The Best Natural Toothpastes, According to Dentists

Many people strive for pearly whites, but oral hygiene isn’t just about cosmetics. Oral health also contributes to your overall well-being by preventing cavities and gum disease. Brushing your teeth twice per day with fluoridated toothpaste remains at the core of the American Dental Association (ADA) recommendations for preventing cavities and gingivitis. 

The presence of fluoride is non-negotiable to earn the ADA’s stamp of approval, leaving many wondering whether a natural toothpaste can be as effective as conventional toothpaste. After speaking with dentists, we learned that natural and fluoride-free toothpastes aren’t synonymous. Just like with natural skincare, the definition of natural toothpaste is up to interpretation. Generally, natural toothpastes avoid synthetic ingredients and potential irritants. Fluoride doesn’t fall into either of these categories, so some natural toothpastes contain fluoride—including all of the picks below. To find the best natural toothpastes and gain a better understanding of how they work, we consulted with dentists and orthodontists. We then tested their recommendations on our own teeth, rating them based on attributes such as effectiveness, comfort, and taste.

• Table of Contents

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  Do You Need Fluoride?

  • Some natural toothpastes use alternatives to fluoride—like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA), xylitol, and baking soda—due to concerns with adverse side effects from fluoride, such as fluorosis, or dental white spots. Lena Varone, DMD, a New York City-based dentist, emphasizes that fluoride is unmatched in its ability to remineralize teeth, protect against decay, and reduce sensitivity.

  Every product on this list includes fluoride in its formula, while some may also include nHA and xylitol in addition to some form of fluoride.

• What Experts Want You to Look For

  • Ingredients to Look For: A toothpaste’s list of ingredients differentiates natural toothpastes from traditional ones. Dentists recommend active ingredients like fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent tooth decay. Some natural toothpastes use nano-hydroxyapatite to protect against tooth decay. Other recommended ingredients include abrasives such as baking soda, hydrated silica, and calcium carbonate; coconut oil to soothe the gums; and xylitol for added cavity prevention.
  • Ingredients to Avoid: Natural toothpastes typically avoid synthetic ingredients like artificial colors, dyes, chemicals, preservatives, and detergents, according to Karen Conn, DMD, a board-certified orthodontist in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Many also don’t contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), a foaming agent that can cause irritation in some people. While some avoid fluoride, it’s generally unnecessary unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Fluoride can be dangerous in high amounts, but it’s safe when used properly.
  • Abrasiveness: Most toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients, and natural toothpaste is no exception. Look for toothpaste containing calcium carbonate or hydrated silica to remove plaque and surface stains, as well as to eliminate food particles.
  • Effectiveness: Not all toothpastes are equally effective, and the best one depends on the ingredients. Fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite, and xylitol are effective for oral health.

• How We Selected the Best Natural Toothpastes

  To select the natural toothpastes on our list, we relied heavily on research, expert input, and our own testing. We started by interviewing dentists and oral health experts who recommended their personal favorites and told us what to look for in a natural toothpaste. With their criteria in mind, we were able to complete our final list of recommendations.

  To test each product, we applied a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to our toothbrushes and brushed for the recommended two minutes. While brushing, we focused equally on the four quadrants of the teeth, including the fronts, backs, and tongue. We used each toothpaste twice a day for the duration of the test. After the testing period, we collected insights and rated each product based on the following attributes:

  • Effectiveness: Many people want to know whether natural toothpaste is as effective as regular toothpaste, so we set out to get answers. After testing the toothpastes, we noted how our teeth felt and whether any claims lived up to the hype. 
  • Comfort: Some natural toothpastes don’t foam up like regular toothpaste, or they can feel grainy. We rated each product on its consistency and mouthfeel as well as its ease of use.
  • Taste: Natural or not, most toothpastes are flavored with mint to encourage fresh breath, though some have alternative flavors. We described the taste of each toothpaste and whether it was pleasant or overwhelming.

• Our Expertise

  Jaylyn Pruitt is an associate editor for Health covering oral care, sleep, and shoes. She has been writing and editing for Health since 2022.

  Before any testing or research takes place, we always start by interviewing experts. To better understand how natural toothpaste differs from conventional ones, we spoke to the following dentists:

  • Karen Conn, DMD, a board-certified orthodontist in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania
  • Jenny Gandhi, DDS, owner of Pearl Dentistry in Charlotte, North Carolina
  • Sara Larbi, DDS, a holistic dentist in Santa Monica, California
  • Jon Marashi, DDS, a Los Angeles-based cosmetic dentist
  • Lena Varone, DMD, a New York City-based dentist
  • Cheryline Pezzullo, DDS, clinical associate professor and director for Community-based Programs at NYU College of Dentistry