Pros and Cons of Alternative Toothpastes
The Los Angeles Dental Society talks about the pros and cons of some of the popular alternative toothpaste in the market today. Like most commercial health and beauty products, toothpaste has been industrialized over the years. Fluoride is still a popular ingredient and its benefits well studied. To curb excessive use of fluoride, the ADA lends its seal of acceptance on those brands that conform with the safe and proper proportions of fluoride. Question is, do these other alternative oral care products actually clean teeth and prevent cavities?
Charcoal
Synonymous with “black”, charcoal is claimed to help whiten your teeth. The abrasiveness of charcoal helps remove stains, helps raise the pH in your mouth which in turn helps neutralize acids. While there’s no proof that it’s a better option than regular toothpaste, charcoal-based toothpaste may be too abrasive if the quantities are too high.
Baking Soda
Although baking soda does help to remove plaque, it doesn’t kill any bacteria, and that can actually increase cavity formation in your teeth. Its abrasive properties that help clean your teeth can also damage the enamel, so it’s best to use baking soda and baking soda-heavy products only occasionally.
Cinnamon
It is known to be anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. If you use cinnamon in too strong a concentration or too frequently, you may wind up with red and white patches in your mouth that burn. With a condition called cinnamon-induced oral mucosal contact reaction, you’ll need to stop using cinnamon-flavored products, including toothpastes and gum.
Coconut Oil
It has been shown to help prevent and treat oral candida infections or thrush. However, whether it will reduce cavity-causing bacteria in your mouth is still in question. Some small studies suggest its antibacterial ability helps reduce plaque and gingivitis, but more research is needed for a solid conclusion.
Sea Salt
Sea salts can temporarily raise the pH in your mouth, which makes it more difficult for bacteria to thrive. That’s why it’s also a top ingredient in homemade toothpastes.
Recommending Best Toothpaste Ingredients
Alternative toothpaste with their cleaning effects have their own benefits to boast. It just may be more safe for consumers to use them in moderation. Ask your Bellingham dentist about them.