The Rise of Natural Oral Hygiene Products: Benefits and Recommendations

When shopping for oral hygiene products, do you prefer natural oral hygiene products over conventional ones?

You aren’t alone.

Surveys show that consumers are increasingly choosing natural alternatives to regular ones.

Now, the real question is, do they work just as well as their conventional counterparts?

Read this article to find out. 

Why is there a sudden interest in natural oral hygiene products?

The natural cosmetics and personal care industry is set to grow by around  35% since 2018 and is expected to be worth $23.42 billion by 2028. 

According to a  survey by AlixPartners, 64% of consumers prefer choosing natural or clean personal care products. 

Here are a few reasons why this might be the case: 

• Some consumers believe that natural products are safer compared to conventional ones. Conventional toothpaste contains ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfates, parabens, artificial colors, and flavoring, which many people believe are harmful to health. Although no concrete evidence supports these claims, this fear is a selling point for natural products, which claim that they are free of these harmful ingredients. 
• Natural products tend to have simpler labels, which are easier to read and understand. Consumers are now seeking transparency and a willingness to understand what’s going into their mouths, which is another reason they choose natural products. 
• Natural products promote sustainability and environmental responsibility. Using eco-friendly packaging in natural products is more attractive for environmentally conscious consumers. 

Different types of natural oral hygiene products

Here’s an overview of some popular natural oral hygiene products available in the Canadian market and their potential benefits:

Toothpaste

• Sensitive toothpaste: Ingredients like potassium nitrate can help block the signals that cause sensitivity in your nerves. Neem, a plant extract, is also sometimes used for its soothing properties and potential to help with overall oral health, which can indirectly reduce sensitivity. 

Product recommendations:  Desert Essence Tea Tree Oil and Neem Wintergreen Toothpaste.

• Whitening toothpaste: Some natural toothpaste uses gentle ingredients to help remove surface stains. They contain ingredients like coconut oil and papain (the enzyme found in papaya), which break down stains on teeth.  

Product recommendations:  Green Beaver Extra Whitening Toothpaste Fresh Mint. 

• Remineralizing toothpastes: They include calcium carbonate, which can help rebuild lost minerals. Xylitol, a natural sweetener, is often added because it can help stop harmful bacteria from growing in your mouth.

Product recommendations:  Nelson Naturals Fresh Mint w/hydroxyapatite. 

Mouthwashes

• Herbal mouthwashes: They use peppermint or clove oil and are alcohol-free. 

Product recommendations:  Tom’s of Maine Fresh Mint Whole Care Anticavity Mouthwash

• Probiotic mouthwashes: They contain strains of beneficial bacteria. Oral bacteria is crucial to keeping your mouth healthy and bad breath at bay. 

Brushing tools

• Soft-bristled toothbrushes: Eco-friendly toothbrushes replace plastic with bamboo. 

Product recommendations:  Brush with Bamboo Bamboo Toothbrush

Natural practices for good oral hygiene:

• Oil pulling: This is an Ayurvedic practice where you swish coconut oil in your mouth for several minutes. Some research shows that this practice might be beneficial. 
• Brushing with baking soda: Some people promote brushing with baking soda to remove stains. However, it might be too harsh and abrasive for your teeth. Hence, it’s best to consult your dentist before doing this.
• Herbal tooth powders: Herbal toothpowders can be an alternative to toothpaste. 

Are natural oral hygiene products safe?

Natural does not always mean better. They can contain ingredients that can cause allergy and sensitivity.

Keep these few things in mind about natural oral hygiene products:

• Natural products are not as strictly regulated as traditional oral care products by the FDA. They fall under dietary supplements, meaning they are not subject to stringent scientific scrutiny. Always consult your dentist to understand if a natural product suits you.
• Certain ingredients in natural products can boast of oral health benefits. However, these claims are not always backed by rigorous scientific data. For instance, xylitol has been shown to have plaque-reducing properties, but the antimicrobial properties of essential oils are debated. Also, some essential oils can irritate and inflame the soft tissues inside the mouth. 
• According to the American Dental Association, fluoride in toothpaste is essential for cavity prevention. However, not all natural toothpastes contain fluoride in them. Some might contain alternative ingredients, which might be less effective than fluoride. 

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Things to keep in mind about natural oral hygiene products 

When choosing natural alternatives to regular oral care products, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Read the products’ labels carefully and understand each ingredient’s role. Consult your dentist if you are unsure of any of the mentioned ingredients.
• Choose products only from reputable brands. Opt for brands that source their ingredients responsibly and don’t resort to unfounded claims when marketing their products. 
• Don’t fall for unfounded claims. Always check with your dentist to see if the claims are true. 
• Don’t replace your fluoride toothpaste, as it helps prevent cavities. Instead, use natural mouthwashes to supplement your oral hygiene routine. 
• Don’t neglect flossing even when using natural products. Brush and floss twice a day using proper techniques. 

Key takeaways 

• Figuring out which product to choose can be a daunting task. 
• Galaxy Dental is the perfect choice if you want to consult a dentist in Calgary or a dental hygienist about natural oral hygiene products.
• We are a team of expert dental professionals ready to provide personalized guidance when choosing the right oral care products. 
• Reach out to us to get started in your holistic oral health journey.