10 Best Natural Toothpastes of 2023: For Healthy Gums and a Brighter Smile

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Oral care has been moving in a natural direction for the past few years. Why? Natural toothpastes don't have harmful synthetic substances that can harm your health. Nor do they contain dyes or artificial ingredients. Instead, they fight bacteria with minerals, plant extracts, and antiseptic essential oils.

The debate surrounding fluoride toothpastes has partially been a driver of this shift toward natural toothpastes. Dentists do still regularly use fluoride treatments to protect tooth enamel from cavities and decay, but the type of toothpaste you choose for home care is ultimately a personal choice. Consult with your dentist if you're unsure.

So who is natural toothpaste best for? The answer is simple. It’s a great option for most people who struggle with sensitive gums, stained teeth, and bad breath. Read on to see the ACTIVE Reviews Team break down some of the best natural toothpastes for all your oral health and hygiene needs.

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The Best Natural Toothpastes - Our Top Picks

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Best Overall - Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste

Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 4.7 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: 3-pack, 6-pack
  • Attributes: No preservatives, artificial sweeteners, artificial flavors, artificial colors
  • ADA-accepted: Yes

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Tom's of Maine natural toothpaste is made from natural ingredients like glycerin, zinc citrate, and peppermint oil. This combination fights plaque buildup and whitens teeth by removing stains.

It uses xylitol to protect teeth from cavities and is accepted by the American Dental Association (ADA) as a bleach-free whitener. This means it’s gentle on the mouth and won't expose you to questionable substances.

What We Like

  • Free from artificial compounds
  • Cleans teeth stains
  • ADA-accepted

What We Don't Like

  • Contains sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which might not work for sensitive teeth
  • No foil seal on the tubes

BUY: Tom's of Maine Natural Toothpaste

Best Overall Natural Toothpaste - Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Whitening

Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Whitening

SPECS

  • Weight: 5.29 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: Single, 2-pack, 4-pack, 10-pack (0.74 oz.)
  • Attributes: Bleach-free, gluten-free
  • ADA-accepted: No

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The benefits of Himalaya Botanique natural toothpaste range from whiter teeth to fresher breath and even a more relaxed mouth. This toothpaste is free from controversial ingredients, so you don’t need to worry about accidentally ingesting a bleaching agent or anything of the sort.

This toothpaste’s unique cleaning ingredients come from papaya, pineapple, neem, and pomegranate. Its fresh mint flavor leaves your mouth feeling fresh. There are no harsh foaming agents and the paste is gentle while still protecting your gums and teeth.

What We Like

  • It’s 100% natural
  • Fights plaque
  • Whitens teeth
  • Gluten-free

What We Don't Like

  • Not evaluated by FDA
  • Not suitable for children under 2

BUY: Himalaya Botanique Complete Care Whitening

Best Natural Toothpaste With Fluoride - Verve Ultra SLS-Free Fluoride Toothpaste

Verve Ultra SLS-Free Fluoride Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 4.5 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: 4-pack
  • Attributes: Gluten-free, SLS-free
  • ADA-accepted: N/A

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This toothpaste blends a soothing mint flavor with the protective qualities of fluoride to keep your mouth fresh and free from cavities. It gently prevents plaque buildup without harsh abrasives.

If you suffer from canker sores, this is your ideal toothpaste. It does not contain sodium lauryl sulfate and is an excellent choice for stain removal. The product is rich in antioxidants and doesn't contain gluten or animal products, either, so it's suitable for vegans.

What We Like

  • Soothing mint taste
  • Enriched with vitamin E
  • SLS-free

What We Don't Like

  • No discounts
  • Contains fluoride

BUY: Verve Ultra SLS-Free Fluoride Toothpaste

Best Natural Toothpaste For Sensitive Teeth - Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste

Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 681g
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: 6-pack
  • Attributes: Contains xylitol, fluoride
  • ADA-accepted: N/A

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If you have chronic canker sores, mouth ulcers, or another oral issue like dry mouth, finding the right toothpaste can be tricky. Luckily, Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste makes brushing an irritation-free experience. This toothpaste doesn't have SLS, nor does it have any other elements that might aggravate a sensitive mouth.

It contains 36% xylitol to protect your teeth from cavities and decay without compromising your health. Squigle has no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or preservatives, though it does contain fluoride.

What We Like

  • Contains xylitol
  • Prevents canker sores
  • Peppermint flavor

What We Don't Like

  • No discounts
  • Not for those who don’t want fluoride

BUY: Squigle Enamel Saver Toothpaste

Best Natural Toothpaste For Kids - Jack N' Jill Natural Kids Toothpaste

Jack n' jill natural kids toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 1.76 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: 4-pack
  • Attributes: BPA-free, gluten-free
  • ADA-accepted: N/A

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Since some kids end up swallowing their toothpaste instead of spitting it out, Jack N' Jill has come up with a safe-to-swallow formulation just for them. This toothpaste is made from natural ingredients like xylitol and calendula, which play a crucial role in preventing cavities and tooth decay, all while soothing the gums of young brushers.

The toothpaste comes in a sweet flavor to encourage regular brushing among kids. The product is cruelty-free, gluten-free, fluoride-free, and SLS-free. This means it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions, and it's safe for kids under two years.

What We Like

  • Gluten-free  
  • 100% safe for kids
  • BPA-free

What We Don't Like

  • No discounts
  • Costly

BUY: Jack N' Jill Natural Kids Toothpaste

Best Natural Charcoal Toothpaste - Burt's Bees Charcoal Toothpaste

Burt's Bees Charcoal Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 4.07 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: 3-pack
  • Attributes: Charcoal, SLS-free, essential oils, no artificial flavors, sweetener-free
  • ADA-accepted: N/A

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Burt’s Bees toothpaste is one of the best charcoal-based products to remove teeth stains and restore whiteness. It leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh without irritation. This fluoride-free toothpaste comes in a delightful peppermint flavor.

Most people use charcoal toothpaste because of its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties. This particular paste contains no bleaching agents, SLS, nor artificial flavors, so the chances of an adverse reaction are almost zero.

What We Like

  • Peppermint flavor
  • Fluoride-free 
  • Removes stains

What We Don't Like

  • Some claim charcoal roughens tooth surface
  • No xylitol

BUY: Burt's Bees Charcoal Toothpaste

Best Natural Vegan Toothpaste - Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal Toothpaste

Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 4.16 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: 5-pack
  • Attributes: Fluoride-free, gluten-free
  • ADA-accepted: N/A

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Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal Toothpaste is made from a variety of pure herb extracts. Altogether, it draws from a total of 23 unique herbs, including mint, neem, and peelu. It's all-natural, cleanses your mouth, and doesn't have artificial sweeteners or colors.

This toothpaste has a refreshingly cool taste that lasts longer than regular paste, thanks to its highly concentrated formula. It is cruelty-free and suitable for vegans.

What We Like

  • Gluten-free
  • No artificial colors
  • Non-GMO

What We Don't Like

  • No discount
  • Not evaluated by the FDA

BUY: Auromere Ayurvedic Herbal Toothpaste

Best Natural Toothpaste For Gum Health - Dr. Bronner's All-In-One Toothpaste

Dr. Bronner's All-In-One Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 0.14 lbs.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: Single, 3-pack
  • Attributes: Cruelty-free, fluoride-free SLS-free
  • ADA-accepted: N/A

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This toothpaste is made with 70% organic ingredients that help brighten teeth, reduce plaque and freshen your breath. It doesn't contain fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial colors or flavoring.

Dr. Bronner’s All-In-One Toothpaste uses essential oils to keep your mouth moist, while ingredients like hydrated silica, potassium cocoate, and baking soda leave teeth feeling squeaky clean. This toothpaste is also fluoride-free.

What We Like

  • Contains 70% organic ingredients
  • Fluoride-free
  • Anise flavor

What We Don't Like

  • No manufacturer’s discount
  • Costly

BUY: Dr. Bronner's All-In-One Toothpaste

Best Natural Toothpaste For Fresh Breath - Now Foods Xyliwhite Baking Soda Toothpaste

Now Foods Xyliwhite Baking Soda Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 6.4 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: 4-pack
  • Attributes: Gluten-free, SLS-free
  • ADA-accepted: N/A

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New Foods Xyliwhite Baking Soda Toothpaste is one of the best products to reduce the plaque on your teeth. It contains xylitol, an excellent fluoride alternative and is a great choice for people both young and old since it’s so gentle on the mouth.

This option is ideal for people with oral sensitivity, too. It is soothing, leaves your mouth feeling fresh, and is vegan.

What We Like

  • Fluoride-free
  • Contains xylitol
  • Platinum mint flavor

What We Don’t Like

  • No discounts
  • Costly

BUY: Now Foods Xyliwhite Baking Soda Toothpaste

Best Natural Fluoride-Free Toothpaste - Neem Essential Toothpaste

Neem Essential Toothpaste

SPECS

  • Weight: 0.89 oz.
  • Form: Paste
  • Available in: Single
  • Attributes: Gluten-free
  • ADA-approved: N/A

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Natural neem toothpaste is great for complete gum care and surface stain removal. Neem extract is an excellent antibacterial agent that fights the germs that cause cavities. If you want to protect your teeth against plaque while strengthening your enamel with natural ingredients like black seed and mint, this toothpaste is ideal for you.

What We Like

  • Mint flavor
  • Can help reduce plaque
  • Whitens teeth

What We Don't Like

  • No discounts
  • Doesn't contain xylitol

BUY: Neem Essential Toothpaste

What to Look for in Natural Toothpaste?

Although some toothpastes are marketed as organic or natural, they may still contain controversial ingredients like fluoride and carrageenan. Even if you don't swallow, your body can absorb toothpaste, mouthwash, and other elements through your mouth tissues.

Natural toothpaste, on the other hand, can keep your teeth sparkling without compromising your health. Here are ingredients you should look for in a natural toothpaste.

Xylitol Content

Xylitol is primarily a sugar substitute, though it can also reduce the risk of cavities. When buying natural toothpaste, always check the xylitol percentage. Usually, the higher the concentration, the more protective it will be for your teeth. It is non-toxic and safe for the entire family, including kids. It is toxic to dogs, however.

Activated Charcoal

Regular charcoal is typically made of wood or other natural substances, like coconut shells. Activated charcoal is a highly porous version of charcoal, and it is created by heating charcoal under particular conditions. Activated charcoal can scrub away tooth stains and help prevent tooth decay by raising your mouth's PH.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has lauric acids, which are great for getting rid of bacteria and combatting dry mouth. It stops plaque buildup and reduces gum inflammation. Natural toothpastes also rely on coconut oil as a source of glycerin, which enhances mouthfeel.

Essential Oils

Essential oils are vital natural toothpaste ingredients because of their antiviral, antibacterial, and cleaning properties.

Most essential oils come from neem, tea tree, peppermint, chamomile, eucalyptus, clove, spearmint, myrrh, lemon, fennel, and cinnamon. These oils can help freshen your breath by removing plaque and killing bacteria.

FAQs About Natural Toothpastes


Is natural toothpaste good for your teeth?

Yes. The ingredients are not toxic and don't cause irritation. Most natural toothpastes don't contain artificial flavors, preservatives, or colors. Rather, they use essential oils, herb extracts, and minerals to fight cavities and produce satisfying flavors.

Is fluoride-free toothpaste better?

It depends. Many dentists still choose fluoride toothpaste, so it really comes down to your personal preference. Fluoride-free toothpaste is effective at cleaning teeth and removing plaque buildup with regular brushing.

What happens when you stop using fluoride toothpaste?

Fluoride is a common substance, even in drinking water, so your body will still have enough if you stop using fluoride toothpaste. However, xylitol is a good alternative for fluoride when it comes to oral care. If you choose to go the fluoride-free route, look for natural toothpaste with xylitol.

Can coconut oil be used as toothpaste?

Yes, and it's very beneficial for improving and maintaining oral health. Coconut oil toothpaste keeps your teeth clean and prevents plaque buildup. It's also helpful for people who have trouble with gum bleeding.

How to Be Healthy | Best All-Natural Soap | Best Natural Toothpaste | Best Organic Mattresses | Best Natural Laundry Detergent | Best All-Natural Deodorant | Best Natural Sleep Aids | Best Non-alcoholic Wine | Best Yoga Mats | Best Coffee Beans