Before starting this new routine, I was using Honest Co. fluoride-free toothpaste and before that Dr. Brite toothpaste. They were both good and non-toxic, but I was ready to try something new along with adding in some extra steps specifically for whitening. Before deciding to go non-toxic, I used Crest white strips religiously, so much so that I got the comments even from my dentist, “Wow, how did you get your teeth so white?” Well it’s been a couple years since I used those (because hello chemicals), and the bleaching lasted a long time until recently when I finally noticed them not looking so pearly. When I started to run low on my Honest Co. toothpaste bottle, I knew I wanted to start my research for implementing a new non-toxic routine to not only support the health of my teeth and gums, but also with a focus of whitening naturally and here it is!
Thieves Dentradome Plus Toothpaste
Young Living has a few different toothpaste options, but I gravitated to this one because of the description “Naturally derived ingredients gently lift stains for vivid, brilliantly clean teeth” along with recommendations from friends who have used it. I also like that it has a minty taste from Peppermint and Wintergreen essential oils and also contains baking soda. It’s free from fluoride, synthetic dyes and preservatives. Check check check.
So, you may be wondering, what’s dangerous about conventional toothpaste brands? Think Colgate, Crest, you know the ones… The following are just some of the common harmful ingredients:
- Fluoride
- SLS ( Sodium Lauryl Sulfate)
- Artificial Flavors / Colors
- Artificial Sweeteners
- DEA
- Propylene Glycol
- Triclosan
- BPA
- Parabens
- Carrageenan
Some of these ingredients are known to be toxic to reproduction, cause antibiotic resistance and infertility, impaired muscle function, altered thyroid function and allergies. And that’s just a small list of the many side effects. And you may say, “Okay, but it’s just my toothpaste…” Well, you are using your toothpaste twice a day, every single day hopefully, which creates consistent exposure to these chemicals. Not only that, but these toxic ingredients are found in other things we use often as well, like hand and dish soap and a host of other personal care products.
If you want to read more on the dangers of fluoride specifically, you can go visit a past post of mine here called “What’s hiding in your toothpaste?” But on to the rest of my new routine…
Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash
I’ve never been a huge mouthwash fan, but my husband is so I thought we could both give this a try. I’ve also heard great things about putting a little bit of this in your dog’s water bowl to promote good dental health naturally. Our chihuahua has horrible teeth and breathe so we are giving that a shot too. This mouthwash is free from alcohol, synthetic dyes, and artificial flavors. It’s made with the signature Thieves® oil blend—a carefully crafted mix of Clove, Lemon, Cinnamon, Eucalyptus, and Rosemary essential oils. It has a pretty intense spicy flavor, but you get used to it and your mouth feels so clean afterwards!
All Natural Bamboo Toothbrush
Aside from being eco-friendly, which is a world I’d like to dive more into this year, this all natural bamboo toothbrush from Crunchy Mama Bear repels water, does not splinter and is naturally antimicrobial and antibacterial! Yes.
Remineralizing Tooth Powder
I got a sample of this remineralizing tooth powder with my last order from Crunchy Mama Bear and had read all about charcoal for teeth whitening, but never tried it. There’s a reason charcoal is used to filter water…It acts as a magnet attracting and sucking out toxins. It works the same way on teeth and along with pulling out toxins, it also pulls out tannins, which are the teeth staining culprits that lurk in many foods and drinks. You may look ridiculous when you use this and it feels pretty weird, but I dig it. Wet your brush, dip it in the powder, and it says use twice a day, but I have been doing this more like a couple times a week.
Orange Essential Oil & Coconut Oil Pulling
Didn’t know orange essential oil is great for promoting whiter teeth? Yes! How? Orange essential oil is actually made by cold pressing the rinds of oranges. The white part of an orange peel (called the albedo) contains a natural solvent called limonene. Aside from the amazing health benefits of limonene, you’ve probably see limonene on bottles of household cleaning products because it works to…you guessed it…remove stains! You can either add a drop on top of your toothpaste OR what I do is add a drop to some coconut oil and do oil pulling! Learn more about oil pulling here, but in general coconut oil pulling is a great way to remove bacteria and promote healthy teeth and gums. Do that and whiten at the same time? WIN WIN.
So that’s it! What natural toothpaste or natural whitening remedies are you loving right now? I would love to hear them so please let me know in the comments.
Lots of love and good health,
Tasha, The Non-Toxic Newbie