Artificial sweeteners such as saccharin are often used to sweeten toothpaste. Saccharin has neurotoxic effects in some people who consume it in low-calorie or sugar-free foods. It’s a bad idea for kids’ toothpastes, given the potential for swallowing.

Children don’t develop the ability to spit until around age three, meaning they ingest whatever chemicals are in the toothpaste. A: Different toothpaste brands offer varying benefits and formulations. Look for toothpaste that is ADA (American Dental Association) approved, as it meets specific standards for safety and efficacy.

Ingredients

Plus, the Cochrane Center reviewed water fluoridation in 2015 and found the improvement for cavities was minimal. Generally, that’s when the mother’s rich microbiome is passed to the newborn, so it’s a good idea to take extra precautions when this doesn’t happen.

Sugar alcohols like xylitol, sorbitol and erythritol are used in toothpastes for sweetness and anti-cavity benefits. When consumed in high enough amounts (usually as sugar replacements in food and beverages), they can cause digestive upset in some people. I don’t think they’re harmful in the small amounts found in toothpaste, and I like that xylitol and erythritol have anti-cavity benefits. If you’re concerned about sugar alcohols, Earthpaste’s spearmint flavor is xylitol free, as are Tooth Soap’s products. Surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) are used to make products foam. SLS can irritate the skin or lining of the mouth, and it’s cousin SLES (sodium laureth sulfate) is even worse, as it is often contaminated with carcinogenic 1,4-dioxane. I don’t worry about SLS as much in soaps or shampoos, which we wash off, but because toothpaste goes in our mouths where it can be absorbed and swallowed, SLS and similar surfactants should be avoided in toothpaste. If you have excellent dental health, maintaining it should be your utmost priority. All-in-One Toothpaste is the multi-tasking hero you need to make sure everything is taken care of. From preventing cavities to keeping your teeth strong, it is formulated to provide much-needed care and maintain overall hygiene. I feel like a total Debbie Downer for saying this, but there are only a few toothpaste products that I feel confident calling Best or Good Stuff, and I have a long list of Sneaky products. Spoiler alert: Tom’s of Maine is not Good Stuff, and it’s a product I was using for years before researching for this guide! Is there a baby toothpaste you’re curious about that I missed in the list below? Let me know , and I’ll see about adding it.When fluoride is swallowed, it is toxic. And even if your baby or toddler is exposed to small doses, there’s evidence that it is toxic to the developing human brain.

We love life, and we desperately strive to accomplish pleasure over pain, all the while being invigorated by life’s challenges. Like you, we keep layering it up. We believe strongly that prevention is better than cure, and despite the proverb first being uttered in the 13thcentury, it seems easily forgotten amongst the white noise of modern life. Our eyes are wide open. Yours are too. Finding a truly safe toothpaste goes far beyond looking for a “fluoride-free” label. (And even the fluoride thing can be controversial—some of you may want it in toothpaste!). Many people think that fluoride toothpaste is necessary to prevent cavities. However, there are other ways to accomplish this that don’t carry the risk of a neurotoxin and fluorosis.

First, I suggest cod liver oil as soon as you start introducing solids to your child. Cod liver oil is one of the richest sources of A, D, and K2. This trio of nutrients work synergistically to prevent and even reverse small pre-existing cavities. A: Teeth whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and lighten the shade of your teeth, but for more noticeable results, consider professional whitening treatments. Many adult toothpaste brands, and unfortunately, some kids’ toothpaste, including the ones branded as “all-natural,” contain ingredients that are actually harmful to oral health. That’s why I don’t suggest buying the first child’s Crest toothpaste you see at the drugstore. Preservatives: Paraben-free toothpastes often substitute “food-grade preservatives” that still worry me. Sodium benzoate is suspected to cause damage to mitochondrial DNA, and some researchers see a link with cancer, ADD, and other scary stuff. More research (especially long-term studies) is needed, but in the meantime, I recommend skipping toothpastes with this preservative. Potassium sorbate has raised concerns due to mild allergic reactions in some users. I consider it to be of less concern than sodium benzoate, but I’m not a fan of it in products that can be ingested, like toothpaste. Sorbic acid is also known to irritate skin.

It’s just the polishing agent—the physical motion of the brush disorganizes biofilm and prevents plaque. And that’s why brushing can make a major difference in cavity prevention.The good news is, you don’t need toothpaste to disorganize bacteria and plaque. Whether you’re a child or an adult, a simple toothbrush with the right technique will do the job. The Best Baby Toothpaste for Kids Under 2 Remember, dental care doesn’t have to be a serious affair. With little care, your teeth and gums can stay at their best all your life. Elevate your dental game with minimal measures today and watch it go a long way. There’s really no reason to expose a baby’s delicate and developing oral environment to harsh detergents like SLS. Plus, all my recommendations below are SLS free toothpaste. 3. Essential Oils A very common ingredient in toothpaste is sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), also sometimes listed as sodium laureth sulphate. This is a strong detergent that has demonstrated in several studies to increase canker sore outbreaks.