I Swapped My Regular Toothpaste for Natural Toothpaste to See If They Actually Work

Since first going into isolation, there have been a lot of things from our Clean Beauty category I’ve been trying and loving.   

I’ve switched to a natural deodorant, boosted my hair growth with a natural supplement, and simply cannot shut up about my favourite KORA Organics Noni Glow Face Oil

Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid of chemicals, and using them where they count (hello, cosmeceuticals). But, there is something really comforting and calming about using more natural and nourishing formulas as part of my regular routine at the moment.

There’s also the added bonus of the fact that if they don’t work out for me, no one else will be subjected to the results.  

This brings me to my natural toothpaste trial-of-the-century. While I was excited to add something a little extra to my oral care routine, I was still a little nervous about using a product that might not kill 99.9% of germs. 

However, I figured since there was barely anyone around to scare off with any potential bad breath, now was the time to give it a go. 

Natural toothpaste vs regular toothpaste? What is the difference?

Before I began my natural toothpaste journey, I asked a Dentist, Dr. Philip Bliss, a few questions about making the switch to natural toothpaste. Is fluoride free toothpaste better? Does fluoride free toothpaste even work?

On the subject he suggested: “The type of toothpaste is not so important as the correct way of brushing. However, most ‘natural’ toothpastes do not contain fluoride, which is really helpful, especially for children, to fight tooth decay. Most toothpastes are made to a certain ‘smoothness’ level so as not to abrade the tooth surface.”

So, when choosing natural toothpastes, I looked for smooth formulas that contained natural alternatives to fluoride that worked in their own way to counteract tooth decay and plaque build up. Keeping in mind that ultimately not work the same as toothpastes with fluoride in them.

I also stuck with my trusty electric toothbrush, which I can rely on to mimic the correct soft, and circular motions needed to clean my teeth correctly. 

There was some other advice I got from Dr. Philip Bliss, which changed my approach to my oral care routine. When I asked him for some general oral health care tips, he offered this: 

“The less bacteria that sits in the plaque that forms around the teeth, the easier it is for the saliva to wash away the rest or to minimise their effect. But, there are also good bacteria in the mouth that are used in the first stage of digestion, so regular antiseptic mouth rinses should be avoided and only used on an irregular basis."

This challenged my notion of simply killing off all the bacteria in my mouth with the harshest products possible.

Instead, I just continue to focus on consistent brushing, and when I do need to reach for a mouthwash, I simply go for something alcohol-free like the Aesop Mouthwash, which keeps the natural pH of my mouth balanced. 

When it comes to natural toothpastes, and how they fit into my new routine, here are my thoughts on the products I put to the test.

1. Dr. Bronner Toothpaste - Peppermint

Out of the three toothpastes I tried, this one was the most gentle. With a classic peppermint taste and smooth texture, it was easily the most like regular toothpaste, which made it very easy to dabble with. 

The Dr. Bronner Toothpaste - Peppermint will tick important boxes for many people: it’s vegan, organic, cruelty-free, fluoride-free and contains no artificial colours, flavours, preservatives, synthetic detergents or sweeteners. The packaging is even recyclable. I know, it’s a complete dream. 

While it doesn’t necessarily pack a punch like my regular toothpaste, I think it’s the perfect toothpaste for sensitive teeth, great for anyone looking to avoid regular toothpaste ingredients, or someone who just wants to give organic toothpaste a shot. 

I’ve started using this toothpaste in the morning when I want a less aggressive scrub.

2. Weleda Salt Toothpaste

What I expected from this toothpaste was a swift gargle of fresh sea water, and what I got was a very intense gargle of fresh sea water. This toothpaste does take a bit of time to get used to, but it is a cool change from boring old mint.

The Weleda Salt Toothpaste uses Salt to create a mouth-watering effect that boosts the amount of saliva in your mouth to naturally flush bacteria out. It also combines extracts of Myrrh, Ratanhia root and Chestnut bark to work on plaque and tartar build up. Natural and innovative - I love it. 

One thing I noticed when trialling this toothpaste is that it left my teeth feeling super clean and… silky? After using this toothpaste consistently for a week my mouth felt cleaner overall too, so do with that information what you will. 

If you’re looking for a natural toothpaste that doesn’t play around, this would be the one to go for. I use this toothpaste several times a week on nights I feel like I could use a real deep clean. 

3. Mr Bright Charcoal Toothpaste

I never thought I would look forward to brushing my teeth, but this activated charcoal toothpaste smells and tastes delicious, making it super easy to reach for. Mr Bright Charcoal Toothpaste also doesn’t contain so much charcoal that it is difficult or messy to use, and has a nice, smooth consistency. 

The way charcoal toothpaste works to whiten your teeth is by absorbing stains that sit on the surface of your enamel. By this definition, this is probably the best whitening toothpaste I've ever used. You can also really feel this toothpaste working to detoxify your gums, as it leaves your whole mouth feeling super clean.

Some people worry about how often you should brush your teeth with charcoal toothpaste or if charcoal toothpaste is safe. Fortunately, this is an incredibly gentle fluoride-free whitening toothpaste and I have had literally no problem using it twice a day. However, I tend to use this toothpaste at night to stop surface stains from setting.

As far as regular toothpaste goes, I don’t think it’s bad stuff, however I now have plenty of alternatives that I feel a little more comfortable using and potentially ingesting on a regular basis. 

Want to know more about Adore Beauty's oral care range? Check out these helpful articles...

• The Best Oral Health Care Products

• How To Whiten Teeth At Home Naturally

• Ultimate Guide to Oral Care

• 3 Sexy Products to up Your Oral Hygiene Game.

Brand and product inclusions are at the sole discretion of Adore Beauty. We do not seek or accept payment from brands or individuals listed in our guides.