With an ever-increasing number of herbal toothpastes on the shelves at our local convenience stores, people are beginning to wonder what a more natural alternative to our regular toothpaste has to offer.
Alternative medicine seems to be permeating all types of health care and why should that not extend to our dental hygiene? Brands like Colgate seem to have caught on to this trend and have launched their own herbal varieties. The question, however, is whether they work and if they are as effective as more mainstream versions. In other words, should we switch over to a natural brand? Is it worth it?
The manufacturers of these herbal alternatives purport that these toothpastes contain a wide range of herbs that carry out the same basic function of a more chemically based product. They have an equal ability to aid in fighting plaque, freshen smelly or stale breath and prevent against gum disease. They also offer all the traditional benefits of using a natural product- they are not tested on animals and have no artificial colors or flavorings. They do not contain various chemicals and harmful substances. They also do not contain any mint, which some argue interferes with the effectiveness of the treatment.
If you are going ‘green’, as it seems everyone is these days, it involves much more than simply recycling a few cans and bottles, and walking to the store instead of driving. It is about choosing healthy and environmentally products wherever possible- and that includes your decisions in the toothpaste aisle. Organic, natural and herbal products are better for the environment and they are better for you and your body. Manufacturers claim that herbal toothpaste gives you all the benefits and certainties of using a regular brand toothpaste, without unwanted or unexpected side effects.
It seems that while many natural health spokes people are recommending herbal alternatives to regular toothpaste however, many of their claims cannot be proven or justified. This may simply be down to the fact that small companies, such as those who champion the use of natural health products, cannot afford to finance the clinical health trials that will benefit the marketing of their products.
Thus, the lack of clinical trials proving the benefits of herbal toothpaste should not put people off using the product. It simply means that the claims of the manufacturers cannot be proved conclusively until such times as the trials are carried out. The other side however, is that until it is proven, there is no reason for you to trust the claims of the promoters. It may be effective for simply cleaning your teeth but some say herbal varieties have a tendency to taste pretty disgusting!
{ 0 comments… add one now }