Million of Americans take care to bookend their day with a trip to the bathroom for oral hygiene. Whether weary from a long day, or bleary-eyed after just waking up, they squeeze toothpaste onto their brush and begin caring for their teeth. As environmental awareness continues to rise, many of these individuals are seeking safe and natural ways of performing dental hygiene. While there is a growing list of dental care products that state that they contain natural ingredients, information about their effectiveness is limited. If you’re seeking natural products for oral hygiene, it’s essential to ensure the one you select is able to perform.
Identifying Natural Oral Hygiene Products
Perhaps the easiest way of knowing if a product is effective for oral hygiene is by looking for the ADA label. The ADA, or American Dental Association, certifies those products they know are both safe and effective for use in dental hygiene. However, you can also determine the efficacy of these products by their list of ingredients. If you’re considering a new toothpaste, consider the following:
- Tea Tree Oil – Tea tree oil is a product that appears in a majority of natural oral hygiene products. It’s inclusion provides bacteria-fighting properties to the toothpaste you’re using. As a natural substance, it’s a safe alternative to the triclosan included in standard dental hygiene products for the same purpose. Replacing triclosan was done to address the impact that it was found to have on the endocrine system. Further, it’s been complicit in producing antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
- Magnolia Bark Extract – Bad breath, clinically known as halitosis, is a serious concern that many individuals face. It’s even possible for those with exceptional oral hygiene practices to develop this condition. It can be temporary as the result of food choices or persistent due to underlying health issues. Magnolia bark extract is an effective way of addressing this dental health concern.
- Xylitol – There are a growing number of oral hygiene products that are starting to include xylitol in their formulas. This plant-based extract has been shown to have the incredible bacteria-fighting ability. It not only addresses existing bacteria, but actually makes it difficult for new bacteria to adhere to the teeth. Even better, chewing gum with a xylitol base also helps to pull plaque, bacteria, and food debris off your teeth.
These three ingredients are among the most common ones found in natural oral hygiene products. Their efficacy is well-known, making them a trusted part of natural toothpaste brands.
Contact Your Dentist For Further Guidance
Your dentist is your best resource for knowing that the oral hygiene products you use are safe and effective. When considering a new oral hygiene routine, or just one that includes new products, consult with them. They’ll be able to provide guidance on which products will best serve your needs, any inherent dangers, and how to use them effectively. Remember that just because a component is natural doesn’t mean that it is also safe and effective. Call your dentist to consult them today.
