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Throughout the switch to green beauty I have conducted a lot of research on natural toothpastes. Mostly wondering if they could be as effective as regular toothpastes that seem to be filled with superfluous chemicals. I’m glad to say that I’ve finally put those questions to rest after trying the Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste.
Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste $5.79 CAD from Well.ca
Let me tell you – I have the most sensitive teeth ever. Between having braces for two years and attempting to use Crest Whitestrips when they first came out (the most painful experience ever.) I have a hard time eating Ice Cream or even drinking slightly cool water without covering my mouth in sharp pains.
On top of that I also grind my teeth at night, so my gums have begun to recess from my teeth exposing the delicate nerves underneath. I really should wear my nighttime mouth guard more often….
The point is I have crazy ridiculous sensitive teeth and it seems like I suffer from cankers every other week. My mouth is just not a good place to be. Understandably, I’m very picky about what I use to clean my teeth.
For the past few years I’ve been using the Colgate Pro Relief Toothpaste which has worked relatively well. Much better than Sensodyne to say the least… but eating Ice Cream is still a rare occasion for me.
I have been reading up on Sodium Lauryl Sulfates (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) and their link to skin irritation. I have removed SLS + SLES from my hair care routine by using the Carina Organics Shampoo + Conditioner and I have noticed that I am practically dandruff-free now.
So… if my scalp is less irritated from removing SLS + SLES from my hair care routine my mouth should be less irritated too, right?
Yes.
Everyone’s skin is different. Everyone has different sensitivities and if you aren’t plagued with cankers, sore gums and dandruff you are probably totally okay with using SLS + SLES in your personal care products. But it is a fun experiment to find out if it makes a difference.
Searching for a Natural Toothpaste
When I decided to purchase the Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste I wasn’t actively hunting for it. Though I had searched up some different brands and considered the idea.
What led me to buy was purely happenstance and consumerism. I was in my local all-natural health store and the shiny packaging jumped out at me. Green Beaver Company is also Canadian… so I’m not going to lie that it was a great selling feature too. I love to support natural and somewhat local brands.
Green Beaver Company sells a variety of different flavours including: Cinnamon, Spearmint, Peppermint, Cilantro + Mint and Green Apple. I opted for the safe choice of Spearmint.
What is in the Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste?
(Based off Spearmint Toothpaste)
- Calcium Carbonate. Naturally derived from ground limestone.
- Aqua/Water/Eau.
- Sorbitol. A sugar alcohol found in fruits + plants or derived from Glucose.
- Glycerin. Another sugar alcohol used as a Solvent.
- Hydrated Silica. A form of Silicon Dioxide, or Sand.
- mentha viridis (spearmint) Leaf oil. Derived and used for taste + fragrance.
- Xylitol. A sugar alcohol used as a sweetener.
- Citrus. Used for flavour.
- Medica Limonum (Lemon) Extract. Used for flavour.
- Xanthan Gum. A sugar-based polymer used for viscosity (thickness.)
- Coco-Glucoside. A synthetic chemical produced by glucose + coconut oil products, used as a surfactant.
- Calcium Ascorbate. A form of Vitamin C.
- Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) leaf oil. Oil from Tea Tree plant for fragrance + taste.
Green Beaver says that the following are notable ingredients:
Natural cleansing agents: Xylitol, lemon and tea tree extracts.
Natural mineral whiteners: Silica and calcium carbonate.
Natural vitamin C: Contributes to the normal development and maintenance of teeth and gums.
To be honest, I am pretty surprised not to see any baking soda on this list. I swore that baking soda was one of the go-to natural toothpaste ingredients.
How does Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste Perform?
It’s safe to say that I still have all my teeth where they’re supposed to be, so that’s a good thing! Using natural toothpaste wasn’t very different from traditional toothpaste in all honesty.
A big difference is the lack of the foaming, which is what the SLS + SLES would do. Instead it turns more into a watery paste. It’s not as minty fresh as traditional toothpastes and doesn’t leave you feeling like your breath is the freshest thing in the entire world, but it does feel clean.
I have noticed that I subconsciously brush my teeth for a longer period of time while using natural toothpaste rather than regular toothpaste because I feel like if I don’t it’s not cleaning as well. Whether or not that is true is hard to prove.
Another thing I have noticed is that I have only had one canker since I started using the Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste! Although my gum + tooth sensitivity is still very prominent it is no worse then when I was using my Colgate Pro Relief toothpaste.
Would I recommend the Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste?
If you’re actively looking for a natural toothpaste and have not tried this, I would say for you to give it a go. I think that it has performed very well. My teeth feel clean after brushing and my oral health seems to be improving (canker-wise.)
If you have no problems with your current toothpaste (and have no sensitivities) I don’t think you need to make the switch to a natural toothpaste. Though it really depends on your stance of chemicals and how you feel about fluorides, SLS, SLES and other chemicals that are in regular toothpastes.
You can learn more about SLS + SLES in my post on “Free From” Chemicals.
After my experience with the Green Beaver Natural Toothpaste, I don’t think that I will go back to using a regular toothpaste. Being canker free is the best thing ever! If I do go to the dentist and find out that I have new cavities I would probably switch back to regular toothpaste, but I highly doubt I will have problem. (Remind me to update this after I visit the dentist in a couple months!)
What’s your favourite toothpaste?
