Best Natural Toothpaste for Strong & Healthy Teeth

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Reasons to Switch to Natural Toothpaste

When making a plan to switch over to natural, non-toxic products, I always recommend swapping out the products used most frequently first. Toothpaste ranks up there as one of the personal care products we use most often, since we brush our teeth 730 times a year.

Plus, the fact that the ingredients hang out in our mouth (one of the most absorbent parts of the body), and might even be swallowed, makes it all the more important to use a safe, natural and non-toxic toothpaste.

Traditional toothpastes may contain some harmful ingredients that should be avoided:

• triclosan – an antibacterial agent associated with endocrine toxicity (It’s banned in soaps but is still allowed in toothpaste. Many toothpaste brands have eliminated it due to customer demand, but be sure to check the label.)
• parabens – preservatives that mimic estrogen and cause hormone system disruption 
• diethanolamine (DEA) – a foaming ingredient that can react with other ingredients to form a potential carcinogen
• artificial colors (yep – those pretty swirls from my childhood!) – linked to hyperactivity and behavioral problems in kids
• artificial flavors and sweeteners – associated with cancer and other ill health effects
• fluoride (see below for more on this controversial ingredient)
• sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) (see below for more details)

Read more about the harmful chemicals in toothpaste to AVOID

Non Toxic Toothpaste Ingredients

So you leave the aisle with the toothpaste you grew up with (goodbye sparkles!), and you walk over to the natural products aisle. What toothpaste should you buy?

Turns out there are a lot of options in the world of natural toothpaste! You’ll find pastes and powders and even toothpaste bites that dissolve in your mouth. And the list of preferred ingredients varies considerably, depending on your desired results and personal preference. The goal of course, is to prevent tooth decay and maintain good oral health, minus any harsh chemicals.

To make sense of the confusion, let’s go over some of the ingredients you might find in a natural toothpaste.

Hydroxyapatite – Hydroxyapatite is a naturally occurring mineral that is part of tooth enamel. When used in toothpaste it helps to strengthen teeth by remineralizing them. Although toothpaste with hydroxyapatite has been popular in Japan for a long time, it has only recently become popular as an alternative to fluoride in the United States. Hydroxyapatite is available in micro or nano sizes. Studies have shown that nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAP) causes remineralization comparable to a fluoride and therefore can be an effective alternative to fluoride toothpaste.

Whitening Ingredients – Whitening toothpastes are extremely popular and for good reason (hello coffee stains!) The whitening ingredients in natural toothpaste brands typically include hydrated silica, calcium carbonate and activated charcoal – all of which rate a 1 on EWG. Food grade hydrogen peroxide is used by Essential Oxygen (see below) and they claim it to be a powerful and safe whitening ingredient. 

Activated Charcoal – Activated charcoal has been a trendy ingredient in the natural toothpaste industry. People love it for its whitening and detoxifying properties. My take – I love the idea of it, but I don’t love the mess. Black toothpaste means cleaning your sink every time. Maybe you won’t mind?

Clay – Bentonite clay is used in some toothpastes, like Earthpaste, for its polishing abilities and connection to digestive health. There was some buzz about levels of natural lead in clay, but the Redmond brand (that makes Earthpaste and the bentonite clay powder that I buy for my homemade toothpaste recipe), has tested safe from lead. 

Glycerin – Most of the natural toothpaste brands I looked at contain glycerin, which gives toothpaste its smooth mouthfeel. Glycerin can be animal or plant derived but I’m pretty sure even conventional brands use the plant-based variety (because, yuk!). Anyway, the only potential negative I read about glycerin was from the Essential Oxygen brand (see below), who said that glycerin coats teeth and inhibits the process of re-enameling. I’ll be curious to see if glycerin-free becomes a trend, but for now it’s pretty common. EWG rates glycerin a 2 or low hazard. 

Xylitol and Stevia – These are the two most popular sweeteners for natural toothpastes. Both are naturally derived from plants and are considered safe, unlike some of the artificial sweeteners used in conventional toothpaste. Xylitol has also been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria, making it helpful as a complement to fluoride or hydroxyapatite. Note: Xylitol is toxic to dogs and cats.

Essential Oils, Natural Extracts and Flavors – Many natural toothpaste brands use essential oils for flavoring, which can be either organically grown or not. Many essential oils also have anti-bacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal properties, which is a bonus for oral care. There’s a bit of uncertainty when it comes to natural flavors so I prefer it when brands disclose all the individual components of a flavor (like peppermint oil or raspberry extract for instance). Some companies, like Hello, provide lots of details about their flavors and others just list Flavor. The EWG rates Flavor as a 4 because of this uncertainty. 

Controversial Toothpaste Ingredients

Fluoride – Sodium fluoride is the most controversial of ingredients in toothpaste. Most natural brands do not contain fluoride, but some do. Your dentist will tell you that the use of fluoride is important for replenishing lost minerals and strengthening teeth, and that it is most effective against cavities when applied directly to the teeth (as opposed to drinking it in tap water). Others warn that fluoride is a neurotoxin and that too much of it can cause problems ranging from discolored teeth to harm to the brain and nervous system (the EWG rates fluoride a 2 to 5 – depending on usage). A few toothpastes containing fluoride are even EWG-Verified.

Personally, I am not opposed to fluoride in toothpaste (although I am a bigger fan of hydroxyapatite for cavity prevention). I’m not here to convince you one way or the other – it’s a personal decision whether you use fluoride toothpaste or not. 

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – This foaming ingredient is another controversial one. It has been shown to be irritating to skin when used in high levels in bath and other personal care products, but is considered safe by the EWG (rated a 1 for use in toothpaste). Tom’s of Maine uses SLS in most of their toothpastes but they do offer an SLS-free option for sensitive individuals. Personally, I feel comfortable using SLS in toothpaste but if you are sensitive to it, you may need to avoid it. 

Carrageenan – This thickening substance derived from seaweed is considered safe to use in personal care products, with a rating of 1 on EWG. However, carrageenan has a bad rap in the food industry for possible (although disputed) links to digestive inflammation. For now, I’m pretty comfortable with carrageenan in my toothpaste, but I’ll keep my eye on the research.  

RELATED: Natural Lip Balms

Best Natural Toothpaste Brands

Let’s take a deeper dive into some of the best natural toothpastes you’ll find out there in the world – including organic toothpastes, whitening toothpaste, kids toothpaste and more!

Many of these I have personally tested and others are fan favorites. Be sure to read through my review of each brand so you can find the brands that will work best for your family and your personal preferences.

(Note: prices were accurate at time of publishing but may have changed.)

Toothpaste With Hydroxyapatite

Fygg

Fygg’s unique toothpaste formula includes both nano sized hydroxyapatite and prebiotics to nourish and protect the oral microbiome, while remineralizing and whitening teeth.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? YES (3.1% nano-Hydroxyapatite per tube)
• Flavored with: natural flavors/botanical extracts (all specific flavors are listed)
• Sweetened with: xylitol and monk fruit
• Flavors: Mild Mint, Vanilla Vibes, Coconut Cream, Chocolate Swirl
• EWG rating: N/A but in process of getting EWG Verified!
• Cost: $11.90 – $14 for 4-oz tube
• My take: I like the mint flavor best but the others taste good and are nice options for kids or anyone who does not like mint.

Boka

Boka specializes in science-backed oral care including nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste, mouthwash tablets and more.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? YES (nano-Hydroxyapatite in a proprietary percentage)
• Flavored with: natural flavors and fruit extracts (all flavor ingredients are listed)
• Sweetened with: xylitol and stevia
• Flavors: Ela Mint, Vanilla Cardamom, Citrus Mint, Peppermint Blossom Probiotic, Coco Ginger, Lemon Lavender and kids flavors: Orange Cream, Watermelon Mint, Blueberry Dragonfruit and Strawberry Mango
• EWG rating: 2-3
• Cost: $13 for 4-oz tube (slightly less with a subscription)
• My take: I’ve only tried the mint flavor so far but am very intrigued by the other flavors!

Risewell

Risewell toothpaste is formulated with hydroxyapatite, a mineral that is scientifically proven to strengthen and protect teeth without fluoride and has been the gold standard in Japan for over 40 years.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? YES (both micro and nano)
• Flavored with: essential oils
• Sweetened with: xylitol and stevia 
• Original line: made with micro hydroxyapatite
• Pro line: made with both micro and nano hydroxyapatite – great for people who are more prone to cavities and sensitivity.
• Flavors: Wild Mint, Cake Batter (for kids) and Flavorless (my mint-hating son loves this one!)
• EWG rating: 1-3
• Cost: $10.20 – $22 for 3.4-oz tube (depending on type and subscription)
• My take: I appreciate the fact that hydroxyapatite has been proven to strengthen, whiten and remineralize teeth. The wild mint flavor tastes great. If you are looking for a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, this is a great one!

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Cocoshine by Cocolab

Cocolab is most known for their amazing Cocofloss dental floss, but they also introduced a whitening toothpaste made with nano-hydroxyapatite that whitens without peroxide.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? YES (nano)
• Flavored with: natural flavors (all flavor ingredients listed)
• Sweetened with: xylitol and stevia 
• Flavors: Delightful Mint, Lychee Breeze and Pina Colada
• EWG rating: N/A
• Cost: $15 for 4-oz tube (save 10% with subscription)
• My take: So far I’ve only tried the mint flavor

Wellnesse

Wellnesse makes a fluoride-free, hydroxyapatite based toothpaste to strengthen teeth, soothe gums and freshen breath. Formula includes green tea leaf extract and neem oil for oral health.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? YES (micro size only)
• Flavored with: natural flavors (all disclosed on ingredient list)
• Sweetened with: stevia and xylitol
• Flavors: Fresh Mint, Cinnamint, Fresh Strawberry (for kids)
• Charcoal version also available
• EWG rating: N/A
• Cost: $12.75 – $15 for 4-oz tube
• My take: I like the peppermint flavor and love that you can also buy a copper tongue scraper.

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Fluoride-Free Toothpastes

These toothpastes are fluoride-free and do not contain hydroxyapatite either.

Dr. Bronner’s

The makers of everyone’s favorite castile soap has toothpaste too! It’s fluoride-free and made with 70% organic ingredients.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? NO
• Flavored with: essential oils
• Sweetened with: stevia 
• Flavors: Peppermint, Cinnamon, Anise
• EWG rating: 2
• Cost: $9.99 for 5-oz tube
• My take: A great option for anyone who appreciates organic ingredients. The cinnamon and anise flavors are very unique.

Essential Oxygen

Essential Oxygen makes a low-abrasion, certified organic, glycerin free toothpaste made with food grade hydrogen peroxide as a natural whitening agent. Great for sensitive teeth.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? NO
• Flavored with: essential oils
• Sweetened with: stevia
• Flavors: Peppermint, Spearmint, Cinnamint
• EWG rating: 3
• Cost: $9.99 for 4-oz tube
• USDA Certified Organic
• My take: I’ve tried the toothpaste and like it but it isn’t something I would use ongoing.  They have an oral care system that includes a mouth rinse, toothpaste and tooth polish, which looks interesting.

Jack N’ Jill

Jack N’ Jill specializes in healthy toothpaste for babies and kids, made with natural ingredients that are safe to swallow.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? NO
• Flavored with: certified organic natural flavors
• Sweetened with: xylitol
• Flavors: Watermelon, Apple, Banana, Black Current & more plus an unflavored option
• Contains calendula to sooth gums
• EWG rating: 1-2
• Cost: $8.00 for 1.76-oz tube
• My take: I thought the Black Current tasted great!

More Healthy Toothpaste Brands

These brands offer a mix of toothpaste options including with and without fluoride and hydroxyapatite as well as other healthy toothpaste ingredients.

Hello

Hello Brands offers a variety of types of natural toothpaste in both fluoride and fluoride-free versions and including fun options for kids to encourage brushing.

• Fluoride-free? YES and NO
• Includes hydroxyapatite? NO
• Flavored with: natural flavors (specifics not disclosed)
• Sweetened with: xylitol
• Flavors: Peppermint, fresh mint, watermelon, raspberry & more
• Activated charcoal version also available
• EWG rating: 1-3
• Cost: $5.99 for 4.2-oz tube
• My take: My son hates mint so the Fresh Watermelon kids toothpaste was a lifesaver when he was young. They have a bunch of flavors for toddlers and kids.
• Affordable and easy to find at Target and other stores

David’s

David’s is known for toothpaste packaged in metal tubes, that comes with a tube key so you can get out every last bit. All formulas are fluoride-free and some contain nano hydroxyapatite.

• Fluoride-free? YES
• Includes hydroxyapatite? Some have nano hydroxyapatite
• Flavored with: essential oils and some unspecified natural flavors
• Sweetened with: xylitol and stevia
• Flavors: Peppermint, Mild Mint, Spearmint, Orange Cream and Strawberry Watermelon (for kids)
• EWG rating: Most are EWG Verified
• Cost: $8.75 to $10.95 for 4-oz or 5-oz tube
• My take: Love that it comes with a metal tube key to help you get every bit out of the tube!

ATTITUDE

ATTITUDE makes toothpaste that is EWG-Verified, so you know it’s safe. Both fluoride and fluoride-free options are available, as well as a fluoride + hydroxyapatite version. Formula includes papaya and green tea leaf extracts for gum health.

• Fluoride-free? YES and NO
• Includes hydroxyapatite? Some have both fluoride and hydroxyapatite
• Flavored with: essential oils
• Sweetened with: no sweetener
• Flavors: Peppermint, Spearmint, Strawberry (for kids)
• EWG rating: EWG Verified
• Cost: $8.95 for 4.2-oz tube
• My take: I appreciate the fluoride + hydroxyapatite option – it’s a great combo for cavity prevention!

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Tom’s of Maine

Tom’s of Maine is well known for their natural toothpaste, including both fluoride and fluoride-free options.

• Fluoride-free? YES and NO
• Includes hydroxyapatite? NO
• Flavored with: essential oils and natural flavors (see flavor disclosure list)
• Sweetened with: xylitol and/or stevia
• Flavors: Peppermint, Cinnamon Clove, Silly Strawberry, Orange Mango and more
• EWG rating: 1-3
• Cost: $5.99 for 4-oz tube
• My take: Easy to find and affordable 

Here are a few more toothpaste brands that I’ve seen recommended but haven’t had the chance to try for myself:

• Bite Toothpaste Bits (tube-free!)
• Primal Life Toothpaste Powder
• Spry
• Jason
• Desert Essence

Looking for non-toxic dental floss? Try Cocofloss!

Healthy Toothpaste FAQs

What certifications should I look for on toothpaste?

• Organic – Of all the brands I checked, only one of them is USDA Certified Organic (Essential Oxygen). Dr. Bronner’s toothpaste contains over 70% organic ingredients. Most natural toothpaste brands don’t use organic as a selling point.
• EWG-Verified – This is the top rating from the Environmental Working Group. Only a couple toothpaste brands that I’m familiar with carry this certification: Dr. Brite and David’s toothpaste. 
• Vegan/Cruelty free – Animal ingredients are not a big concern in today’s version of toothpaste, but if you care about animal testing, then look for a brand that is vegan or cruelty-free. I’m quite sure that cruelty-free applies to all the brands listed here, but is not necessarily true of conventional toothpaste brands.

What is the best non-minty toothpaste?

If you have a kid who hates mint with a passion (like my son!), then you NEED to find a non mint toothpaste! My son uses the Fresh Watermelon flavor from Hello. Other brands with mint-free toothpaste include Jack ‘N Jill and ATTITUDE.

What is the best non-toxic toothpaste for toddlers?

Toddlers and little kids can be extra picky, so it helps to start with a mild flavored toothpaste. Brands that specialize in toothpaste for kids include Hello, Jack ‘N Jill, Toms and ATTITUDE. If you are looking for a toddler toothpaste with fluoride, I recommend either Hello brand or Tom’s of Maine children’s toothpaste.

What is the best non-toxic toothpaste with fluoride?

As I mentioned at the beginning of this post, fluoride is a controversial ingredient in toothpaste. If you believe that a fluoride toothpaste makes the most sense for you and your family, then by all means use it! Fortunately, there are a variety of toothpastes that contain fluoride but do not have the other toxic chemicals that are often found in toothpastes. Natural toothpaste brands that have some products that contain fluoride include Toms of Maine, Hello and ATTITUDE.

What is the best homemade toothpaste?

If you are interested in making your own toothpaste, I have a recipe for an easy homemade toothpaste on the blog!

What is your favorite non toxic toothpaste brand?