Affordable Dental Care (and natural brands)
It’s pretty shocking that in England, it’s difficult to find an NHS dentist, despite tooth pain being as severe as many other kinds of pain (and once you lose your second set of gnashers, that’s it – gums or false teeth!) The pandemic led to a huge backlog of patients, and things are only now starting to catch up. So do try to locate an NHS dentist if you can. As the prices are way cheaper than private dental care, which is what most people now have to use.
Private dental care prices are astronomical. £200 for a filling, up to £1000 for a crown. Even £100 to register or have a hygienist clean. Insurance plans spread the cost (but many people don’t qualify, and even if you do, you’re then in debt for years to dentists who often add unnecessary treatments to make more profit, if you are approved).
One in five people (that’s two in five on low incomes) now avoid going to the dentist in England, because it costs too much. Preventative care is obviously always best. Not just for your teeth, but to avoid costly treatment later on.
Read our dental care posts (widely used to sweeten toothpaste, floss and gum, never use xylitol brands near pets – licking leftovers from around your mouth or sink could be fatal – there should be warnings on the packets).
Oh, I wish I’d looked after me teeth, and spotted the perils beneath. All the toffees I chewed and the sweet sticky food. If I’d known I was paving the way to cavities, caps and decay, I’d have thrown all me sherbet away. Pam Ayres
Use the NHS website to find local practices accepting NHS patients. You’ll be lucky to find one. For emergency treatment, call 111 to be sent to hospital or dentist (even if private, you’ll be charged NHS prices in this instance).
People on certain benefits (plus children and pregnant women) and NHS Low Income Scheme usually qualify for free treatment. Free services won’t include tooth whitening or hygienist appointments, but will cover severe pain, temporary fillings, and antibiotics. Take along your benefit certificates and letters, to avoid delays.
Dental Charities for Free Treatment
Dentaid The Dental Charity runs mobile and pop-up clinics across the UK. It also works with shelters, food banks and community hubs.
Community Dental Services supports people who find it hard to use standard dental practices, including those with additional needs in homeless shelters. It’s a Community Interest Company that is referral-only, helping people with learning disabilities, mental health issues or severe anxiety (not ‘frightened of the dentist anxiety’, that doesn’t count!)
If you’re very fortunate, you may find some local councils and faith groups offering free dental advice sessions, and basic care days (for pain relief, simple fillings and extractions).
Affordable Dental Clinics
If you can’t find an NHS clinic nor qualify for benefits, join the rest of us! Your best bet is going to either to save up for private treatment (tell yourself that once done, it prevents more expensive options like root canals) and then look after your teeth better! Most private dentists all charge a fortune, so it’s not likely you’ll find a non-profit one!
But do shop around. One survey found that prices can differ by £100 for a simple filling, depending on which clinic you go to. You want a good dentist, not some fancy clinic with bells-and-whistles, that is likely charging you more, for all the add-ons and swish design.
The other option (just like getting your hi-lights done at a local hair college by a student) is to find your nearest dental school. This is where dental students (under supervision from teachers) treat patients, often at 50% or more of private rates. It should be pretty safe (they are training to be dentists anyway), and it’s the most realistic option of getting more affordable care.
The only other option is to ask your dentist for a ‘sliding scale’ rate. A few offer this. So if you need 8 fillings, you could ask for them to be bundled together for a cheaper price, and ask if they can adjust fees based on household incomes. Not likely, but worth asking.
Is Dental Insurance Worth It?
Every private dentist offers plans where you can ‘spread the cost’. If you find an NHS dentist (or only need a six-monthly check-up and hygienist), then it’s not worth buying.
It only really comes into play, if you need a lot of treatment. You then pay back the dentist over time. The caveat to this is that it encourages private dentists to develop expensive ‘treatment plans’ often recommending things you don’t need (like taking photos of your teeth, straightening or whitening) once your account is approved.
It’s up to you. But ‘budgeting for dental care’ can also be done with a pen and paper. Don’t be sucked into expensive dental plans before reading the small print. A good dentist may set up a private plan anyway, without need for insurance. HSF is a non-profit health cash plan, which may suit.
Is It A Good Idea to Have Treatment Abroad?
Likely no. So-called ‘Turkey teeth’ is when you go on a ‘dentist holiday’ to get work done abroad, usually in Eastern Europe for around half the price. Sounds good, but these dentists sometimes decide on treatment after you send a photo by WhatsApp. And a few report crowns and bridges falling off, not long after returning home.
Private dental treatment in England is around 70% more expensive. A lot of that is profit, but some is due to better techniques and materials, plus all UK dentists are registered with the British Dental Council, for best practice.
Hopefully government changes are coming in (but the Health Secretary has not yet set a timetable for NHS reforms). Until then, the above options are your best bets.
This bamboo toothbrush is sold in a set of four (different colours) to share as a family, or to last a year (changing every 3 months). At end of use, remove bristles with pliers, and compost the handle.
Billions of plastic toothbrushes end up on landfills, as dentists ask us to change brushes every 3 months. Most reusable toothbrushes have nylon bristles, so at end of use, just remove them with pliers and bin (then compost or recycle handles).
Read our dental care posts (widely used to sweeten toothpaste, floss and gum, never use xylitol brands near pets – licking leftovers from around your mouth or sink could be fatal).
Bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing grass. It’s not local but grows so fast, that new grass grows back after harvesting (unlike trees that take decades to grow). Industrial bamboo is not the same as fresh shoots, eaten by wild pandas.
The only caveat is not to store it in a tumbler of water. Or else it will biodegrade away!
The child’s version has soft bristles, sold in blue or red. Parents can feel proud knowing their family uses a toothbrush that’s safe, fun and caring for the earth.
Toothbrushes with Everlasting Handles
Barnaby’s Soft Grip Toothbrush fits well in the hand, and makes daily brushing a little gentler. This is a bit different, in that the handle is made from weighted stainless steel (so won’t slip in wet hands). Every few months, you just unclick the head and replace it with a new one, the handle lasts for life.
Sold in simple plastic-free boxes, it saves money over time.
Bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing grass. It’s not local but grows so fast, that new grass grows back after harvesting (unlike trees that take decades to grow). Industrial bamboo is not the same as fresh shoots, eaten by wild pandas.
Evermore Bamboo Toothbrush is a similar idea, designed with an upcycled cork gasket, so the brush won’t wobble, when you clean your teeth. Sold in boxes and head holders of recycled paper.
The stainless steel head, means the toothbrush can stand on its own, without need for a toothbrush holder.
Georganics Sonic Toothbrush (with replacement heads)
Georganics sonic toothbrush (use code AWIN15 for 15% discount) is an eco alternative to an electric toothbrush. When you buy buy replacement heads, just send a minimum of 5 old heads to Free-post Georganics Oral Care Ltd, for recycling.
Avoid their gum if you live with pets, as it contains xylitol.
Bamboo is the world’s fastest-growing grass. It’s not local but grows so fast, that new grass grows back after harvesting (unlike trees that take decades to grow). Industrial bamboo is not the same as fresh shoots, eaten by wild pandas.
Ideal to prevent bleeding and swollen gums, the brush has 3 speed adjustments, so can be used by people with braces. It also has a 2-minute auto-timer and up to 5 weeks battery use, with USB plug. Certified waterproof and CE approved.
Sonic technology can help to shift plaque and food, from hard-to-reach spots. This toothbrush moves very fast, to lift away more debris than a manual brush. Most users say their teeth feel smoother and look brighter, after just a few days of use.
SURI Electric Toothbrush (with replaceable heads)
SURI Electric Toothbrush has replaceable heads with freepost return. It features optical technology for inter-dental cleaning, with uniquely positioned firm soft bristles. These remove plaque and food easily, from teeth and gums.
This toothbrush uses sonic vibrations to clean teeth well, and again you’ll notice your teeth feel much smoother, after brushing. This reduces chance of tooth decay and bleeding gums.
The toothbrush lasts around 40 days on a single charge, so you don’t have to worry about lugging around charging cables, if travelling. The quiet brush is also designed to not disturb others, while at home.
Booheads Toothbrush Heads (fit most brands)
Booheads toothbrush heads are designed to fit most leading electric toothbrush brands. Each pack includes heads in different colours, so it’s easy to know whose brush is whose. Then again you can send these heads back for recycling, cutting waste using the company’s return scheme.
Waken Precision-Power Sonic Toothbrush
Waken’s sonic toothbrush (with replaceable heads), you can send back your old one for recycling. Choose from graphite grey, dusty rose or mint blue.
Note only their sensitive toothpaste is free from xylitol, don’t use other ones near pets.
Change the brush heads on a dry brush (this brush is for adults, as children would find the pulsating too powerful).
This brush removes over a third more plaque than a manual toothbrush, and gives up to 60 uses per charge. Choose from three brushing modes (sensitive, daily and deep clean).
The 2-minute timer even pulses every 30 seconds, to remind you to brush all four corners of your mouth equally!
The soft bristles are made with castor oil (gentle on your gums but tough on plaque) and the handle is made from recycled plastic (all made with clean energy).
Waken Sensitive Care Toothpaste is one of the best on the market, for reasons explained below. You can buy online or in stores nationwide.
We’ve recommended the sensitive care toothpaste, as it’s the only one from this brand that’s free from sweetener xylitol. The other toothpastes are fine for pet-free homes.
Read our dental care posts (widely used to sweeten toothpaste, floss and gum, never use xylitol brands near pets – licking leftovers from around your mouth or sink could be fatal).
Always supervise children using fluoride toothpastes (only for over 7 years) and encourage them to spit out the rest. It not collected by councils, Boots can recycle plastic toothpaste tubes.
Unlike most commercial toothpaste brands, Waken Sensitive Care Toothpaste is free from sodium lauryl sulphate (a foaming agent that’s too harsh – it’s even used as engine degreaser). So this toothpaste won’t foam as much, but it works just as well, if not better.
It’s also free from titanium dioxide, a colourant that’s used to make toothpastes white. This toothpaste is more natural in colour, as they haven’t added an ingredient that damages ecosystems with large-scale mining (France has banned it as a food additive, so why is it in toothpaste?)
And finally, the toothpaste is not just vegan, but also sold in partly recycled plastic tubes in cardboard boxes. Both are easily recycled with household waste.
The gentle formula is suitable for sensitive teeth, flavoured with spearmint, and also contains chamomile and calendula extracts.
Make Your Toothpaste Last Longer!
The toothpaste squeezer key is made from stainless steel, just twist and use from the beginning of using your toothpaste tube, to get every last drop.
Green People Organic Vegan Toothpastes
Green People organic vegan toothpastes are sold in easy-to-recycle sugar-cane tubes. These are free from harsh chemicals, synthetic flavours and foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulphate. In several flavours (fresh mint or peppermint aloe vera, plus mandarin and spearmint toothpastes for children).
After you finish the toothpaste, the empty sugar-cane tube can go into your household recycling in many areas. The carton is also recyclable. This makes it easy to keep waste out of landfill.
Green People Organic Children’s Toothpastes
Each toothpaste uses real plant extracts, which are less likely to irritate mouths and gums, than conventional brands.
Happier Natural Whitening Toothpaste
Conventional whitening toothpastes often contain harsh ingredients (and most people can’t afford dental prices). Obviously the best way to whiten teeth naturally is not to drink too much black coffee and red wine!
Happier Fresh Mint Toothpaste (use code englandnaturally for 10% discount) is another natural whitening toothpaste, this one contains fluoride.
Formulated by dental experts, it contains vitamin E and a naturally occurring mineral (hydroxyapatite) which makes up 97% of tooth enamel and 70% of dentin. This can help to repair damaged tooth enamel and dentin, and also reduce tooth sensitivity.
The toothpaste also can remove stains, and reduce gum inflammation, and help to reduce gum disease. The toothpaste also contains antioxidant vitamin E.
This toothpaste is scientifically proven to achieve whiter teeth by up to 4 shades, in 4 weeks based on in-vitro experiments on human enamel, brushing twice daily.
This toothpaste is flavoured with real mint oil, and sole in an easy-to-recycle tube and box, with option to buy a tube squeezer key, to ensure you squeeze out every last drop, for no waste.
You can also buy their stainless steel tongue scraper (sold in a cardboard box). Built to last a lifetime, this is used on the back of the tongue and pulled forward to remove food debris and freshen breath. Unlike a toothpaste, it does not stimulate the ‘gag reflex’. Rinse before and after use.
Georganics Natural Toothpastes and Powders
Georganics Toothpastes (use code AWIN15 for 15% discount) are sold in glass jars with metal lids, and bamboo spatulas to apply to your toothbrush. This brand also makes tooth powders and peppermint tooth soap. There are also toothpaste tablets to pop in your bag, ideal for travel.
Avoid Georganics gum if you live with pets, as it contains xylitol.
These toothpastes are free from artificial foaming agents, dyes and preservatives. Each one contains food-safe ingredients like calcium carbonate and organic coconut oil, flavoured with essential oils (there are fragrance-free options available).
The flavours include peppermint, spearmint and orange, plus there is a natural whitening charcoal toothpaste. For adults, Georganics also offers the option of fluoride toothpastes.
Calcium carbonate (chalk) gently cleans and polishes teeth, without wearing away tooth enamel. So it’s ideal for sensitive teeth. Organic coconut oil helps to lift stain, while keeping your mouth healthy and comfortable.
Toothpastes to Strengthen Tooth Enamel
The hydroxyapatite toothpastes contain the a natural tooth mineral (in fluoride-free or fluoride versions). Designed to strengthen tooth enamel, these are sold in easy-to-recycle aluminium tubes.
Geokids Dental Care Products
GeoKids (use code AWIN15 for 15% discount) is a new range, from the same company, especially for children. Made with organic fruit extracts and essential oils, these are for older children, flavoured with sweet tastes, instead of strong mint. Supervise children when brushing teeth, to ensure no swallowing of fluoride.
The sonic toothbrush (for children over 3) has fun patterns, a 2-minute auto-timer and two interchangeable brush heads in different colours. So siblings can share the same handle.
Denttabs: Say Goodbye to Toothpaste!
Denttabs is a German company that is now sold here, producing innovative toothpaste tablets for adults and children, sold in easy-to-recycle paper packs that you can even rip up and compost (or bin to break down naturally, with no harm to the planet). Sweetened with stevia.
Working with dentists, the founder of this dental care brand is actually a trained car mechanic! The company is based in Berlin, where the tablets are made with FSC-certified cellulose and a range of natural ingredients, including beetroot powder to colour them (and naturally mint and strawberry powders, for flavour).
The brand does not use palm oil (it is impossible at present to completely rule out this ingredient in two base ingredients, though they may be derived from coconut oil). The brand is presenting look for alternatives that can be guaranteed palm-oil-free for magnesium stearate and sodium lauryl glutamate.
If you dislike the mint flavour, the brand suggests leaving the pack open for a few days (it will last up to a year) to let the spiciness dissipate.
You can use the tabs with braces, though the saliva you spit out may be darker at first, due to the cellulose. To use, just chew one tablet, use with a moistened toothbrush, then rinse with water. If you wish, you can order fluoride-free children’s denttabs from the manufacturer.
Georganics mouthwash tablets (use code AWIN15 for 15% discount) are made with natural gentle ingredients, and natural flavours like spearmint or orange. They are sold in glass jars with aluminium lids or compostable refill packs.
Read our dental care posts (widely used to sweeten toothpaste, floss and gum, never use xylitol brands near pets – licking leftovers from around your mouth or sink could be fatal – there should be warnings on the packets).
Avoid this brand’s gum if you live with pets, as it contains xylitol.
Each tablet is single dose, so there’s no messy liquid to spill. Pop a few tablets in your bag or pocket for travel, the office, or after meals out. All you need is a sip of water to dissolve a tablet and swish.
Using Georganics tablets is easy. Drop one tablet into a glass with water, let it fizz and dissolve, then rinse for about 30 seconds. This simple step fits right after brushing your teeth.
DIY Mouthwash Options
- Place a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds, for fresh breath!
- Baking Soda Mouthwash: Mix one teaspoon of baking soda in one cup of warm water. Baking soda helps neutralise acids in the mouth, giving you fresh breath and a cleaner feel.
- Herbal Mouthwash: Steep a tablespoon of dried mint leaves or fresh peppermint in hot water for about 15 minutes. Cool it down, and voilà, a refreshing and soothing rinse!
- Salt Water Rinse: Combine a teaspoon of salt with a cup of warm water. It’s simple, but effective for reducing bacteria and soothing sore gums.
A Stainless Steel Tongue Cleaner (for fresh breath)
This stainless steel tongue cleaner is a one-time purchase from California, but we don’t have anything similar here (you’d be lucky to find a tongue cleaner at all in the chemist). It’s also easy to clean in the dishwasher, and sold with a lifetime guarantee. It’s even designed in a cute heart-shaped design!
Designed to be used with one hand, it’s easy to use. Just stick out your tongue, gently scrap the back of the tongue a few times and use once or twice a day. Unlike a toothbrush, this won’t stimulate the ‘gag reflex’. And won’t wear out like flimsy plastic tongue cleaners, as it’s made from quality 316 stainless steel.
Tongue-scraping is not just good to prevent bacteria near the teeth, but also helps to make food taste better, and prevents bad breath. The tongue cleaner is also presented in FSC-certified paper packaging, no plastic in sight.
Around 80% of bacteria found in the mouth is on the tongue, and though some bacteria is good, some also can contribute to cavities and other conditions, including bad breath. This tongue cleaner can also help to remove yellow coatings on the tongue (usually due to a build-up dead skin cells due to dry mouth, tea/coffee, poor oral hygiene or smoking/alcohol).
I really like using the tongue scraper. I can feel the difference after using it. I can literally see what is being swiped off and the taste in my mouth after feels clean and ready for the day.
Read our dental care posts (never use xylitol-sweetened products near pets, as it’s lethal if they were to lick a tiny amount from a mouth or sink). Supervise children when using fluoride toothpaste (encourage them to spit out excess). You can recycle plastic dental waste at Boots recycling bins.
