Ingredients to Avoid in Regular Toothpaste and Why Ayurdent Is Different

Why Your Toothpaste Choice Matters 

Oral health is deeply connected to overall health. Research indicates that poor oral hygiene influences not just teeth and gums, but also gut health, heart health, joint health, and systemic inflammation. This makes choosing the right toothpaste essential not only for fresh breath but for long-term wellbeing. Many commercial toothpastes contain chemicals that may irritate tissues, disrupt hormones, or affect the oral microbiome. Understanding what goes into regular toothpaste is the first step toward making a safe, conscious choice.

What’s Inside Regular Toothpaste 

Most commercial toothpastes contain two broad categories of ingredients: active and inactive.

1. Active Ingredients 

Fluoride is the most common cavity-fighting agent. It strengthens enamel and protects teeth from acid attacks, usually in forms like sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride, or sodium monofluorophosphate. Antibacterial agents like zinc salts also help reduce plaque and prevent gum disease by controlling harmful bacteria.

2. Inactive Ingredients 

Abrasives such as silica or calcium carbonate remove plaque and surface stains without scratching enamel. Humectants like sorbitol and glycerol keep the paste moist. Surfactants, particularly SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate), create foam and help spread the toothpaste. Thickening agents such as cellulose gum provide texture, while flavouring agents, sweeteners, preservatives, colorants, and water complete the formulation. Although considered “inactive,” many of these additives may cause irritation or long-term side effects.

Common Ingredients to Avoid (and Why) 

Fluoride 

Fluoride has cavity-protective benefits, but excessive fluoride exposure has risks. A 2006 study by the US National Research Council found fluoride affects normal endocrine function. Fluoride toxicity varies depending on dose and exposure duration and can cause cellular necrosis in high concentrations. Too much fluoride can also lead to fluorosis discoloration or mottling of teeth in children under six.

Triclosan 

Triclosan, an antimicrobial used in some toothpastes, has been investigated for potential links to antibiotic resistance and skin cancer. Since studies remain inconclusive, avoiding triclosan is the safer option.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) 

SLS is a foaming agent known to irritate. It can aggravate aphthous ulcers, alter oral mucosal proteins, and increase gingival blood flow. In vitro studies show significant toxicity, making it unsuitable for sensitive mouths.

Propylene Glycol  

Used to improve texture and shelf life, propylene glycol can affect the central nervous system, liver, and heart when accumulated in large amounts. Individuals with liver or kidney conditions may be at higher risk due to impaired detoxification.

Artificial Sweeteners 

Artificial sweeteners like saccharin and aspartame have conflicting safety data. Saccharin has historically been linked to cancers (though unproven), while aspartame may affect gut bacteria and glucose metabolism. Natural sweeteners such as stevia are considered safer alternatives.

Parabens 

Parabens are preservatives known to mimic estrogen and potentially disrupt hormone balance. Some studies link parabens to breast cancer and endocrine disruption. Safety evaluations are still ongoing, making caution advisable.

Diethanolamine (DEA) 

Used in cosmetics and industrial products like antifreeze, DEA has been linked to cancer in animal studies and to liver choline deficiency. It should not be present in any consumer oral-care product.

The Problem Behind These Ingredients 

The primary issues with these synthetic ingredients include hormonal disruption, oral tissue irritation, microbiome imbalance, and potential long-term toxicity. While they offer cosmetic benefits like foam, stability, and flavour, they do not contribute to deeper oral health and may interfere with natural healing mechanisms.

The Ayurvedic View on Oral Hygiene

Ayurveda considers oral health central to systemic health. Acharya Sushruta described 65 types of oral diseases arising from seven distinct anatomical structures. Oral hygiene is therefore not merely cosmetic; it is a daily therapy that prevents disease and maintains doshic balance.

Ayurvedic oral care includes Dant Dhavana (brushing), Jivha Lekhana (tongue scraping), Gandusha/Kavala (oil pulling), Pratisarana (gum massage), Sugandhi Dravya Dharana (natural mouth fresheners), and dietary guidelines that nourish teeth and gums.

1. Dant Dhavana (Brushing with Herbal Twigs) 

Ayurveda recommends brushing with fresh, nine-inch herbal twigs of bitter, astringent, or pungent taste—such as neem, liquorice, khadira, arjuna, arka, or fever nut. Chewing the twigs releases fibres that mechanically clean teeth, stimulate saliva, and deliver antimicrobial benefits.

2. Jivha Lekhana (Tongue Scraping) 

Tongue scraping using copper, silver, gold, or stainless-steel scrapers removes bacteria, reduces bad breath, improves taste, and enhances digestive enzyme secretion. Studies confirm its ability to reduce anaerobic bacterial load and improve oral freshness.

3. Gandusha & Kavala (Oil Pulling) 

Oil pulling, described in the Charaka Samhita, involves holding or swishing oil such as sesame or medicated oils. It reduces plaque, strengthens gums, prevents decay, and detoxifies the mouth. Oil pulling is especially helpful in ulcers, weak digestion, or sensitivity.

4. Pratisarana (Herbal Tooth Massage) 

Massaging gums with herbal powders like Trikatu promotes circulation, strengthens tissues, reduces pain, and helps eliminate toxins.

5. Sugandhi Dravya Dharana (Natural Mouth Fresheners) 

Chewing herbs like nutmeg, camphor, betel leaf, and Khadira-based blends freshens breath and aids digestion. Ayurveda recommends using them after meals or upon waking.

6. Diet for Strong Teeth & Gums 

Foods like dairy, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and peanuts support oral hygiene. Herbs such as neem, karanja, khadira, arjuna, and trikatu are especially beneficial. Since teeth share the same origin (Asthi Dhatu) as bones, bone-strengthening foods support long-term dental health.

7. Tissue Regeneration Therapies 

Rejuvenating herbs like Amla, Liquorice, Bilberry, Hawthorn, cinnamon, turmeric, and alfalfa strengthen gums, stabilise collagen, and help regenerate oral tissues.

Why Ayurdent Is Different

1. A Therapeutic, Herb-Based Ayurvedic Formula

Ayurdent is not merely a toothpaste; it is a clinically thought-out Ayurvedic formulation that addresses the root causes of oral problems. It contains over 36 classical herbs that detoxify the mouth, strengthen tissues, balance doshas, and improve overall oral immunity.

Read the complete blog on Ayurdent—>

2. Addresses All Major Oral Problems Naturally 

Ayurdent includes herbs targeted to real dental concerns:

• Sensitivity: Mulethi, Meswak
  

• Toothache: Clove oil, Mulethi, Shirish
  

• Bleeding gums: Mulethi, Lodh, Pippali, Ginger, Amla
  

• Plaque: Vajradanti, Peppermint oil
  

• Cavities: Neem, Mulethi, Khadir
  

• Bad breath: Bakul, Peppermint, Clove, Ginger
  

Key Herbs and Their Actions 

• Triphala: Balances pH, strengthens gums, detoxifies.
  

• Neem: Antibacterial, anti-cariogenic.
  

• Clove: Analgesic, antiseptic.
  

• Pippali, Maricha, Ginger: Improve gum circulation and reduce Kapha congestion.
  

• Liquorice: Anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory, reduces sensitivity.
  

• Turmeric: Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant for swollen, bleeding gums.

3. Free From Harsh Chemicals 

Ayurdent contains zero:

• SLS/SLES
  

• Artificial sweeteners
  

• Artificial colours or flavours
  

• Harsh preservatives
  

• PEGs, parabens, or triclosan

Instead, it uses natural sugars (non-cariogenic sorbitol), essential oils (peppermint, spearmint, thymol), and natural thickener Chondrus crispus.

4. Works According to Ayurvedic Pathology 

Ayurdent supports:

• Oral detoxification
  

• Inflammation reduction
  

• Saliva pH balance

• Microbial control
  

• Gum strengthening

• Tissue regeneration
  

• Long-lasting fresh breath

Conclusion 

Ayurdent offers a cleaner, Ayurvedic, herb-rich alternative to conventional toothpastes that often contain synthetic chemicals hidden beneath foam and flavour. It supports oral health at a deeper level, detoxifying, strengthening, balancing pH, reducing plaque, and promoting gum health without disrupting your body’s natural systems.

Ayurdent is COSMOS-certified natural; its safety is evaluated through toxicological profiling, Ayurvedic standards, and regulatory compliance.
If oral wellness matters to you, choose ingredients that nourish, not chemicals that irritate.

Explore the Ayurdent range, subscribe for Ayurvedic oral health tips, or consult a Vaidya for personalised guidance.

FAQs

1. Is fluoride entirely bad, or can it be safe?

Fluoride isn’t always harmful; it helps strengthen enamel when used correctly. Ayurdent provides gentle Ayurvedic oral care without fluoride, supporting gum and tooth health naturally for those avoiding synthetic additives.

2. Does a toothpaste without SLS foaming feel less “fresh”?

SLS-free toothpaste foams less but still cleans effectively. Ayurdent uses natural Ayurvedic herbs for freshness without harsh foaming agents, making it suitable for sensitive mouths.

3. Will switching to herbal toothpaste reduce my plaque/cavity risk?

Ayurdent’s Ayurvedic herbs support gum strength, reduce oral discomfort, and help maintain cleaner teeth. Consistent brushing, diet, and technique matter more than foam or chemicals for plaque and cavity prevention.

4. Can I keep using my old fluoride toothpaste alongside Ayurdent?

Yes, you can alternate. Many people use fluoride toothpaste once daily and Ayurdent for gentle Ayurvedic care. Choose what suits your sensitivity, gum health, and daily oral routine.

5. Is Ayurdent safe for children/pregnant mothers? 

Ayurdent is Ayurvedic, SLS-free, and fluoride-free, making it generally gentle. For children or pregnant mothers, it’s best to consult a doctor for guidance based on individual needs.