Does Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Work? (+Exploring Alternatives)

November 14, 2023

Are you wondering whether fluoride-free toothpaste works?

In short, the answer is a resounding yes! Fluoride-free toothpastes can work wonders to clean your teeth.

Fluoride-free alternatives, such as Boka’s non-toxic and dentist-approved toothpaste, have been proven by researchers to reduce sensitivity, maintain healthy gums, whiten teeth, remineralize teeth, freshen breath, and support your general enamel strength.

It even does all this while being vegan, sulfate-free, paraben-free, cruelty-free, and free from artificial flavors!

So, if you’re simply sick of what fluoride toothpaste could be doing to your body or you’re already searching for a fluoride-free alternative that would work better for you: read on!

This helpful article will answer all of your toothpaste-related questions and assist you in finding the best option for maintaining your precious pearly whites. Specifically, this guide will cover:

Alternative toothpaste ingredients that are as or more effective than fluoride
A great option: Boka’s non-toxic and dentist-approved toothpaste.

So, what are we waiting for? Let’s find out how you can better take care of your teeth by jumping right into this helpful guide!

Alternative Toothpaste Ingredients That Are As Effective As Fluoride

Great news! There are many fluoride-free toothpastes that actually work! Below I’ve listed 10 fantastic ingredients now found in a variety of oral care products such as Boka’s non-toxic and dentist-approved toothpaste.

Keep reading to discover why they’re just as (or even more effective) than your typical fluoride products:

Hydroxyapatite

When compared to the usual fluoride toothpaste you usually reach for, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is a safer and better option you’ll likely find on your supermarket shelf.

Hydroxyapatite is made of n-Ha, or nano-hydroxyapatite. This is a compound made up of calcium and phosphorus, the two elements that comprise 96% of your tooth enamel and 70% of your dentin.

What makes n-Ha an extremely effective alternative to fluoride is that it imitates your natural tooth composition. This is an advantage no other toothpaste in the market can do.

As for its safety and effectiveness, you should know that hydroxyapatite is one of the most extensively researched biomaterials out there. And since studies have shown that it’s one of the safest dental care compounds with hardly any negative effects, it pays to make the switch.

Another 2019 study also discovered that hydroxyapatite toothpaste actually creates a thin coating on the teeth that is much sturdier than that created by your typical fluoride alternatives.

Specifically, hydroxyapatite can reduce sensitivity, maintain healthy gums, whiten teeth, remineralize teeth, freshen breath, and support your general enamel strength.

It’s a no-brainer really! When it comes to remineralizing your teeth, hydroxyapatite simply has greater efficacy than fluoride.

Xylitol

Xylitol, often used as an artificial sweetener in foods, is a type of sugar found in some fruits and vegetables.

It works by stopping harmful bacteria from growing inside the mouth – therefore working to prevent tooth decay, plaque production, and maintaining good breath.

A recent study published in the US National Library of Medicine found that xylitol decreases the incidence of dental caries by increasing salivary flow and pH and reducing the number of cariogenic (Mutans streptococci) and periodontopathic (Helicobacter pylori) bacteria, plaque levels, xerostomia, gingival inflammation, and erosion of teeth.

Baking soda

Need to brush your teeth in a pinch? Great news! Baking soda acts as a mild abrasive to remove stains on your teeth.

It will do all the basics of a stock standard toothpaste from whitening teeth to neutralizing acids.

This research paper, published in the Journal of American Dental Association, even discusses its great antibacterial properties. The best part is that you can find it in pretty much any household pantry!

Triclosan (Note: Some concerns about its safety)

Widely used in a lot of household products, triclosan is both an antibacterial and antifungal agent.

Worried about gingivitis? No worries! Triclosan will maintain oral hygiene by reducing pesky bacteria build up in the mouth.

FDA studied data on the ingredients in a certain toothpaste. The data showed that triclosan in toothpaste was effective in preventing gingivitis.

But for most other products, the FDA hasn’t received evidence that the ingredient provides any kind of benefit to human health.

DeSalva and colleagues reviewed the pharmacological and toxicological information for triclosan and concluded that it was safe for use in toothpaste and mouth rinse products. Triclosan has a wide range of activities, being bacteriostatic at low concentrations and bactericidal at higher concentrations. It is important to note, the effectiveness of triclosan is dependent on the concentration and the type of organisms.

Potassium nitrate (for sensitivity)

Sensitive teeth? Never fear, potassium nitrate is here!

Commonly used as a method to aid tooth sensitivity, potassium nitrate desensitizes the nerves in your teeth. This is fantastic news for anyone wishing for greater comfort amongst their pearly whites.

In a 2012 study, potassium nitrate even proved to be more effective than fluoride, xylitol, and triclosan in decreasing tooth sensitivity.

Strontium chloride (for sensitivity)

Strontium chloride is a type of salt used to treat tooth sensitivity. By blocking pain signals in your nerve endings, it can rapidly reduce sensitivity issues.

But wait! Before jumping to strontium chloride to solve your tooth sensitivity needs, you should know that it has now been overtaken by alternate toothpastes and is no longer readily available to purchase.

Charcoal (Note: Limited evidence)

Used in a variety of healthcare products, charcoal is a porous, black substance that can absorb a variety of toxins or stains that may be present on your teeth.

Although some say that it does wonders in whitening teeth and improving overall oral health, there is little to no evidence to back up these claims.

Zinc citrate

Available in many food and supplement products, zinc citrate is derived from citric acid.

In oral care, studies have proven its effectiveness in helping to slow down the growth of plaque and reduce tartar buildup for overall oral health and bacteria reduction.

Herbal extracts (e.g., neem, tea tree oil)

Known for their antibacterial qualities, herbal extracts such as neem and tea tree oil have been widely used to treat oral health.

They have a proven track record for fighting mouth bacteria, with a 2020 study finding tea tree oil offered a better improvement to oral health than chlorhexidine mouthwash in the prevention of gingivitis.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil not only smells fantastic but is a great way to remove toxins and bacteria in your mouth.

Used just like mouthwash, coconut oil is proven to fight bad breath and improve overall oral health as shown by this 2016 study.

Try Boka’s Non-Toxic And Dentist-Approved Toothpaste!

Hopefully, it’s now clear that there are many fantastic fluoride-free alternatives to your typical store-bought toothpaste!

In fact, standing out amongst them all are hydroxyapatite-based toothpastes.

Boka’s non-toxic and dentist-approved toothpaste is therefore a great option.

It has all the amazing benefits of your typical hydroxyapatite toothpaste with added advantages that range from its non-toxic ingredients to its dentist-approved formula.

It even comes in great flavors such as Ela Mint, Coco Ginger, Lemon Lavender, and Orange Cream – much better than those artificial flavors you get from supermarket brands.

Boka has a variety of great deals too, such as back-to-school and travel pack specials. They even have a variety of floss and mouthwash products; it’s basically a one-stop, tooth-cleaning shop!

So, what are you waiting for?

n-Ha toothpaste is the obvious choice for your optimal oral health – so why not start with Boka?

We’re passionate about oral hygiene and have a variety of proven ingredients and feel-good formulas that beat any found in your typical fluoride-based product.

You can pick up the next step to a healthy smile right by exploring our nano-hydroxyapatite toothpastes!