According to the National Institute of Health, "There are a variety of dental products promoted as an "alternative" to the standard commercial dental products that most dentists recommend and most patients use. These alternative products can be categorized as standard dental products made with natural ingredients, herbal products, homeopathic products, and synthetic alternative products."
There is a list of herbal ingredients that are used in oral health care products. We have listed natural alternatives for standard teeth care products in this post but note that home remedies, though they have been marketed for oral care, have not been tested or have been approved by the FDA. For example, a product advocated for the management of halitosis includes a combination of parsley and cottonseed oil, but because this product is marketed as a dietary supplement, documented data of safety and effectiveness (and FDA certification or approval) is not required prior to public use.
Natural Alternatives for Standard teeth care products
Most of the ones listed here are very common and accepted alternatives. Most households use them:
Xylitol - Xylitol is a sweet substance commonly found in birch trees and many fruits and vegetables. Research has indicated xylitol has great tooth friendly benefits. It is a natural alcohol used in place of sugar, has the best reputation among herbal products for limiting decay.
Calcium Carbonate - Calcium carbonate, a naturally occurring mineral, is a gentle abrasive that cleans and polishes the tooth surface to help remove stains.
Betaine - Betaine is a sweet tasting alkaloid that occurs in sugar beets. It is proven to leave the mouth moist and feeling soothed.
Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda) - Baking soda, a naturally occurring mineral, is a gentle abrasive that has the ability to polish and whiten teeth. It also helps freshen your breath. It can also offset acidity induced by plaque.
Propolis - Bees create propolis from natural resin produced by trees to help defend their hives. Research indicates propolis can help support oral health.
Tea Tree Oil - Tea Tree Oil is a natural oil with exciting oral health benefits and can help to fight bad breath. One study suggests that rinsing with green tea extract may protect the teeth from erosion and abrasion, similar to fluoride mouth rinse. Another showed the extract might stop starchy foods, such as crackers or cake, from causing tooth decay. And a third found that people who regularly drink green tea have healthier gums than those who don’t.
Aloe Vera Juice - Helps to cleanse the teeth and gums while soothing your entire mouth.
Read the label
The most important thing is to read the labels of dental care products you use to see if they have natural ingredients. Consult your dentist if you are unsure of a product you want to try. He is in the best position to advise you what is safe and effective to use.
As always, whatever teeth care product you use, remember your best defense against dental problems is regular and proper brushing, flossing and proper nutrition.
At Indianapolis Dentistry, we have compiled a list of products here that we recommend and sell in our office. We believe that these products, when used in conjunction with regular visits to the dentist, can help keep your teeth, mouth, and gums healthy and prevent disease. Call 317-882-0228 to order by phone for local pickup or to have it shipped.