Urban Blog

Not all toothpastes are created equally. Many people like the idea of having greater control over their toothpaste and mouthwash options. The old days of having two or three different toothpaste and mouthwash options is over. Today, there are dozens of different toothpastes and mouthwashes on the market. Many of these oral health products offer surprisingly large benefits. In this article, we’ll look at a few of the best options for improving your overall oral health in a safe and environmentally friendly way!

Top Eco-Friendly Oral Health Option #1 Xylitol

If you haven’t heard of xylitol, you are certainly not alone. Until the last few years, xylitol was keeping a pretty low profile. But now, entire books have been written on xylitol and its diverse and interesting properties.

Part of what makes xylitol such a potentially great product is that it has been widely tested, is all-natural and comes with an array of health benefits. Used as a sugar substitute due to its low glycemic number, xylitol has long been the friend of diabetics and others looking for a sugar substitute. Unlike other sugar substitutes which are chemical based, xylitol comes from natural sources, such as birch trees.

Xylitol almost seems tailor made for inclusion in toothpaste and mouthwash. The reason is that xylitol actually works to inhibit the bacteria responsible for cavities. Xylitol’s ability to stop the bacteria that causes cavities has led to it being used in everything from mouthwashes and toothpastes to gums and even candy.

Since xylitol is safe for human consumption, it can even be added to coffee, tea and baked sweets. In addition to reducing one’s risk of developing cavities, xylitol consumption has also been linked to a lower incidence of ear infections in children. One word o

f note, however, xylitol is toxic for dogs, so if you use it as an ingredient in your food, be sure to not allow your pups to eat any of your leftovers.

If you are looking for an all-natural way to reduce your cavity, risk then it is tough to beat what xylitol offers. Look for this ingredient in a very wide range of oral health care products.

Top Eco-Friendly Oral Health Option #2 Propolis

Our second eco-friendly toothpaste and mouthwash option believe it or not comes to us from bees. Propolis is literally the glue that bees use to build their hives. It forms a type of sealant and is used in areas where there are small gaps.

Scientists who studied propolis discovered that it was something of a wonder. There are many different types of propolis and its properties can vary by region and season.

Propolis is being studied for its ability to help reduce mouth pain and it is even being used in cough drops. Studies are being done into propolis’ ability to help heal wounds, fight bacteria, cold sores and even for its ability to accelerate wound healing after oral surgery. Propolis may be an anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory compound that is particularly useful for protecting oral health.

A natural antibiotic, propolis is a great addition to oral health care products and does not have a strong taste especially in the amounts used in toothpaste and mouthwashes. There are products on the market that incorporate both propolis and xylitol into the same toothpaste. One good example is Tom of Maine’s Propolis and Myrrh toothpaste which contains propolis, xylitol and myrrh.

Top Eco-Friendly Oral Health Option #3 Manuka Honey

Manuka honey has much in common with propolis. Grown in New Zealand, Manuka honey has been studied for its antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Manuka honey has been used extensively, and with good results, for the treatment of serious burns.

Manuka honey comes in different grades which correlate to its potential healing power. The UMF rating which stands for Unique Manuka Factor indicates the strength of the honey’s antibacterial properties. The higher the number the higher the potential healing benefits.

What some scientist believe is that there are components found in Manuka honey that may stimulate the production of special cells responsible for repairing tissue damage. Hydrogen peroxide is naturally found in honey, and there is evidence that Manuka honey could play a role in decrease plaque. In short, Manuka honey is very impressive and a welcomed addition to toothpaste, especially for those looking for an eco-friendly toothpaste option.

Manuka Health’s Manuka and Propolis Toothpaste was designed to reduce plaque and fight tooth decay. It used 400+ Manuka honey as well as high strength propolis and contains no fluoride or sodium lauryl sulfates. Due to the high demand for Manuka honey products, it is important to note that there has been a surge of fake Manuka honey products. It is important to choose reliable, well-known brands and sources of distribution.

Those looking for an alternative to traditional toothpaste and mouthwash options will discover that there are more options than ever. The typical toothpaste and mouthwash options tend to use a variety of chemicals, colorings and additives that many consumers will wish to avoid.

Toothpastes and mouthwashes containing xylitol, propolis, Manuka honey or a combination of the three offer a different way to protect teeth and gums. Importantly, many dentists recommend products containing xylitol and even sell them. When you are looking for eco-friendly dental options you’ll definitely want to check out not just what toothpastes and mouthwashes are on the market but also what gums, mints and candies are available. There is a well-built up industry around xylitol in particular and that means lots of products to try.

Incorporating xylitol and Manuka honey into your meals is another easy way to boost overall oral health. Manuka honey in order to be effective should not be heated, but this is really its only limitation. Just remember that if you stir it into hot tea, you will not receive the full benefits of this wonderful ingredient. Combined with regular flossing and dental visits, xylitol, propolis and Manuka honey can help you maintain and improve your oral health.