Finding an all-natural, non-toxic toothpaste that is effective and ticks all the boxes for healthy ingredients and affordability is no mean feat. There were two available locally – one of which was really pricey and was okay … but nothing really outstanding. The other was lovely and quite reasonably priced –then it was suddenly discontinued for reasons unknown. So we decided to make our own. 
Our Winning Smile Gentle Whitening and Remineralising Tooth Polish boasts the following qualities:
- It is safe to swallow. Yes – unlike most conventional toothpastes, ours is non-toxic!
- It contains no fluoride – which is a neurotoxin, a carcinogen and a very bad ingredient on every level, no matter what the industries that profit from it tell you.
- It contains no dyes, nor anything synthetically-made in a laboratory.
- It contains no parabens, no triclosan and no toxic preservatives.
- It contains no chemical foaming agents (SLS – Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / SLES – Sodium Laureth Sulfate) and no titanium dioxide.
- It contains no glycerine – which is not toxic, but which hampers remineralisation of the teeth.
Instead, this tooth polish has the following natural and healthy ingredients:
Coconut oil attacks the harmful bacteria in your mouth. It can reduce plaque build-up, prevent tooth decay and fight gum disease. We use organic, cold pressed, virgin coconut oil in our tooth polish.
Numerous oral health studies, including one three-year clinical study, found that erythritol provided a significant reduction in cavities, dental plaque and the oral bacteria Streptococcus mutans, considered a major cause of tooth decay.
Though it sounds new, erythritol has been around for as long as grapes, peaches, pears, watermelons and mushrooms have been. It’s also created when things like wine, beer and cheese ferment. It’s a type of carbohydrate called a sugar alcohol (although it doesn’t contain any alcohol whatsoever) that is used as a sugar substitute.
We use an all-natural erythritol which is non-GMO too, sourced from Absolute Organix.
We chose erythritol over xylitol due to the fact that xylitol is highly toxic to dogs, causing a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar and acute liver cell death. We don’t want to be responsible for any dog eating our tasty tooth polish and losing its life because of it. 
Also, Erythritol has no effect on blood sugar and does not cause an insulin response in humans, making it safe for diabetics (and dogs!) and those following a ketogenic diet! 
Bicarbonate of Soda has natural whitening properties and, being mildly abrasive, can help remove surface stains from teeth. It also creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, which prevents bad bacteria from growing and neutralises acids that cause cavities. We’ve used a small amount of extra-finely ground baking soda in our tooth polish to reap its benefits but at the same time, we are cognisant of ensuring that no damage is done to tooth enamel.
- Kaolin Clay or Bentonite Clay
These clays are high on the PH scale, ensuring an alkaline effect in the mouth. They bind to heavy metals and toxins around your teeth and gums and give back an array of minerals that are good for remineralising your teeth.
Remineralising your tooth enamel will reduce (and may ultimately altogether remove) tooth sensitivity! This I have experienced first-hand – though it took a few years to get there. But I can assure you that it is not a fairy tale and is absolutely possible if using the correct product on your teeth, while eliminating the things that harm oral health – like fluoride!
Spirulina is mineral-rich and high in calcium and phosphorous, two ingredients that strengthen enamel and improve gum health – making it an important addition to a remineralising tooth polish. It also adds a soft green colour to the mix, which is pretty cool.
Loaded with minerals and trace elements from an inland sea, this ingredient is like getting sucker-punched – in a very good way.
Among the many benefits the individual components offer, magnesium in particular makes teeth harder, helps to build strong enamel and helps prevent the formation of cavities.
Spearmint – A remedy for halitosis and to maintain fresh minty breath.
Bitter Orange – This essential oil has shown to inhibit the growth of Listeria innocua, Salmonella enterica, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Aeromonas hydrophila. Due to its antimicrobial effects, bitter orange is also used for treating colds as well as infections of the gums and mouth.
Clove Bud – Clove is especially essential for oral health. Clinical research indicates that clove oil can relieve tooth pain and bad breath, as well as help to reduce gum disease. Clove oil also has the natural ability to fight mouth and throat infections.
Lemon – Lemon oil can help prevent receding gums and tooth decay by fighting bad bacteria. This oil also has properties known to stimulate tissue formation and it supports healthy gums.
Cinnamon Leaf – Cinnamon is antibacterial, antifungal and antiseptic, which makes it an effective cleanser for every oral health care need, such as relief from a sore throat! Cinnamon oil also contains amazing antimicrobial properties that protects against bacteria accountable for tooth decay.
Tangerine – This essential oil is used in oral care to strengthen gums and has powerful antiseptic properties. It also adds a lovely citrus flavour.
Lime – Lime essential oil contains high concentrations of vitamin C that can protect oral health. Studies have shown that it also fights off the bad bacteria that cause tooth decay.
Peppermint – Research has found that peppermint oil is exceptionally powerful for fighting oral pathogens and killing common bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. It also has a cooling effect and imparts a wonderfully fresh minty taste and freshens breath at the same time!
Our two available tooth
polishes are:
Both contain the
coconut oil, erythritol, bicarbonate of soda, either kaolin or bentonite clay
(non-irradiated), spirulina and trace minerals, as described above.
So, for those who are
on a mission to reduce their toxic load and improve their overall health – this
is a no-brainer. Putting toxins into your mouth, where the tissues are highly
absorbent and right below your most precious brain, makes no sense at all.
Having ingredients in your toothpaste that harm your endocrine system, your
brain and your general health, as well as the environment, is really just not
necessary.
Yes, the mouthfeel, texture, colour and consistency is something to get used to after years of using conventional toothpaste. It doesn’t foam – it feels and tastes completely different, but it is healthy and leaves your teeth feeling smooth, polished, clean and fresh all day. Your breath will be fresh. Stains will disappear. You will not be adding any toxins to your body or to the environment and your teeth will be remineralised over time.
Have you ever wondered where that waste water ends up…with all the chemicals in it? In some river or in the sea, poisoning the creatures who try to live there…
It is time to make the
changes, people – or it will be too late to reverse the damage we have done.
We package our tooth
polish in glass – except for our samples, which are in recyclable plastic tubs.
Remember that due to the coconut oil, it will harden in cold weather and soften
when it is hot. When cold, use the front of your toothbrush to plough around
the edge of the container to get enough polish onto your brush to clean your
teeth. Once in your mouth, it softens. There is no need to add water until you
are ready to rinse!
Give it a try and I
promise that once you get used to it and start to enjoy its benefits, as well
as reaching a decision to reduce your toxic load and your footprint on the
earth, you won’t go back. And you will feel good about using it too.
I have included an
excerpt from an article by Dr Mercola, a very well-known functional and
holistic doctor from the USA, whom I have been following for the past 9 years.
This is what he says about conventional toothpaste:
Over the course of a lifetime, the average American uses about 20 gallons of toothpaste and even though you don’t swallow it, chemicals in the toothpaste can make their way into your bloodstream, courtesy of the fact that your mouth has an absorption efficiency rate of more than 90 percent! With this in mind, it is well worth considering what you’re brushing your teeth with on a daily basis. Many popular brands contain highly questionable ingredients that are best avoided for long-term health. A recent report by The Cornucopia Institute, an organic industry watchdog, highlights many of the problems in the regulation of cosmetic ingredients. Contrary to popular belief, the industry is allowed to largely regulate itself, which has allowed many hazardous ingredients to be introduced.
And there
you have it. I hope you make the right choice to reduce your toxic load and
your footprint on the earth and start making the changes that you know are
necessary to achieve balance and health.
