Benefits of bentonite for oral health
Bentonite
Bentonite clay (so named because a great deal of it was first discovered in Fort Benton, USA) is so widely used, it’s hard not to take it for granted. It forms the base of medicines, skincare products and of course in Truthpaste Original and Truthpaste Charcoal.
The clay is formed naturally between rocks when volcanic ash and water settle. The result is a spongy, mineralised and highly absorbent clay that is rich in antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
New studies are emerging on the many benefits of bentonite clay. Research is currently being undertaken into how it could be used for treating serious ailments like cancer, immune deficiency and blood clotting.
Bentonite Clay for Skin
Bentonite forms the base of a huge number of skincare products. It’s usual to find it in facemasks and lotions but is also used to treat conditions like dermatitis, acne and nappy rash.
Given its natural absorbance, it attracts dirt and skin impurities, whilst the anti-inflammatory alkaline properties help to soothe sore and irritated skin.
Bentonite Clay for teeth
So why do so many manufacturers use bentonite in toothpaste?
There are several benefits, some of which we’ve already covered
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Bentonite absorbs toxins - It reacts with water (and saliva) to attract the dirt and particles that build up in the mouth. After eating, food particles can get lodged in teeth and gums where they attract harmful bacteria. Bentonite acts as a kind of sponge. It has a negative electrical charge, whereas bacteria and germs have a positive electrical charge. So the clay attracts the particles and holds them, leaving your mouth feeling cleansed and clean!
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Bentonite clay is Alkaline -A healthy pH balance is often overlooked as an important part of oral care. However, it’s vitally important to the health of teeth and gums, and even keeping your breath fresh! Sugary and fatty foods are high in acid. Bentonite clay helps to neutralise that acid and restore a natural balance to your mouth.
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Bentonite clay is rich in minerals - The type and level of those minerals will vary depending on where the clay is sourced. Typically you can expect to find calcium, magnesium and silica. Where bacteria can wear down tooth enamel, bentonite is thought to be useful in strengthening and even possibly rebuilding enamel. Further studies are needed to determine the full extent of the benefits to using bentonite for remineralisation.
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Bentonite clay is a natural tooth polisher - Bentonite is a very fine powder that polishes enamel without being harmfully abrasive. The particles gently polish the teeth which is what leaves them feeling super clean.
- Bentonite clay can naturally whiten teeth. With its polishing and absorbent properties, bentonite is a safe and efficient way to help remove surface stains on teeth.
Bentonite compared to traditional toothpaste ingredients
A 2011 study looked into 26 different toothpastes to compare the abrasion, polishing and stain removal characteristics of the different mineral bases. Ingredients included hydrated silica, calcium carbonate, sodium bicarbonate, dicalcium phosphate, pentasodium triphosphate, kaolin clay, and bentonite clay.
The study looked at the Relative Dentin Abraisivity (RDA) and the Pellicle Cleaning Ratio (PCR) - or how abraisive the toothpaste was and how well it cleaned or whitened teeth.
Each toothpaste was given a Cleaning Efficiency Index (CEI). A toothpaste with high whitening ability with low abraisivity would score high on the index, compared to a toothpaste with high abraisivity but low cleaning effeciency.
Generally, the more abraisive the toothpaste, the better the cleaning efficiency, except with toothpastes containing the mineral clays bentonite or kaolin.
Toothpastes with bentonite scored a higher cleaning efficiency but with lower abrasivity, compared to those with hydrated silica and traditional toothpaste abrasive ingredients.
Bentonite in Truthpaste
Our toothpastes have a bentonite clay base. Our clay comes from Wyoming, USA and is part of the reason we get so much lovely feedback about the really clean and fresh feeling you get from brushing.
We feel that it’s not only important to know what ingredients go into your toothpaste, but how they work to benefit your whole mouth health as well.
Resources
Lindsey Elmore, PharmD, BCPS: Bentonite Clay: The secret to healthy gums and teeth, (2019) medium.com
Lynda B. Williams and Shelley E. Hayde: Evaluation of the medicinal use of clay minerals as antibacterial agents, (2010) Int Geol Rev
Moosavi M: Bentonite Clay as a Natural Remedy: A Brief Review, (2017) Iranian Journal of Public Health
Putt, M. et. al. (2011) Abrasion, polishing, and stain removal characteristics of various dentifrices in vitro The Journal of Clinical Dentistry
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from 1393 reviewsLast year I was diagnosed with gum disease and needed two fillings. My boyfriend saw an ad for Truthpaste and I was wary but he bought me my first pot and so I gave it a go. I noticed a difference in my gums and my dentist today confirmed that my gums are slowly improving, there is less movement in my teeth and she could see that I am doing a great job in keeping my teeth clean. Thank you Truthpaste - I will never go back to regular toothpaste! :)
This toothpaste is honestly the best one I have ever used! I’ve tried so many over the years but this one keeps me feeling fresh and makes my teeth feel so clean. The ingredients are fantastic and natural. 10/10
Absolutely love all of the products and will buy again!
I’m new to using a natural toothpaste. I like the way it makes my teeth feel smooth and clean. I wonder what the dentist will say on my next visit. Will she see a different? I bought all four types to try, so it will take me a long time to get through them all as I don’t use a lot on each brushing.
This was my first experience of toothpaste in a jar.It is a lovely product but I am not sure it’s for me in the long run.Very expensive for one thing.so I may make my own.
Used for a couple of weeks and my teeth do feel cleaner. Not been for a dental visit but will be interested to see what they say at the hygienists. Am going to buy another jar.
Been using the toothpaste and mouthwash for a few months now. Absolutely love these products. Will not go back now to products off the shelf. The bleeding gums have stopped. Sensitivity has gone. My mouth feels so much fresher and definitely healthier overall. So happy I found them.
Love this floss so had to buy a second pot as well as refills for travelling
I love this product, tastes amazing, leaves a fresh taste and feel to n your mouth, and there are no nasties! Winner, winner!
Mild mint as it says. A bit runnier than my last order of the mint and spearmint flavour but I’m preferring the white colour to the black. Seems to be doing the job - no concerns expressed by the dentist!
I love this toothpaste! My teeth feel so clean after using, and I hate the feeling of mainstream toothpaste now!
both are very good, but the kids toothpaste is on another level. we've had green people mandarin as well and this is just smoother and tastier. used the spatula all of three time before deciding to just plunge the brush in the pot. Got the mouthwash as well. feels good, but a bit strong for me. partner likes it though. funny how black toothpaste makes you realise how much it splatters when you spit!
Very herbal and fresh tasting, but I am only using a tiny bit as it is so strong... For this reason it should last ages.
It helps with sensitivity and definitely cleans better, so I will be ordering more.
A blast of fresh mint and super cleaning feeling.
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