The Short Answer:
Ever heard the word Glycerin but had no idea what is is? Glycerin is an odorless, colorless, non-toxic liquid found in most toothpaste brands and cleaning products such as liquid soap. Glycerin is a humectant which means it is essentially a moisturizer. Humectants draw moisture and then retain that moisture through absorption. Humectants can be extracted from plant oils or produced synthetically.
On the surface, Glycerin sounds harmless. And while considered safe when used for washing our bodies Glycerin is considered by many to be bad for your teeth. It may feel beneficial because it’s what gives toothpaste its smooth feel on your teeth. However, it also coats your teeth. The coating created by Glycerin doesn’t protect your teeth as one might assume, on the contrary, it prevents your teeth from absorbing minerals essential to strong, healthy teeth.
In the following article, we are going to take a closer look at some of the problems associated with using this chemical in toothpaste and provide some recommendations on why you should consider a Glycerin free toothpaste.
The Origins of Toothpaste
It’s thought the Chinese were the first to use toothpaste, dating back to 500BC. It was a far cry from the minty, fresh tasting toothpaste we are accustomed to nowadays, however. In fact, the first toothpaste is thought to have comprised mostly of chalk, salt, and soap. On the surface, this seems like a strange combination, which surely wouldn’t taste very good, but it was practical and did the job. It provided necessary minerals from the chalk, abrasion from the salt and a cleaning agent (soap) for cleaning.
Modern toothpaste, especially more popular brands, now comprise of many different chemicals including Glycerin, Sodium Laureth Sulfate , and Fluoride to name just a few. While this article won’t be discussing the pros and cons of Flouride, it’s safe to say the debate is healthy as to whether it does more harm than good.
Glycerin Free Toothpaste Alternatives
There are alternatives available, you just have to spend a little time looking for them. We have compiled a list (below) of some of the more highly reviewed options available.
Baking Soda
Some toothpaste brands use baking soda, which is excellent for abrasion and whitening. However, as long as they contain Glycerin, the capacity for total cleaning and care will still be ineffective. Some varieties of toothpaste consist of baking soda and coconut oil. Baking Powder and Coconut Oil are a good combination because unrefined coconut oil acts as an anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory while containing minerals your teeth need.
The Dirt
Surely the strangest name on this list when it comes to toothpaste. However, this version of dirt delivers all the essential ingredients to ensure your teeth remain healthy and strong.
The Dirt is a powder that’s made up of a variety of ingredients including Extra Fine Bentonite Clay , Saigon Cinnamon , Baking Soda, Organic Myrrh Gum Powder , Organic Nutmeg , Sweet Orange Essential Oil & Organic Cardamon Essential Oil .
The ingredients work together to help keep your teeth clean and healthy. Bentonite clay works as an abrasive that’s gentle but effective. The myrrh gum powder, cinnamon and nutmeg and baking soda, help with healing teeth and gums as well as whitening. It’s easy to use. Just wet your toothbrush, dip it in the powder and brush your teeth. Sweet orange essential oil gives it an excellent taste with no artificial sweeteners.
Earthpaste
Earthpaste is another natural toothpaste that doesn’t contain Glycerin. Instead, it contains water, salt, Redmond clay, and Xylitol . It’s completely organic and is useful for keeping teeth clean and healthy.
Tooth Soap
Tooth Soap comes in several forms: shreds, whip, gel, and liquid.
The ingredients used are organic coconut oil and olive oil as well as spring water and essential oils.
Shreds – As the name implies, you take a shred, placing it on a back molar and biting down. Brushing a wet toothbrush over the area produces a foaming cleaning agent that many have claimed to be effective.
Liquid – The liquid form of Tooth Soap works with just a few drops on the toothbrush. You will get a refreshing clean with its scrubbing bubbles.
Whip – The Tooth Soap whip form adds coral calcium to the mix for extra protection. It comes contained in a pump bottle to prevent waste.
Gel – The gel form of Tooth Soap is super concentrated. You only need a tiny bit to create the full foaming experience that gives you the same deep cleaning experience.
Tooth Soap works in combination with saliva to replenish the minerals in your teeth, to keep them strong. It does all of this without Glycerin.
Miessence
Miessence products include toothpaste, mouthwash, and breath sprays. It effectively cleans your teeth and gums without using any GMO ingredients or Glycerin. Instead, it uses essential oils, aloe vera leaf juice , stevia extract and sea salt to create a fresh tasting product that comes in three flavors: mint, anise, and lemon.
What’s best about natural teeth cleaning products is how deeply they clean, reaching into pits where cavities tend to form. Their ingredients help heal enamel, making it robust and able to absorb the minerals it needs. Most toothpaste that contains glycerin works against this. Your mouth may feel clean, but you’re more likely to have unhealthy teeth over the longer term.
Summary
When looking for a toothpaste brand that’s a healthy choice, I highly recommend you take a look at the list of ingredients. If it includes a poison warning for swallowing it, then what does that tell you about the safety of the product? Glycerin free toothpaste is freely available providing you are prepared to do a little hunting around. In most cases, they are just as effective if not more effective than the major toothpaste brands in the marketplace.