Consumers concerned about the dangers of conventional toothpaste may desire to switch to natural varieties. The presence of fluoride, artificial sweeteners and other ingredients in toothpaste increase health concerns. Natural toothpastes are made mostly of natural ingredients, and they still freshen breath, clean the teeth, and prevent gum disease.
Guar Gum
Guar gum is the endosperm of the guar plant found in Asia and the Southwest United States. Guar gum is used in natural toothpaste as a thickening agent.
Sorbitol
Sorbitol is a sugar alcohol found in food products. In addition to adding sweeteners, sorbitol is a humectant and texturizing agent. As a humectant, sorbitol prevents the loss of moisture. Sorbitol has a sweet pleasant taste, is 60 percent as sweet as sucrose, and considered safe for diabetics.
Stevia
Stevia is a no-calorie sweetener from South America and is used in natural toothpastes to add sweetness. In 2008, the FDA approved Stevia safe for human consumption. Nearly 100 times sweeter than sugar, Stevia has no calories and does not affect blood sugar levels like sugar.
Glycerin
Glycerin helps to balance and maintain moisture levels. It is derived from plant oils such as soy and is also a by product of soap. In toothpaste, glycerin prevents the product from drying out and assists in product preservation. Glycerin is associated with a pleasant taste in the mouth and contributes to flavor.
Hydrated Silica
Hydrated silica is a derivative of silicon dioxide. This abundant compound forms about 12 percent of the earth's surface. Hydrated silica is a clear gel that acts an abrasive in clear toothpaste. In opaque toothpaste, hydrated silica acts as a secondary abrasive. Combined with calcium carbonate, hydrated silica works to remove plaque from teeth.
Calcium Carbonate
Calcium carbonate is a mineral derived from rock. It is used in toothpastes and oral care products as a mild abrasive to remove plaque. Due to calcium carbonate's insolubility in water, it can only be used in opaque products and not in clear gels.
Carageenan
Carageenan is a food additive extracted from red seaweed. In toothpaste, carageenan acts as a thickening agent and provides structure to toothpaste. Carageenan helps toothpaste dispense from the tube smoothly without being stringy. It also helps prevent toothpaste from drying out.
Licorice Root Extract
Licorice root is derived from the licorice plant, Glycyrrhiza Glabra. Licorice root extract has a sweet taste and provides the breath freshening feeling in toothpaste.
