Latest Update: 6 November 2024
Is Your Toothpaste Sabotaging Your Health? Discover the Top Alternatives for a Cleaner, Healthier Smile!
Discover the Truth Behind Toothpaste: What Your Favorite Brands Aren't Telling You
Toothpaste is essential for oral hygiene, yet many mainstream options contain ingredients that disrupt the delicate balance of the oral microbiome—the gateway to our gut health. The health of this microbiome directly influences our digestive and immune systems, so choosing a toothpaste that nurtures it is crucial. At Functional Health SA, we’ve compared popular toothpaste brands to help you find options that prioritize both microbiome and overall health.
Why Is a Healthy Oral Microbiome Important?
Ideally, we shouldn’t need toothpaste at all. Our oral health depends on diet, lifestyle factors, and even our breathing habits—mouth breathing, for example, can harm oral health. However, the reality is that our modern diet, environmental toxins, water quality, and air pollution often disrupt the natural balance in our mouths. These factors make it necessary to use toothpaste to maintain a healthy oral environment. With this in mind, we’ve reviewed the top brands offering a healthier alternative to conventional toothpastes.
These options are generally priced higher than traditional supermarket toothpastes, but it’s essential to view them as supplements supporting your overall wellness. Investing in natural, microbiome-friendly toothpastes can play a meaningful role in a healthier, balanced lifestyle.
What Makes a Healthy Toothpaste?
To choose a microbiome-friendly toothpaste, look for options that are free from fluoride, artificial additives, microplastics, and harsh chemicals. Key qualities to prioritize:
Natural Ingredients: Minimize exposure to artificial chemicals and microplastics.
Microbiome-Friendly Additives: Prebiotics, probiotics, and xylitol can promote beneficial bacteria.
Sustainable, Safe Packaging: We prefer glass packaging, not only for its environmental benefits but also to avoid microplastics or metals potentially leaching into the toothpaste from plastic or laminated metal tubes.
Enamel Support: Ingredients like hydroxyapatite offer natural enamel repair without fluoride.
After reviewing ingredient quality, microbiome support, packaging, and effectiveness, we’ve ranked the top toothpaste brands of 2024. Here’s how they performed:
Effectiveness Score
9 / 10
Microbiome-Friendly Ingredients: Contains xylitol and erythritol, which inhibit harmful bacteria and support beneficial ones.
Enamel Support: Nano-hydroxyapatite aids in enamel repair and strengthening.
Eco-Friendly Glass Packaging: Offered in refillable glass jars, promoting zero-waste and eliminating risks of microplastic or metal leaching.
Higher Price Point: Premium ingredients and sustainable packaging contribute to a higher cost.
Nibz Toothpaste Bitz leads the pack with a microbiome-safe, enamel-supporting formula that avoids fluoride and artificial additives. Ingredients like xylitol and erythritol help promote a balanced oral environment, while nano-hydroxyapatite strengthens enamel, offering a natural alternative to fluoride. Though pricier, Nibz is a worthwhile investment for those committed to both oral health and sustainability, with glass packaging providing added assurance against contaminants.
Effectiveness Score
7 / 10
Probiotic and Prebiotic Formula: Lactobacillus ferment and inulin actively support a healthy oral microbiome.
Natural Ingredients: Free from fluoride, artificial sweeteners, and harsh chemicals, with ingredients like coconut oil, bentonite clay, and fulvic acid.
Less Effective on Teeth Cleanliness: Users may find it slightly less effective in maintaining teeth cleanliness compared to Nibz.
Packaging: Comes in a laminated aluminum tube with a plastic cap, which may contribute to microplastic or metal leaching, making it less eco- and health-friendly than glass.
Ingredient Sensitivities: Contains benzyl alcohol and “parfum,” which may cause sensitivities in some individuals.
Olgani Probiom Toothpaste is a close second, offering a unique blend of probiotics and prebiotics to support the oral microbiome. While it excels in microbiome support, it’s less effective for maintaining teeth cleanliness and uses more conventional packaging. Ideal for those specifically looking to nurture beneficial bacteria in the mouth.
Effectiveness Score
6 / 10
Enamel Health: Hydroxyapatite naturally supports enamel strength without fluoride.
Natural Composition: Free from fluoride and sulfates, with no artificial ingredients.
Sustainable Glass Packaging: Comes in reusable glass jars, reducing plastic waste and avoiding microplastic contamination.
Ingredient Quality: Includes filler ingredients like microcrystalline cellulose, sorbitol, and magnesium stearate, which don’t contribute directly to oral health.
The Kindbrush offers a solid option with hydroxyapatite for enamel support and natural, microbiome-friendly ingredients. It’s similar to Nibz at a more affordable price, but some filler ingredients (like microcrystalline cellulose, sorbitol, and magnesium stearate) reduce its premium quality slightly compared to Nibz. These fillers don’t provide direct health benefits and make The Kindbrush less aligned with a minimal, health-focused ingredient profile. Nonetheless, it remains a good choice for those seeking value without compromising much on health benefits.
Effectiveness Score
5 / 10
Natural Flavor: Utilizes natural mint flavor without artificial additives.
Fluoride-Free: Avoids fluoride, catering to those seeking a fluoride-free option.
Plastic Packaging: Uses plastic packaging, which may not appeal to eco-conscious consumers and raises concerns about potential microplastic contamination.
Lack of Microbiome Support: Does not contain specific ingredients like xylitol or probiotics to support the oral microbiome.
Kingfisher provides a natural, fluoride-free toothpaste with a mild mint flavor. However, it lacks targeted microbiome-supportive ingredients and uses plastic packaging, making it less ideal for those focused on microbiome health and sustainability.
Effectiveness Score
4 / 10
Herbal Extracts: Enriched with neem and pomegranate, known for their antibacterial properties.
Affordable: Offers a budget-friendly option that is widely available.
Contains Fluoride: Includes fluoride, which some users may wish to avoid for microbiome reasons.
Artificial Additives: Contains additives that may disrupt microbiome balance.
Plastic Packaging: Utilizes plastic packaging, which may be less appealing to eco-conscious consumers and raises potential microplastic contamination concerns.
Himalaya’s Complete Care Toothpaste incorporates beneficial herbal extracts, but the inclusion of fluoride and artificial additives makes it less suitable for those focused on microbiome health. Its plastic packaging and lack of eco-friendly practices also place it lower in the ranking.
Our modern lifestyle and environment have made toothpaste a necessity for maintaining oral health. While traditional toothpastes treat it as a commodity, the brands in this review go beyond basic cleaning, offering targeted support for oral microbiome and enamel health. Though higher priced, these options act as supplements, contributing to overall wellness.
Nibz Toothpaste Bitz leads the ranking with microbiome-friendly ingredients, enamel support, and safe, sustainable glass packaging, offering protection against microplastics or metal contamination. Olgani Probiom Toothpaste follows closely, with a unique probiotic and prebiotic formula, though it’s less effective on cleanliness and uses conventional packaging. The Kindbrush Bite&Brush Tablets provide a balanced, eco-friendly choice with natural ingredients and hydroxyapatite for enamel care. Kingfisher and Himalaya offer more conventional choices but lack targeted microbiome support and sustainable packaging.
Opting for glass-packaged, natural, microbiome-supportive ingredients can help combat modern environmental stressors, supporting a balanced, healthier lifestyle.
