What is Organic Toothpaste?

Organic toothpaste differs from ordinary toothpaste because it consists of natural herbs and oils. By contrast, regular toothpaste contains nonorganic chemicals and other ingredients. Like regular toothpaste, organic toothpaste comes as a gel or paste, minus the harsh chemicals. It has grown in popularity in recent years as more people seek the benefits of products that are environmentally safe as well as healthful to the body.

Natural oils and herbs dominate as the main ingredients in organic toothpaste. Common natural oils include peppermint and eucalyptus oil. Some other natural oils found in organic toothpaste include cinnamon and lemon. Vegetable-based glycerin contributes to organic toothpaste as a moisturizer, and xylitol serves as a natural sweetener drawn from corn, berries, birch trees and other plants, fruits and vegetables. Xylitol also works as an alternative to fluoride as a cavity- and plaque-fighter.

Organic toothpaste carries antiseptic properties that naturally clean the teeth as well as eliminate tartar and plaque without wearing out the enamel. Some products also claim to soothe teeth sensitivity and heal problems associated with canker sores and gingivitis. The natural flavorings from peppermint and other essential oils also provide longer-lasting fresh breath compared to inorganic brands of toothpaste, which tend to have short-term effects. The oils found in toothpaste that is organic have even been associated with treating pain, reducing stress, moisturizing the skin and elevating mood.

Although organic toothpaste and ordinary toothpaste serve the same purpose of promoting fresh breath, cleaning and whitening teeth and preventing gingivitis, many consumers prefer organic toothpaste because of its natural, plant-based ingredients. The active ingredients found in regular toothpaste include the synthetic chemicals sodium lauryl sulfate, fluoride and hydrogen peroxide. These active ingredients have been identified as toxins that might cause problems ranging from minor nuisances to major health issues. Synthetic chemicals in toothpaste can wear out tooth enamel and dry out the lining of the mouth, causing bad breath and canker sores. Long-term effects of using or ingesting fluoride toothpaste have been associated with compromising brain, bone and kidney health, particularly in children.

Sodium lauryl sulfate is the other inorganic ingredient created to add foam to regular toothpaste. It is the same ingredient found in detergents, soaps, hair care and cleaning products. Organic toothpaste usually attracts consumers who seek to steer of the ingredients found in the most popular toothpaste brands.

The organic label applies to toothpaste only if it is 100 percent free from fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, hydrogen peroxide, synthetic flavors and food dyes. Petroleum and parabens also should be missing from toothpaste that is organic, because these are synthetic chemicals used in oil or as preservatives for cosmetics. Consumers can buy organic toothpaste from most natural food stores and online, or they can make their own by using baking soda as the main ingredient.