If someone had told me 5 years ago that toothpaste is harmful, I would have laughed in their face. However, knowing what I know now, it doesn’t sound funny anymore.
I’m not saying that brushing your teeth is a bad idea. On the contrary, it’s one of the most important routines one should follow (especially considering the insane prices of dental services). The question is: how can we make this process truly healthy for both us and the environment?
What’s Wrong with Regular Toothpaste?
In a nutshell, there are two major hazards associated with the toothpaste we use every day:
Plastic packaging that contributes to pollution
Harmful ingredients that end up in soil and watersheds, causing environmental problems
We’ll unpack harmful ingredients below, but for now, let’s jump to the good news and discover eco-friendly alternatives.
Zero-Waste Toothpaste Alternatives
A great dental care solution is toothpaste tablets that come in sustainable packaging with refill options. There are plenty of choices on the market with various tastes and characteristics.
One important aspect of toothpaste that I want to address right away is whether it does or does not contain fluoride, an ingredient that helps protect teeth from cavities. We'll discuss this further later, but for now, just keep in mind that there are two major types of toothpaste: with and without fluoride.
No fluoride toothpaste tablets:
Fluoride toothpaste tablets:
Fluoride vs. Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: What to Choose?
Hot debates have sparked around using or avoiding fluoride in toothpaste.
I’ll state the facts:
Fluoride is well-proven for preventing cavities by strengthening tooth enamel and remineralizing weakened areas.
It has been widely endorsed by dental professionals, including the American Dental Association (ADA), and is found in most toothpaste and drinking water supplies. (Read more on fluoride (FAQ by ADA))
Periodontists choose and recommend fluoride as a preventive measure for cavities and dental plaque (Health University of Utah).
Fluoride can be toxic in excess amounts, so please don’t ingest it. (World Health Organisation (WHO))
There are natural alternatives like nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), and some research claims to show a similar effect (ScienceDirect).
It’s really up to you what to choose. My personal choice is to stick to fluoride toothpaste for now until I have more evidence that natural alternatives are good enough.
Which Ingredients to Avoid?
The top 5 most harmful ingredients to avoid in toothpaste are:
Triclosan – Linked to hormone disruption and antibiotic resistance. (Source)
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – Can cause mouth irritation, ulcers, and dry mouth. (Source)
Propylene Glycol – A chemical irritant, potentially harmful if ingested regularly. (Source)
Parabens – Known to disrupt hormone function and potentially linked to cancer. (Source)
Diethanolamine (DEA) – Associated with cancer risks and hormone disruption, particularly with long-term use. (Source)
Which Ingredients to Look For?
When choosing toothpaste, look for these beneficial ingredients:
Fluoride or alternatives – The most recommended ingredient for preventing cavities and strengthening enamel.
Types include Sodium Fluoride, Stannous Fluoride, and Sodium Monofluorophosphate. (As said above, be careful not to overuse fluoride, and avoid swallowing it.)
If you prefer fluoride-free toothpaste, look for alternatives like Nanohydroxyapatite (nHA), a biocompatible ingredient that protects against cavities and strengthens enamel.
Xylitol – a natural sweetener that helps reduce bacteria growth and prevent cavities.
Calcium carbonate – a gentle abrasive that removes plaque and stains without damaging enamel.
Hydrated silica – a mild abrasive for cleaning and polishing teeth.
Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) – neutralizes acids in the mouth and helps whiten teeth.
Potassium nitrate – reduces tooth sensitivity by calming nerve responses.
Zinc citrate – reduces plaque and helps fight gum disease.
Essential oils (e.g., tea tree or peppermint oil) – provide natural antibacterial properties and freshen breath.
Q&A on Zero-Waste Toothpaste Tablets
Are Toothpaste Tablets ADA Approved?
As of the time of writing this post, none of the toothpaste tablets have been approved by the ADA yet. If this is important to you, wait for the official approval and look for the ADA's Seal of Acceptance.
How Do I Use Toothpaste Tablets?
Chew one tablet until it turns into a paste in your mouth, don't add water. Then, brush your teeth with a wet toothbrush as you normally would for at least 2 minutes, and rinse.
Are Toothpaste Tablets as Effective as Regular Toothpaste?
Yes, if they contain fluoride or other cavity-fighting ingredients, toothpaste tablets can be as effective as regular toothpaste in cleaning teeth and preventing cavities. Check the packaging to ensure it contains the desired ingredients and doesn't contain anything hazardous.
Do Toothpaste Tablets Contain Fluoride?
Some toothpaste tablets contain fluoride, while others are fluoride-free. Manufacturers usually highlight this on the packaging with a clear indication. You can find examples of both fluoride and fluoride-free toothpaste tablets above.
Are Toothpaste Tablets Safe for Sensitive Teeth?
Not all of them. Some toothpaste tablets are made specifically for sensitive teeth and contain ingredients like potassium nitrate to reduce sensitivity. Check the packaging for sensitivity-specific indications.
Are Toothpaste Tablets Safe for Kids?
Toothpaste tablets can be safe for kids, but it's essential to check the age recommendation on the packaging, just as you would for liquid toothpaste. Also, ensure kids are supervised to avoid swallowing the tablet whole.
Are Toothpaste Tablets Safe for Pets?
No! Toothpaste tablets made for humans are not safe for pets. Fluoride and other ingredients in human toothpaste can be toxic to animals. Make sure you store the tablets in a place pets can't access, and pick up any tablets that fall on the floor.
Do Toothpaste Tablets Taste Good?
Taste can vary by brand, but most toothpaste tablets come in minty flavors similar to regular toothpaste. They can also have fruity or more neutral tastes, with fewer artificial sweeteners or flavor enhancers. So, it's a matter of personal preference. I like minty tablets that taste good and leave a fresh aftertaste.
What else can we do to cause less harm to the environment with our dental routine?
If you stick to traditional toothpaste, use less of it. A pea-sized amount is enough for an adult.
Use sustainable, zero-waste dental floss or floss picks.
See if you can switch to a more eco-friendly manual toothbrush or sustainable replacement heads for your electric one.
Check if your local recycling facilities offer the option to recycle toothpaste tubes.
Tell your friends about sustainable alternatives.
I hope this helps you make a choice that brings a wide smile to your face!
Head over to the 'Personal care' blog section to read more about sustainable choices for personal care.