The Sustainable Smile: Zero-Waste Natural Toothpastes

ZING (use coupon code ENGLAND10)

You would think brushing your teeth was the most simple thing in the world. But visit Boots or any chemist or supermarket, and you’ll be bombarded with an array of different brands promise to prevent cavities, heal gum disease, whiten yellow teeth and freshen breath.

Of course most of it is bunkum. The way to look after your teeth is to avoid refined sugar (and diet sodas), eat properly, drink lots of water, brush your teeth twice a day, avoid smoking and too much alcohol, and visit a dentist (if you can find one) twice a year. Ideally having a dental hygienist appointment also twice yearly, to remove the plaque  that you can’t, because using dental floss is too much of a faff!

Having said that, it’s important to use a good brand of toothpaste that does the job. With a zero waste toothbrush. Whether you use floss (it’s pretty difficult to use this right and most brands are made from plastic) or mouthwash (there’s a brand below but usually you don’t need it) is debatable.

What is important is to choose a brand that is made with good quality natural ingredients, vegan-friendly, not-tested on animals and in sustainable packaging (all toothpaste tubes can now be recycled either at kerbsides or in Boots recycling bins). Some brands now pack in glass jars too.

Safety tips for using toothpastes

• Many toothpastes now use xylitol, a birch sweetener. But just like foods and gums sweetened with it, there should be warnings on the packets. Because even licking a tiny amount from around your mouth (or a sink) could be lethal to animal friends. If you live with pets, avoid xylitol-brands (pretty difficult these days, as so many use them).
• Fluoride is controversial. Ireland has been fluoridating tap water for years, with no effect on dental health. Some councils fluoridate drinking water, so you can’t do anything about it. Some dentists say it’s good to strengthen teeth, others say only topical fluoride from dental treatment has any effect (others say it causes mottled teeth and worse).
• Fluoride can be lethal to children, if swallowed. If you choose a fluoride brand, only do so for children over seven, supervise brushing and have them spit out excess.
• If you’re pregnant or nursing, choose toothpastes free from essential oils. 

ZING (a natural toothpaste to strengthen teeth)

ZING (use coupon code ENGLAND10) is a fresh-tasting toothpaste brand from Yorkshire, again vegan and free from harsh foaming agents. It contains a naturally occuring mineral that helps to repair enamel and prevent sensitive teeth, by ‘filling in holes’ that stop exposed dentine. Papain enzyme (from papaya) helps to gently remove tea and coffee stains.

• Mint
• Peach
• Apple Kiwi
• Lemon

The dental floss (in mint or watermelon flavours is free from forever chemicals. If used, as floss often escapes filters and can wash away from landfills, cut into small pieces and wrap securely in a container before disposal.

Green People organic toothpastes

Green People toothpastes are free from harsh foaming ingredients (all bar the Propolis version are vegan-friendly). Sold in versions both with and without fluoride.

These contain organic extracts of aloe vera, olive leaf and myrrh resin (which have natural anti-bacterial actions and also help to soothe gums). There are also fruity versions for children.

NHS recommends to avoid SLS toothpastes for people with mouth ulcers (which also can be used by iron/vitamin C deficincies and after stopping smoking). So this brand is good, as it’s SLS free (don’t expect foaming!)

• Minty Cool contains both peppermint and spearmint oils
• Peppermint and aloe vera (not quite so minty!)
• Fresh Mint with fluoride, for those who prefer fluoride
• Mandarin and aloe vera is a fruity children’s toothpaste

Georganics toothpastes and tablets

Georganics Toothpastes (code AWIN15 for 15% discount for all items from this brand) contain ingredients with clear functions (from hydroxypapatite for enamel to probiotics for oral balance). Choose from tubes (recycled aluminium), jars, powders or tablets, whichever suits your routine.

These are made with food-safe ingredients, there is a fragrance-free version, whitening charcoal version and flavoured ones (peppermint, spearmint, orange).

Avoid Georganics gum if you live with pets, as it contains xylitol.

GeoKids is made with organic fruit extracts and essential oils, for older children. 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.

Georganics mouthwash tablets

Georganics mouthwash tablets are made with natural flavours like spearmint or orange. Sold in glass jars with aluminium lids or compostable refill packs. Add one tablet to a glass of water, let it fizz, swish in your mouth for 30 seconds, and rinse.

Or just place a slice of cucumber on the roof of your mouth for 30 seconds!

Waken Sensitive Care toothpaste

Waken Sensitive Care Toothpaste is free from fooaming agents and titanium dioxide (so it won’t foam and isn’t white), flavoured with spearmint, and contains chamomile and candula, with a toothpaste squeezer key to get every last drop!

It’s the only xylitol-free option, the others are only for pet-free households.

Waken Kids Toothpaste is also free from xylitol, in a watermelon flavour. For children 3 to 12 (use a pea-sized amount for children under 6 and supervise while brushing). Encourage children to spit our excess.

Again, only the sensitive mouthwash is free from xylitol. Alcohol-free, it contains chamomile and calendula extracts to help prevent cavities, reduce plaque and support healthy gums. The floss is made from plastic and xylitol, so not recommended.