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 

1. 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!

2. 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. 

3. 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. 

4. 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.

5. 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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