Toothpaste
- Dentist-developed and packed with hydroxyapatite, a safe alternative to fluoride.
- Super effective at remineralizing enamel and protecting against sensitivity.
👉 Shop Risewell Here
David’s Natural Toothpaste
- Eco-friendly metal tube, fluoride-free, and made with premium essential oils.
- EWG-verified and great for a whole-family clean routine.
👉 Grab David’s Here
DIY
- Opt to make your own toothpaste using simple ingredients to control what goes into your oral care products.
Bonus Tips for a Healthier Oral Routine
Swapping out your toothpaste is just the start. Here are a few more easy upgrades:
- Use a bamboo toothbrush to reduce plastic and keep your oral care routine sustainable.
- Try oil pulling with organic coconut oil to gently detox your mouth.
- Add a tongue scraper to your morning routine, trust me, it’s a game-changer.
- Choose a fluoride-free mouthwash with essential oils and no alcohol.
- Check out my favorite Dental Favorites
You Deserve A Better Toothpaste
Your mouth is the gateway to your health and what you use on your teeth daily matters more than you think. With so many high-quality, non-toxic alternatives like FYGG, Boka, and Risewell, there’s no reason to keep brushing with harsh chemicals.
One of the best ways to have healthy teeth is eating the right foods to keep them strong and healthy. If you are interested in learning more about how to improve your dental health with diet, this is an awesome resource.
Want to clean up your entire routine? Follow me on Instagram for weekly wellness tips, clean product swaps, and honest reviews.
And don’t forget to sign up for my newsletter for more deep dives into everyday essentials you thought were clean, until now.
Gina
