Fluoride Free Toothpaste and Holistic Oral Health
If you've ever gone down the rabbit hole of holistic health (hello, welcome), you've probably realized that your oral health is really important. And it's about way more than just brushing and flossing.
Your mouth is often a mirror of what's happening inside your body. It is its own ecosystem. A tiny, delicate microbiome. A mini rainforest. And like any ecosystem, it can thrive or it can burn down depending on how you care for it.
Today we're diving into fluoride free toothpaste, hydroxyapatite (a popular alternative), the oral microbiome, mouth taping, non-toxic oral care products, and the simple low-cost habits that can transform your dental health.
Because when your mouth is happy, your whole body is happier.
Now let's get into it.
Fluoride vs. Fluoride Free Toothpaste: What You Need To Know
Fluoride has long been praised as the cavity-fighting superstar in toothpaste. And yes, it does reduce cavities. But here's the catch: fluoride is a neurotoxin.
Studies suggest that higher exposure of fluoride in children may be linked to lower IQ. And fluoride is already present in most municipal water systems. Meaning without proper water filters, you're likely drinking and bathing in fluoride every single day.
And it's not just kids. Research shows that in adults, chronic fluoride exposure may be associated with:
thyroid dysfunction
skeletal issues like joint pain or stiffness
reduced cognitive performance
disruption to the gut and oral microbiome
So again, the question isn't whether fluoride works. It does! But rather, at what cost?
This is why so many families are switching to fluoride free toothpaste and exploring safer, non-toxic alternatives like hydroxyapatite toothpaste that still strengthen and remineralize teeth.
Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste: A Natural Alternative That Works
If fluoride is the old-school cavity fighter, hydroxyapatite toothpaste is the modern, non-toxic, enamel-loving upgrade.
Hydroxyapatite is the same mineral your teeth are already made of. Instead of forcing enamel to harden the way fluoride toothpaste does, hydroxyapatite toothpaste helps rebuild it naturally by filling microscopic cracks and restoring a smooth surface. It also supports the oral microbiome without killing off beneficial bacteria.
It's safe for adults and kids. No poison control warnings required.
Non-Toxic Oral Care Products for Adults and Kids
This is where things get fun. The world of clean oral care has exploded. Thankfully, there are now amazing fluoride free toothpaste options, hydroxyapatite toothpaste, natural floss, tooth powders, and organic mouthwash options.
These safer swaps make a huge difference, especially for families aiming to avoid unnecessary toxins in daily routines.
Tap the image to shop all my non-toxic oral care favorites in one place.
Click the image for more holistic oral health products.
Tooth Powder vs Toothpaste: Which Should You Choose?
You'll see tooth powders popping up more often in the wellness world, so here's the quick breakdown.
Toothpaste
Creamy, familiar, easy to use. Great for sensitive gums and kids. Comes in both fluoride free and hydroxyapatite options.
Tooth Powder
A dry blend of mineral-rich ingredients like bentonite clay, baking soda, calcium carbonate, and herbs.
Pros:
incredible for whitening
great for remineralizing
very clean ingredient list (even cleaner than fluoride free toothpaste)
lasts forever
Both are great options. It's just about preference. If you're looking for a deeper clean or lower-tox routine, tooth powder can be a powerful upgrade.
My whole family, including our toddler, switched to tooth powder a year ago and we love it!
The Truth About Mouthwash and What to Use Instead
This might surprise you, but most conventional mouthwash is working against your oral health.
Mouthwash doesn't just kill bad bacteria. It kills everything. The good bacteria too. And those good bacteria help produce nitric oxide, a molecule your body uses to regulate blood pressure. So when mouthwash wipes them out, your blood pressure can actually rise.
If you want a healthier alternative, choose:
salt water
baking soda rinse
clean, organic mouthwash formulas
aloe or herbal rinses
xylitol-based washes
Your oral microbiome will thank you.
Free and Low-Cost Habits That Improve Your Mouth's Health
Your mouth is home to its own little community of bacteria. The good kind! They protect your teeth, gums, digestion, immune system, and even your sleep. And the best part? You don't need fancy tools to support them. These simple daily habits are very effective.
Using fluoride free toothpaste along with these habits gives your teeth the best chance to stay strong and healthy naturally.
1. Breathe Through Your Nose
Mouth breathing dries everything out and throws off the balance of bacteria. Breathing through your nose does the opposite. It naturally humidifies, filters, and warms the air before it hits your lungs.
If you wake up with a dry mouth or feel stuffy at night, scroll down to the "mouth taping" section. This can be a game changer for you.
2. Keep Your Tongue on the Roof of Your Mouth
This helps:
keeps your airway more open
support saliva flow
support jaw and facial development in kids
It also helps you naturally breathe through your nose instead of your mouth.
3. Chew Your Food Slowly
Slower chewing increases saliva, which acts as your mouth's natural prebiotic.
4. Ditch Mouthwash
If you skipped the earlier section, here's the recap: it kills good bacteria that regulate blood pressure.
The use of mouth wash can increase blood pressure in healthy individuals in just 7 days! Not good.
Use salt water or baking soda instead.
5. Scrape Your Tongue, Floss, Brush
These aren't glamorous, but they work.
Removing buildup reduces bad breath, supports taste, and removes anaerobic bacteria. That's the bacteria that like dark, hard-to-reach spots and can make your mouth smell.
6. Get Good Sleep
When you sleep deeply, your body produces special immune-supporting peptides in your mouth that help protect your gums and teeth.
Poor sleep = poor saliva flow = unhappy microbiome (the bad bacteria thrives)
Good sleep = your mouth restores itself overnight
If you mouth breathe at night, this can interrupt the whole process. Mouth taping could be an easy solution for you! More on that below.
7. Stay Hydrated and Add Minerals
Your saliva is 99% water. When you're dehydrated, your mouth gets dry, and bad bacteria thrive in dry environments.
Minerals (like calcium and magnesium) also help support strong enamel and healthy saliva chemistry. Hydration + minerals = a happier mouth.
Benefits of Mouth Taping at Night for Better Sleep and Oral Health
This is one of the most life-changing, low-cost tools out there, especially if you wake up with a dry mouth.
Mouth taping encourages nasal breathing throughout the night, which can help with:
better sleep quality
fewer cavities
better oral pH
improved oral microbiome
reduced snoring
deeper rest
less morning brain fog
It's gentle, simple, and has become a staple in many holistic households.
👉 If you want to learn more about the benefits of mouth taping, check out this blog for a deeper dive.
Holistic Oral Health: Simple Steps for a Healthier Smile
Oral health isn't just about brushing and flossing. It's about supporting your mouth as a living microbiome. One that affects your sleep, digestion, immunity, and overall wellness.
Start with small changes:
Switch to fluoride free toothpaste. Swap out your mouthwash. Begin practicing a few of the low-cost habits above. Your oral health (and your whole body) will feel the ripple effect.
Wellness doesn't have to be perfect. Small changes. Simple swaps. It adds up.
Stay well,
Mich
*This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice.