Brush Your Gluten-Free Teeth!

Oral care is critical not just for healthy gums and teeth, but for whole-body health, too. You brush before you go to bed and before you leave the house in the morning. It has become so much a part of your daily routine that you probably don’t even think about it—and maybe you don’t really think about what’s in your toothpaste, mouthwash and other daily oral care products, either. You should always be reading ingredients, even in your oral care routine!

Now, have I ever seen gluten labeled outright in toothpaste or mouthwash? No. However, I’ve seen a lot of things I have no idea what they are and what they’re doing in my toothpaste. I’ve also seen SLS, which is a nightmare to my already sensitive mouth, that reacts poorly (read: my mouth lining melts away) to gluten. So, I always read the ingredients of oral care products – and so should you!

Thanks to Delicious Living Online, we’ve got some research on keeping your gluten-free teeth shiny and healthy.

 

Studies show there is a connection between periodontal disease (which can stem from severe gum-tissue inflammation caused by bacterial buildup) and cardiovascular disease. But when it comes to “natural,” some early products left a bad taste—quite literally—in our mouths. According to market research firm Mintel, early natural oral care product flops may have disappointed. But thankfully, manufacturers have gone back to the drawing board, with much-improved outcomes.

Why the sudden surge? Today’s products taste good, freshen breath and fight bacteria and plaque with innovative natural ingredients instead of caustic synthetics. They rely on xylitol, neem, sea salt, peppermint and even cocoa in lieu of triclosan, alcohol, artificial colors and fragrance and other potentially harmful ingredients found in conventional oral care products.

Natural brands also appeal to health-minded consumers by carrying a USDA Organic or Non-GMO Project Verified seal, and catering to special diets, including vegan, gluten free and paleo. Further fueling innovation in this category: alternative delivery systems based on traditional oral care practices—think tooth salts and brushing powders. Such products may be new to many customers, but natural brands are taking a leap of faith. So now’s the perfect time to freshen up your oral care routine.

Looking for new oral care products? Here are some that Delicious Living and I suggest you “brush up” on! 

Delicious Living’s natural oral care product picks:

Desert Essence Natural Neem Mouthwash.

Conventional mouthwash may freshen breath, but a mouthful of chemical surfactants and artificial flavors and colors is not what we’d call clean. Desert Essence’s refreshing alternative tackles a range of oral concerns with a blend of plant and mineral ingredients. Neem extracts dissolve bacteria buildup, zinc citrate reduces plaque, and calendula, sage and aloe soothe irritated gums. Swish. Gargle. Rinse. And, go ahead, repeat!

Dr. Bronner’s All-One Toothpaste

This just-launched toothpaste line upholds Dr. Bronner’s long-held commitment to clean products. These pastes use mild abrasives such as organic coconut oil and coconut flour and come in three flavors: peppermint, cinnamon and (our favorite) anise. Made with 70-percent organic ingredients, All-One has earned the NSF/ANSI 305 “contains organic ingredients” certification. And did we mention these toothpastes are vegan and non-GMO? Now that leaves a good taste in our mouths.

The Dirt Natural Toothpaste

Paleo has transcended food and crossed into personal care. Paleo followers will want to check out this innovative product: a paleo mineral tooth-brushing powder. The Dirt uses natural ingredients like bentonite clay and baking soda to strengthen teeth and organic spices and essential oils to keep breath fresh. We like the unique packaging, too.

Vermont Soap Neem Extra Strength Toothsalt

Strange but true: Salt can enhance your oral care routine because it’s a natural disinfectant and can calm any mouth tissue swelling. Vermont Soap combines a handful of natural ingredients that are good for teeth and gums—baking soda, table salt, neem and essential oils—to emulate the ancient practice of gargling with salt water to maintain oral hygiene. Sprinkled onto a wet toothbrush, this formula quells bacteria and strengthens teeth.

Celiac and the Beast’s natural oral care product picks:

I also really like Dr. Bronner’s tooth paste, although I’ve only ever purchased the peppermint. I’m not sure how crazy I want to go with flavors like anise early in the morning.

My Magic Mud is a company I found at a Gluten Free Food Allergy Fest actually! It’s charcoal and some other ingredients and it polishes and whitens teeth. It’s also really fun because it turns your whole mouth black and can really scare your roommate/significant other/family pet.

Redmond Clay EarthPaste is a Redmond Clay-based paste with none of the bad ingredients I find in regular toothpaste. It’s refreshing with the peppermint flavor – although I honestly kind of like the lemon twist (although you wouldn’t think lemon in toothpaste would be good).

Sometimes I also like to use Doterra’s On Guard toothpaste because I love the taste of it, but sometimes I think that it irritates my sensitive gums.

Do you think about what you’re squeezing on your toothbrush every morning? Maybe now is a good time to think about it! In the comments, add what toothpaste you use!

Thanks again to Delicious Living for some great content for this blog post!