“The global market for oral hygiene products such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, and mouth rinses will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 3.29% from 2018 to 2022, according to Research and Markets.”
You might have seen the increase in natural products all around you. Supermarket shelves are stocked with natural deodorants, skincare, and organic snacks. The natural trend has creeped into the oral hygiene industry with a large range of natural toothpastes, mouthwashes, brushes, etc. But are natural oral products good for you?
Everyone likes nature and natural products. Who does not like to use or consume a product that is pure, without additives, toxic chemicals, colouring agents, or dye? In addition, you may also want to contribute your bit to the environment by being chemical free and leave the world in a better place for the next generation.
But do these natural products work? Let’s look at the different natural oral products compared to the standard products which we use every day. And then you can decide whether to shift to natural or stick to the ones you have been using.
Herbal and Natural Toothpaste
There are several natural and herbal toothpaste brands in Australia. The herbal toothpaste is assumed to help destroy bacteria and fight gingivitis, just like many other kinds of toothpaste do. Companies that sell herbal toothpaste say it does not contain additives or preservatives and is flavoured with various herbs and oils to give your mouth a fresh, clean feeling.
Apart from the various herbal toothpaste brands, Australia also has natural toothpastes like Grants (As an example, Malouf Dental does not promote any product) which sells fluoride-free or low fluoride toothpaste. Sometimes, herbal, or natural toothpaste are the best option for people who are sensitive to the ingredients used in standard toothpaste. When purchasing natural toothpastes be careful of certain types of ingredients that may have not been tested as safe, such as cinnamon, clay and charcoal.
Most natural or herbal toothpastes do not contain fluoride which is proven to be the leading way to reduce tooth decay and cavities. However, it does not mean herbal or natural toothpastes are not safe. It means there has not been enough testing done to ensure their safety or efficacy, so use them with caution.
Herbal and Natural Mouthwash
People use mouthwash to get rid of bacteria which causes bad breath, to get that fresh feeling and in general to help with oral hygiene. Herbal mouthwashes are made from selected herbal extracts that can help freshen up the breath as well as eliminate bacteria.
A study done in the US compared the efficacy of an herbal mouthwash containing red ginseng extract with different brands of commercially available chemical mouthwashes. It was found out that the herbal mouthwash exhibited maximum efficacy in reducing the number of bacteria followed by the commercial brands.
If you are looking for a natural mouthwash, it is recommended to look at the ingredients before using it. Ingredients such as green tea extract which has antimicrobial benefits is highly recommended in any mouthwash.
Toothbrushes (Bamboo vs Standard or Electric Toothbrush)
Bamboo toothbrushes have seen a huge surge in popularity in recent years. However, they are not new and go all the way back to ancient China, where the first bristle toothbrushes were made from bamboo handles and boar hairs.
The biggest benefit of bamboo toothbrushes are they are biodegradable. Plastic toothbrushes are the main contributors to a staggering 67 million tonnes of plastic waste generated in Australia in 2016/2017 as per the Department of the Environment and Energy. Bamboo toothbrushes are like standard toothbrushes, but many of them feature animal hair bristles (usually horse or boar), which could increase your likelihood of gum problems.
Electric toothbrushes on the other hand are safe for your teeth and healthier for your mouth. An electric toothbrush can provide a deep cleaning without the need to manually brush your teeth.
So, are natural oral hygiene products good for you? While they can clean as much as the standard options, you may want to consult your dentist before you use them. Your dentist is your best guide for oral hygiene and will ensure that your teeth and gums do not have any short- or long-term effects from using natural products.
Want to book an appointment?
Book online by clicking here. Call our friendly team on 3390 6100 or email us.
Harnessing the power of nature’s ingredients, they promote oral health while minimizing exposure to chemicals. From herbal toothpaste to bamboo toothbrushes, they encourage sustainable habits that benefit both you and the environment. Thanks for this article.
I am grateful for these healthier alternatives!
Absolutely! Natural oral products can be a great choice for maintaining oral health. They often contain fewer artificial additives and can provide gentle care for teeth and gums. Embracing natural alternatives can contribute to a healthier lifestyle while promoting sustainability and eco-friendliness.