Bentonite clay continues to make waves in the natural oral care world, and for good reason. Renowned for its detoxifying properties and mineral-rich composition, this natural wonder is not only effective but also incredibly gentle on your teeth. But what does science say about its cleaning efficiency and abrasiveness? Let's dive into the research to see why bentonite is becoming a favorite for those seeking a cleaner, healthier smile.
The Science Behind Bentonite's Cleaning Efficiency
One of the standout features of bentonite clay is its impressive cleaning efficiency. Studies have shown that bentonite scores remarkably high when it comes to removing plaque and surface stains. This is largely due to its unique ability to absorb impurities and toxins, making it highly effective in drawing out and capturing the debris that can accumulate on our teeth.
In the world of oral care, the Pellicle Cleaning Ratio (PCR) is a key measure used to determine how effectively a toothpaste can remove stains and plaque from teeth. Generally, the higher the PCR, the more abrasive the toothpaste tends to be, as it needs to scrub away debris. However, bentonite clay is unique. Despite its high PCR, indicating excellent cleaning ability, it has a low Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) score, meaning it cleans thoroughly without being harsh on enamel. This combination gives bentonite a high Cleaning Efficiency Index (CEI), setting it apart from many conventional toothpastes.
Gentle Yet Effective: Low Abrasiveness Confirmed
While bentonite clay’s cleaning power is impressive, what about its impact on enamel? It’s natural to wonder if something so effective might be too harsh, but here’s where bentonite truly shines. Research shows that bentonite has a low abrasiveness score, making it safe for daily use without wearing down enamel.
One of the ways scientists measure abrasiveness is by using the Mohs hardness scale, which ranks materials based on their ability to scratch one another. Bentonite clay scores between 1.5 and 2 on the Mohs hardness scale, which is even lower than a human fingernail (which ranks around 2.5). This means that while it’s tough on plaque and stains, it’s incredibly gentle on the delicate enamel that protects our teeth.
Studies Confirm Bentonite's Superior Performance
Further supporting its use in oral care, studies like the one by Putt et al. (2011) have demonstrated that bentonite clay toothpaste can deliver superior results compared to many conventional toothpastes. It effectively cleans without causing damage, thanks to its lower Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA) score. This low abrasiveness is a major factor in why bentonite is favored by those looking to maintain their enamel while achieving a deep clean.
What’s more, bentonite doesn’t just clean—it also promotes overall oral health. Its mineral content helps to neutralize bacteria and reduce inflammation, making it a holistic solution for a healthy mouth.
Why Choose Bentonite for Your Oral Care Routine?
If you're looking for an oral care product that offers both high efficiency and gentle care, bentonite clay is a top contender. Here's why it stands out:
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High Cleaning Efficiency: Bentonite’s ability to absorb and remove impurities gives it a significant edge in cleaning power, making it a powerful tool in keeping your teeth plaque-free and bright.
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Low Abrasiveness: Despite its effective cleaning action, bentonite is incredibly gentle on enamel. Its low score on the Mohs hardness scale and low RDA rating ensure that you can use it daily without fear of eroding your teeth.
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Natural and Safe: Bentonite is a natural, chemical-free option that aligns with a holistic approach to oral care. It's free from the harsh additives often found in conventional toothpaste, making it a safer choice for you and your family.
Conclusion: Bentonite Clay—The Perfect Balance of Power and Gentleness
The research is clear: bentonite clay offers a unique combination of superior cleaning power with minimal abrasiveness. This makes it an ideal choice for those looking to maintain a healthy, bright smile without compromising their enamel.
By incorporating bentonite into your oral care routine, you’re not just choosing a product that cleans effectively; you’re also making a choice that supports long-term oral health. With its gentle yet effective action, bentonite clay is the perfect balance of power and care, helping you achieve a naturally clean and healthy smile every day.
Resources:
Putt, M. S., Milleman, J. L., & Ghassemi, A. (2011). Abrasion, polishing, and stain removal characteristics of various dentifrices in vitro. The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, 22(1), 11-18.
Zoller, M. J., Hamza, B., Cucuzza, C., Gubler, A., Attin, T., & Wegehaupt, F. J. (2023). Relative dentin and enamel abrasivity of charcoal toothpastes. International Journal of Dental Hygiene, 21(1), 149-156. doi: 10.1111/idh.12634
Ward, T. M. (2015). The Mohs Scale of Hardness. Mineralogical Society of America. Retrieved from Mineralogical Society Website
Hurlbut, C. S., & Klein, C. (1985). Manual of Mineralogy (20th ed.). New York: Wiley.
Let customers speak for us
Feel like my teeth are cleaner and whiter than ever, highly recommend!!
This mouthwash makes me want to become an influencer albeit an honest one. I usually get a buildup of plaque between hygienist appointments. However since using my probiotic Trusthpaste mouthwash I have no rough plaque buildup, with the added bonus of leaving my mouth feeling really fresh and clean. I love love love it!
Will not use any other toothpaste now; this is the best!
Have used charcoal toothpaste before but in powder form. Truthpaste is totally different! Bit scary on your toothbrush but it really does the trick and it isn’t gritty. My teeth have never felt so clean. The consistency is lovely, and the taste of peppermint is subtle. A little goes a long way. Also love the fact that there is no fluoride in it. It may seem expensive when you first buy it but it is excellent. Highly recommended
Love these products. I use the mouthwash and toothpaste and my teeth and gums are so much better. My mouth now feels really healthy. 10 out of 10
Bought some for my wife and I we both love it, tastes great and really cleans your mouth with fresh breath for hours. Also helped with my sore gums. Thanks Truthpaste.
The mouthwash is great wish they did larger bottles
Had mine a week and absolutely love it , my gums feel so much better and the bleeding has almost stopped. My teeth feel super clean and I love the taste , super fresh , only downside is the glass jar as visiting my husband overnight in his care home and it slid of the sink side into the sink and smashed 😫😫😫
Freshness 10/10
Taste 9/10
Clean 9/10
Ease of use 8/10
Affordability 7/10
Recommend to others 9/10
Leaves mouth feeling amazingly clean, arrived quickly
My gums have stopped aching/bleeding after 2 weeks of using both original truthpastes. I’ve eaten cold icecream for the first time without both my sensitive teeth and gums hurting for hours afterwards. So far so good. I bought the soft toothbrush too, which seems to make my teeth feel cleaner. I bought some for my elderly dad too who complains about aching teeth and I haven’t heard him moaning about his teeth. Also I get ulcers quite regularly, but after two weeks - no ulcers so far. It will be interesting to see how my mouth health is after a couple of months.
Have only recently got this and unfortunately at the time I had severe toothache so I wasn’t wanting to use it initially until that was resolved. It takes a bit of getting used to so I’m using it once a day at the moment but my teeth feel squeaky clean and the mouthwash has a nice smoothness to it. Have used the floss a couple of times and it does the job of removing debris between my teeth.
I have tried everything to stop my teeth from hurting, sometimes feeling like they are going to fall out. Since using this, these feelings has totally gone.