6 Reasons You Might Want to Seriously Rethink Your Toothpaste

by AMY LEWIS
How much thought do you put into the toothpaste you use? When it comes to picking one from the shelves, the majority of us probably go little further than whether we want to add whitening benefits to the mix or protect our sensitive gums. But should we be putting more thought into the fluoride versus fluoride-free toothpaste debate?According to the experts, maybe.

While there’s still plenty of professional backing for including fluoride in toothpaste—it’s long been considered the key ingredient in preventing tooth decay—the backlash has indeed begun.
Holistic health practitioners have advocated natural and fluoride-free toothpastes for years, advising that, just like organic foods and skincare, fewer chemicals come with far fewer health concerns. For the free-from supporters, fluoride and sodium lauryl sulphate (the foaming agent that’s also present in soaps and shampoos, often linked to allergies) have been two key toothpaste ingredients to avoid.
More scientific research is needed to establish the long-term effects that fluoride could be having on our health, though concerns have been piqued by The Lancet’s official classification of the mineral as a neurotoxin (arsenic, lead and mercury also fall into this category).

So is it time to explore the alternatives? Happily, natural toothpastes are currently enjoying a serious moment thanks to improved formulas and innovative new brands.
Need the low-down? We’ve consulted Harley Street dentist Dr. Giacomo Favero to help us take a look at all the reasons natural toothpastes are now a better option than ever.