Is Herbal Toothpaste Better Than Top Consumer Branded Toothpastes? An Expert Verdict
There are several brands to choose from if you were to be looking for toothpaste. There would be a whole aisle dedicated to this in your usual supermarkets, and choosing the right one might be hard. What do you look for, and what do you avoid?
What are Herbal Toothpastes?
Herbal or natural toothpastes are the toothpastes that are mostly non-branded and are advertised as natural, organic and chemical-free. These toothpastes mostly don’t contain any usual ingredient in your regular toothpaste and are natural. Because of this, they might not be as effective as your regular toothpaste when it comes to cleaning and whitening your teeth.
Toothpastes are imperative in the process of controlling harmful bacteria in your teeth, as well as regulating any plaque build-up. Toothpastes don’t just make us feel fresh and clean, but also battle any oral infections that might pop up along the way.
When enquired about the necessity of toothpaste in the process of dental care, Dr. Latha Balachandar of Dr. Latha’s DentalKraft says, “Usually, the removal of plaque that is already present is mostly the work of your toothbrush and floss, and they are enough if regularly done. But then again, you cannot ensure that they will not form again. That is where toothpastes come in. Toothpastes can kill the harmful bacteria that are responsible for excess plaque build-up”.
Why Natural Toothpastes?
There have been several studies around the world that have compared conventional toothpastes with natural toothpastes and have highlighted the importance of both.
One of the studies held that natural toothpastes can be almost as effective as your regular branded toothpastes in controlling plaque build-up, and bacteria in your mouth. More studies stated that natural toothpastes improve your saliva’s pH levels so that the glucose levels in your saliva remain low. This helps maintain proper dental hygiene.
Although that is the case, it is hard to say if it is the effect of the toothpaste itself or the mere mechanical process of brushing the teeth.
How are they different from conventional toothpastes?
The major and notable difference between your conventional toothpastes and natural toothpastes is the fluoride content. Fluoride content in toothpaste is ideal when it comes to any toothpaste as it helps in teeth development and nourishment. It also makes the teeth healthy enough to withstand any acidity issues that might result in teeth decay.
“Fluoride is a powerful abrasive that is not too intrusive, hence is an ideal addition to toothpastes. Fluoride doesn’t just clean up your teeth but also reduces the risk of any dental decay that might form in the future. A natural toothpaste might be good enough, but it surely isn’t as effective as a fluoride toothpaste in the elimination of any risk of infection”, says Dr. Latha.
Natural Toothpaste and Oral Hygiene
Make sure that before you make the switch to natural toothpaste, you have the advice of a skilled dentist. They can give you the risks involved in making the switch, such as the possibility of contracting dental diseases. That way, you wouldn’t be caught blindsided by these issues if they pop up.
More importantly, if you are making the switch not just for you but your whole family, keep in mind that your children’s teeth are still under development. Therefore, they risk more decay if not treated with proper fluoride toothpaste.
While at first sight, natural toothpastes might seem like a safe bet, there are a plethora of things that must be taken into consideration. Making the switch from using natural substances to treat your teeth rather than resorting to a toothpaste filled with chemicals is all well and good, but provided that the herbal toothpaste has a bit of fluoride in it, you would be a lot safer.
Just changing the toothpastes wouldn’t do anything to improve your teeth. You would have to follow a proper routine when it comes to brushing and oral care. Any toothpaste, be it chemical or herbal, wouldn’t make much of a difference if you are not brushing twice every day and flossing regularly.
You should devote 2 minutes minimum to brushing, and use proper technique instead of brushing for the sake of it. This is an assured way to reduce plaque build-up and make your teeth clean and free of bacteria for the rest of your day.
In conclusion, choosing the right toothpaste ultimately depends on what you want. Although you should consider every factor, and choose something well-rounded, i.e., providing optimal tooth and gum care, while being mostly organic and non-intrusive or non-damaging.
