- 1 Toothpaste, Ingredients, and Conscious Choices
- 2 Returning to What Works: Self-Made Toothpaste
- 3 Toothpaste I Currently Use
- 4 Coconut Oil in Toothpaste. Benefits and Practical Notes
- 5 Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Awareness
- 6 Final Thoughts
- 7 Scientific Discussion: Potential Harmful Effects of Fluoride
- 8 Open-Access Scientific References
Toothpaste, Ingredients, and Conscious Choices
Have you ever wondered what the best toothpaste really is?
I have been experimenting a lot lately, testing different formulations and paying close attention to how my teeth and gums react.
For many years, I deliberately avoided toothpaste containing fluoride, for well-known reasons. Recently, after a family member asked about it, I decided to try a fluoride-containing toothpaste again. I chose a natural brand with herbal ingredients, hoping for a good compromise. However, it did not convince me. After only two to three days of use, I noticed mild gum bleeding, something I had not experienced in a long time.
That experience reminded me why I value knowing exactly what goes into products that enter the body, even indirectly.
Returning to What Works: Self-Made Toothpaste
Luckily, I always have my homemade toothpaste at home. With the right ingredients, it is incredibly effective. All components are easy to find, and larger quantities or special ingredients can be ordered online without difficulty.
Making personal care products yourself is not only cost-effective in the long run, but also transparent and adaptable. I am currently developing a cookbook, and afterward I plan to create another book focused entirely on my favorite self-made care products, affordable, clean, and beneficial for skin, hair, and teeth.
If you’re curious, subscribing to my newsletter is the best way to stay informed.
Toothpaste I Currently Use
At the moment, I alternate between two fluoride-free commercial toothpastes:
- Lavera (fluoride-free)
- Dr. Wolff’s Bioniq Repair Toothpaste
Transparency Notice: This page contains affiliate links.
Both are available in local DM stores or via the DM online shop:
Bioniq® Zahnpasta Repair fluoridfrei, 75 ml dauerhaft günstig online kaufen | dm.de
You also can buy it on amazon:
The hydroxyapatite-based toothpaste (Bioniq) in particular has been a real discovery for me. My smile appears visibly whiter, my teeth feel smoother and shinier, and the strong peppermint flavor is refreshing without being overwhelming. Since I enjoy experimenting with minerals and functional ingredients, finding this toothpaste felt like a small breakthrough.
Another important point: it contains no microplastic particles that harm marine ecosystems. Instead, it uses a biomimetic mineral substance. While it is slightly more expensive than conventional toothpaste, it is very economical. You can use it daily, every other day, or alternate it with another toothpaste, something I personally like to do with Lavera.
Coconut Oil in Toothpaste. Benefits and Practical Notes
In general, toothpaste containing coconut oil can be excellent, as coconut oil naturally supports gentle tooth whitening and oral hygiene. However, there is an important practical consideration.
I noticed that when coconut-oil-based toothpaste, especially from organic stores, is used frequently in bathrooms where hot water is rarely run, it can solidify inside pipes. To prevent this, it helps to occasionally flush the sink with hot water for several minutes.
My own homemade toothpaste also uses coconut oil as a base. We therefore use it mainly in the kitchen, where hot water and the dishwasher ensure the oil does not harden in the plumbing. If you prefer using it in the bathroom, a simple solution is to spit it into a paper tissue or toilet paper and dispose of it in household waste. Coconut oil solidifies when cold, and this small habit prevents clogged pipes.
Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Awareness
As a general rule, I believe that products which enter the body, or may be accidentally swallowed, should contain as few ingredients as necessary. Some people even go as far as saying that only ingredients considered edible should be used, meaning they would not cause harm if swallowed.
This idea becomes especially thought-provoking when it comes to facial creams. While I do own store-bought creams, I choose only natural brands, and even then, I would not want to eat them.
What works remarkably well here too is cold-pressed coconut oil. A large jar lasts a long time, costs less than five euros, and is incredibly versatile. We do not use it for cooking; for that, we prefer coconut milk. But for skin care, it remains one of the simplest and most effective options.
Final Thoughts
Choosing toothpaste is not just about clean teeth, it reflects how consciously we engage with everyday products. Whether using fluoride-free commercial options, mineral-based formulations, or carefully crafted homemade toothpaste, awareness of ingredients and their broader effects empowers better decisions.
As with nutrition and skin care, oral health benefits most from simplicity, quality ingredients, and informed choice.
Scientific Discussion: Potential Harmful Effects of Fluoride
Fluoride is widely used in dental care products due to its ability to reduce tooth decay. However, increasing scientific attention has been directed toward potential adverse effects associated with long-term or excessive fluoride exposure, particularly when ingestion occurs regularly rather than topical application alone.
Several epidemiological and experimental studies suggest that chronic fluoride intake may affect neurological development. A large systematic review and meta-analysis found a statistically significant association between elevated fluoride exposure and reduced cognitive performance in children, indicating possible neurodevelopmental vulnerability during early life stages [1].
Further research has examined fluoride’s interaction with endocrine function. Fluoride has been shown to influence thyroid activity, potentially interfering with iodine uptake and thyroid hormone regulation, especially in populations with marginal iodine intake [2]. Altered thyroid function may, in turn, affect metabolism, growth, and neurological health.
In addition to neurological and endocrine concerns, excessive fluoride accumulation has been linked to skeletal effects. Chronic exposure may contribute to dental and skeletal fluorosis, characterized by changes in tooth enamel structure and bone mineralization [3]. These effects are dose-dependent and more pronounced when fluoride intake exceeds physiological tolerance levels over extended periods.
Given these findings, some researchers argue for a more individualized and cautious approach to fluoride exposure, particularly in children and sensitive populations. This has led to growing interest in fluoride-free dental care alternatives and ingredient transparency in oral hygiene products.
Open-Access Scientific References
[1]
Choi AL, Sun G, Zhang Y, Grandjean P. (2012).
Developmental fluoride neurotoxicity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.
Environmental Health Perspectives, 120(10), 1362–1368.
PMID: 22820538
PMCID: PMC3491930
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3491930/
[2]
Peckham S, Awofeso N. (2014).
Water fluoridation: A critical review of the physiological effects of ingested fluoride as a public health intervention.
The Scientific World Journal, 2014, Article ID 293019.
PMID: 24795798
PMCID: PMC3956646
pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3956646/
[3]
Everett ET. (2011).
Fluoride’s effects on the formation of teeth and bones, and the influence of genetics.
Journal of Dental Research, 90(5), 552–560.
PMID: 20929720
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20929720/2/
