Beyond natural toothpaste

When it comes to maintaining a healthy and radiant smile, many of us have believed that fluoride is an essential ingredient in toothpaste. For decades, fluoride has been widely promoted as a key component for preventing tooth decay and strengthening enamel. 

However, a growing number of people are exploring alternative options and embracing fluoride-free toothpaste and exploring its benefits for those seeking a more natural approach to oral health.

It’s no secret that we love Aloe Vera. The ‘wonder plant’ has long been a favourite ingredient in our best sellers at Truthpaste. As well as being soothing and cooling for gums, it works with your body to help absorb the natural minerals that fight plaque and gum disease. 

Botanical and natural products have seen a rise in popularity in many aspects of healthcare, including oral health. However, there still remains a certain cynicism around natural ingredients and products. Can they really be as effective as the synthetic alternatives cooked up by commercial companies? 

Peppermint toothpaste has long been the firm favourite for the vast majority of households. It is universally accepted as the standard flavour for toothpaste. Peppermint, the oral care superstar, also has multiple medicinal uses.

What is it about Peppermint that ties it so strongly with our oral health care routine? Why do we love peppermint flavour toothpaste?

Wintergreen was used by Native Americans to treat minor ailments like sore throat, arthritic pain and menstrual cramps. Today studies have shown that, used topically it can help alleviate pain such as back pain and muscle strain. As an ingredient for Truthpaste, it helps soothe gums and fight bacteria that cause plaque.

If like many, the extent of your knowledge about myrrh is that some mages once came a very long way to offer it at an impromptu baby shower then you aren’t alone. Its rich, musky smell is used in incense and perfumes across the globe and it has a long and well-documented history for its medicinal values. 

There is so much more to myrrh than just a lovely smell. 

Why do we use this carrier oil in Truthpaste? 

In Ayurvedic practice, Calendula is used for oil pulling in much the same way that you would with coconut oil. The antiseptic properties work to prevent gingivitis and plaque build up. Studies suggest calendula can help to repair the soft tissue of the gums whilst actively fighting plaque. 

It’s been a wild card as flavours go, but truthpaste Original: Fennel has always enjoyed a strong and committed fanbase. It’s been popular with customers since it was first launched in 2017, we look at the benefits of Fennel in toothpaste.

It’s probably the most well known natural remedy for toothache. What makes clove so effective for fighting pain and was it really worth its weight in gold?

Although our ancestors were unlikely to have used words like ‘antioxidants’ and ‘provitamins’, the health benefits of Clove oil were well known to them and used medicinally as far back as the third century.

The medicinal benefits of cinnamon are very well documented. It’s been used to help lower cholesterol levels and lower blood sugar. There is even studies that show cinnamon may be helpful in fighting neurodegenerative illness such as Parkinsons or Altzheimers . However, it’s strong antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties are what make it perfect for your teeth in the correct doses.

The soothing succulent and natures wonder plant: aloe vera benefits 

How well do you #KnowYourNaturals? We thought we would dedicate this blog to the aloe vera benefits because this super succulent is magical!

The latin name: Aloe Barbadensis

Where to find it:

You can find Aloe Vera growing wild in most tropical climates, although it is believed to have originated in the Arabian Peninsula. We have spent a long time diligently looking for the most ethical and quality Aloe Vera. This comes all the way from Spain to go into your truthpaste!

The earliest recorded use of Aloe Vera comes from a 16th century BC Egyptian medical record called the Ebers Papyrus. Known as ‘The Plant of Immortality’ it has been used throughout the centuries in China, Japan, India, Greece, Egypt, Mexico, and Japan.

Aloe Vera Uses

What isn’t it used for? From a pleasant way to decorate your home to banishing dandruff, Aloe Vera is used widely for so many things. Described as ‘The Wonder Plant’, Aloe Vera is used in food, drink, cosmetics and holistic remedies. 

Aloe Vera Benefits

Aloe Vera was an obvious choice for the truthpaste formula. With six different antiseptic properties it’s been shown to fight the causes of gingivitis or periodontitis, reduce inflammation of the gums and soothe sensitive teeth. 

How to use Aloe Vera

If you don’t live in a warm climate where types of Aloe Vera can be found in reasonable abundance, you may not necessarily have discovered this plant yet. Don, 35, a film maker from South London says; “I first discovered in El Salvador after a day of filming. I had sun cream on - but not on my legs. We were riding around in the back of an open back pickup and my legs got so burnt so badly, that by evening I was vomiting and nauseated. A member of the community centre who was looking after us cut a huge leaf off an Aloe Vera growing outside, slit it down the middle and opened it out and laid a leaf on each of my legs. In the morning the burn was gone, and I’ve never had a tan like it. The leaves were so thick, not like ones you get here in garden centres they were literally the size of my leg. I’ve deeply respected the plant ever since.” This wasn’t the only time that Aloe Vera came to Don’s rescue. “Years later, visiting Columbia, I suffered a fissure and used Aloe Vera to soothe the inflammation. I learnt how to prepare it by soaking in water to take it internally*. There’s a toxin that is bad for our stomach in it so it’s important to know how to do this properly.”  We want to stress that you should NEVER try to do this without professional advice and guidance. 

For others Like Caroline, 34, a data analyst from Worthing. Aloe Vera was a staple part of the household cupboard. “We use it for everything - we drink it, take supplements with aloe in, have aloe suncream, toothpaste, moisturiser and conditioner. I’ve even made up ’super shots’ with Aloe Vera to help prevent a hangover on a girls night out”

Katie, 41, from Harrogate, was recently introduced to the natural benefits of Aloe Vera when looking for a natural antibacterial hand gel. “There just wasn’t any available, and with 2 young children, I wanted to find an alternative. The Alo e Vera gel means that our hands don’t get dry as they did with some of the shop bought gel. It was after buying it, I learnt about the many other uses for it. I love it!” 

We love to hear new and innovative ways that our customers are using natural products around the home, or in their day-to-day lives (whatever that might entail in the current climate!). We’d love to hear from you. Have you got a top tip for using Aloe Vera? Let us know! We will be posting the best ones, so do include a photo for us!

Aloe Vera, like any natural remedy, needs to be treated with care and respect. Whilst its benefits are arguably varied and versatile, it's important that it is used correctly.

So before you rush to order a 12 foot plant from the internet, remember that you shouldn’t use Aloe Vera internally if you are under 7, pregnant or breastfeeding. Aloe Vera can have a laxative effect so you need to consult your doctor or pharmacist before ingesting.  
  
Sources: 
Ajmera N, Chatterjee A, Goyal V. Aloe vera: It's effect on gingivitis. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2013;17:435–8.

Davis RH, Donato JJ, Hartman GM, Haas RC. Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of a growth substance in Aloe vera. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 1994;84:77–81. 

As well as supporting dental health in truthpaste Original, neem oil has been used for centuries around the world for many uses. Also known as the nim tree, the rather romantic sounding Indian Lilac. Our personal favourite is the KiSwahili name mwarobaini meaning ‘of forty’ due to the common East African belief it can cure 40 diseases.