How to Use Alternative Toothpaste Ingredients

Wow, I never realized how controversial toothpaste could be until I spent many frustrating hours researching the topic! Since there are so many ways to brush/ clean teeth, I will probably add a second article on the subject.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    

   Coconut oil, besides being a healthy food, is an antibacterial and will keep your teeth and gums clean without irritation. For some reason, teeth just feel great after brushing with coconut oil.
   
   Some pH charts say that coconut oil is alkalizing. Use it to neutralize the pH of your mouth after eating acidic foods such as citrus and sugar (see tips). The pH of the mouth is important because alkaline minerals such as calcium and magnesium are leached from the bones to neutralize acids. This leaves the teeth weakened.

2. 
    

   Baking soda is a popular ingredient in commercial toothpowders. This is one of the most controversial ingredients, so be cautious. The benefits are that it kills bacteria, deodorizes your mouth, and whitens teeth. It also neutralizes the pH of the mouth.
   
   However, baking soda can be harsh on the gums and some say it's abrasive to the teeth (others refute this). Just to be cautious; don't use it after eating anything acidic. Acids soften tooth enamel and using an abrasive toothpaste can then scrape some of the enamel away.

3. Hydrogen Peroxide is excitedly talked about all over the web as a cheap way to whiten teeth. It is also an antibacterial, and since it's a liquid, can be poured on your toothbrush to sanitize it. This prevents infection from old bacteria on used toothbrushes.
   
   Make sure to use food grade hydrogen peroxide, which can be found in natural food stores and needs to be refrigerated (drugstore hydrogen peroxide has stabilizers in it which shouldn't be taken internally). Make sure to dilute the peroxide - 1 oz in 11 oz water. At full strenth, it can be a dangerous oxidizer.

4. 
    

   Dr. Bronner's Soap - Hopefully this one doesn't bring back any terrible memories about having your mouth washed out with soap! This specific non-glycerin soap actually is great for the teeth (see tip on glycerin). The main ingredient is coconut oil (antibacterial) and it's completely non-toxic.
   
   There is somewhat of a cult following for all things Dr. Bronner's, and deservedly so. This soap, especially the peppermint one, is amazing for just about any use. Might as well try it as a toothpaste!

5. 
    

   Xylitol still causes some cognitive dissonance for me. It's a sugar substitute, and yet it's good for the teeth! It's actually said to reduce plaque and is a common ingredient in many toothpastes. It's a little weird to taste something so sweet and know that it doesn't cause tooth decay, but if you want to try this on it's own it can be found as a powder in natural food stores.

Tips & Warnings

• Although citrus foods are alkalizing once digested, they are still acids in the mouth. Don't brush teeth right after eating acid fruits - the teeth are softened and enamel can be scratched. Instead, rinse the mouth with water, rub coconut oil on the teeth or chew on celery or wheatgrass to neutralize the pH of the mouth.
• Many of these ingredients can be mixed (but don't need to be). A common one is a whitening paste made of hydrogen peroxide and baking soda.
• To clarify, any item described as antibacterial will help prevent tooth decay and gingivitis.
• Make sure to keep going to the dentist, and ask for any other advice they have about these ingredients. Don't be afraid to also do research outside of the mainstream, although life can start getting confusing!
• The glycerin in some soaps (and toothpastes!) is said to create a film on the teeth that's hard to wash off and prevents the teeth from remineralizing.

[SuzDoyleMusic]

on 8/11/2008 Fascinating! I'll never brush my teeth in an ordinary way again!