CLEAN MOUTH, CLEAN CONSCIENCE
An honest look at clean, non-toxic oral hygiene.
Let’s Talk About What’s Actually in Your Toothpaste...and Floss, and Mouthwash.
When exploring ways to enhance our overall health—whether it’s through the food we eat, the products we use at home, or what we put on our skin—there’s often one unifying factor: water. And with it comes a growing, polarized conversation around what’s in our water—particularly fluoride and other minerals. So, what’s the truth?
This post doesn’t aim to provide black-and-white answers, but rather to open up a broader conversation about how this all connects to oral hygiene—because our mouths are the gateway to our bodies. Maintaining a healthy mouth biome may be one of the most overlooked steps in preventing chronic disease.
Fluoride is frequently at the center of this debate. It's added to public water supplies in many countries and incorporated into toothpaste for its proven role in preventing cavities. Research shows it can help reduce demineralization, enhance remineralization, and inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria in the mouth. That said, it’s also a substance that, if swallowed in large amounts, warrants a call to poison control. That alone is worth pausing to reflect on.
This post isn’t meant to serve as dental or medical advice—but rather to highlight a few surprising things we discovered in our own exploration that might deserve a second look.
Your Toothpaste Might Be More Toxic Than You Think
It’s a bold statement—but one that isn’t so far-fetched when you start reading ingredient labels. Many conventional toothpastes are filled with synthetic dyes, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, foaming agents like SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), and even triclosan, an antimicrobial ingredient banned in hand soaps but still allowed in some oral products.
If something carries a warning not to swallow it, should we really be comfortable putting it in our mouths multiple times a day?
While fluoride has benefits, there's growing interest in fluoride-free alternatives—especially for those looking to reduce their chemical exposure or who already receive fluoride through their water.
Mouthwash Might Be Disrupting Your Oral Microbiome
You’ve seen the ads: “Kills 99.99% of bacteria!” Sounds great—until you realize that includes the good bacteria, too.
Our mouths contain a delicate ecosystem of microbes, many of which help keep harmful bacteria in check. Antiseptic mouthwashes often contain alcohol and other antibacterial agents that wipe out everything, disrupting this balance. Over time, this can lead to dry mouth, altered taste, and even increased susceptibility to bad breath—the very thing we’re trying to avoid.
A gentler, more biome-friendly rinse may actually support your long-term oral health better than the burning blue stuff.
That Smooth, Slippery Floss? It Could Be Coated in Toxic Chemicals
Conventional dental floss—especially the type that glides easily between teeth—is often coated with PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), including PFHxS. These “forever chemicals” are used to make products nonstick, stain-resistant, and water-repellent. They’re incredibly persistent, meaning they don’t break down in the body or the environment.
Research has linked PFAS to a range of health concerns, including hormone disruption, reduced fertility, developmental issues, and even cancer. And yes—many popular floss brands (including some Oral-B and Glide versions) have tested positive for PFAS.
While floss isn’t ingested, it's still used in your mouth, and residue can linger even after rinsing.
So, What Can You Do?
Small changes can make a big impact—without completely overhauling your routine. Here are a few better-for-you swaps to consider:
1. Try Fluoride-Free Toothpaste
Look for products made with ingredients like hydroxyapatite (a naturally occurring mineral), baking soda, xylitol, and essential oils. These support remineralization and oral health without synthetic additives.
2. Rethink Mouthwash
Choose alcohol-free rinses formulated to support, not strip, your oral microbiome. Some natural options even include probiotics or gentle herbal blends like neem, aloe vera, and tea tree.
Click HERE to learn how to make your own non-toxic mouthwash with organic ingredients.
For those who want more normal mouthwash, TheraBreath or Hello are great options.
3. Switch to Safer Dental Floss
Flossing is still essential—but your floss ingredients shouldn’t work against your health. Here’s what to look for:
- Avoid floss labeled “glide,” “nonstick,” or “easy slide”—these may contain PFAS.
- Skip coated floss, unless you can verify the coating is something natural, like beeswax.
- Opt for biodegradable materials, such as silk or cotton, rather than plastic-based floss.
Brands like Cocofloss, Boka, and DrTung’s offer PFAS-free floss options that are safer for both you and the planet.
The Bottom Line
You don’t need to overhaul your oral care overnight—but questioning what’s in your daily products is a powerful step in the right direction. Oral hygiene is more than just brushing and flossing—it’s a gateway to your whole-body wellness. So the next time you’re restocking your bathroom cabinet, take a closer look at the labels. Your mouth—and your body—deserve better.
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