Natural Whitening Toothpaste: 2009

Aloe Dent Whitening Toothpaste Eco Product Review

I’ve reviewed aloe vera toothpaste before but when Trust William sent me Optima’s AloeDent Whitening Toothpaste I was intrigued to give it a go.

Trust William is a natural healthcare provider which specialises in products for family health and nutrition, and has a lot of products which use aloe vera.

While Optima’s ‘normal’ aloe vera toothpaste says it whitens teeth, this is its specialist toothpaste and has a few different ingredients. In comes silica for whitening and something called PVP for anti-staining. Also in is vitamin K and tea tree oil along with the peppermint and menthol for flavour. It’s hard to know where the aloe vera comes in, it says it’s for ‘soothing’ and it seems to work, the paste is very pleasant.

It tastes quite nice, although it doesn’t give you that totally fresh feeling that mainstream toothpastes tend to give. Although I’ve a feeling that’s one of those artificial things we’re ‘trained’ to believe – fresh taste must mean clean teeth.

I still have concerns about the lack of fluoride in terms of my teeth’s health, but it seems to be working fine. My last dental check-up didn’t highlight any problems so am quietly confident that it’s all good.

As an environmentally-friendly alternative to regular toothpaste I’ve been impressed with Optima’s products. AloeDent Whitening Toothpaste costs £3.49 for 100ml from Trust William

Alcohol in Mouthwash

A new report released by Australian Scientist, Professor Michael McCullough has found that there is significant evidence that mouthwashes containing alcohol can increase the risk of oral cancer and has therefore advised that they should be removed from supermarket shelves. Trust William have a natural alternative: their Aloe Dent Mouthwash is highly effective and is alcohol and saccharin free.

Most of the popular brands in the UK have a typical volume of about 27% - more potent than a bottle of Sherry, which is also risky for pregnant women and children. Professor Michael McCulloch, chairman of the Australian Dental Association's therapeutics committee and associate professor of oral medicine at Melbourne University, said alcohol in mouthwashes "increases the permeability of the mucosa" to carcinogens like nicotine. He added “The alcohol present in your mouth is turned into acetaldehyde that may accumulate in the oral cavity when swished around the mouth is also a carcinogen.”

Cancer Research UK has expressed concerns about alcohol in mouthwash and a possible link with oral cancer. Alcohol is the second major risk factor for the disease and whereas a sip of wine may be held in the mouth for a second or two, mouthwash is sloshed and gargled for up to 30 seconds. The charity’s advice is “the avoidance of high-alcoholic mouthwashes seems prudent”.

Alcohol is not used to kill bacteria as one may think but added to mouthwash to act as a carrier for the essential oils and active ingredients. However, this is completely unnecessary according to Emma Allen one of Trust William’s technical advisors. She states “Our Aloe Dent Mouthwash is an alcohol free alternative which uses other ingredients, such as polysorbates, as a carrier for the herbal extracts and essential oils. Polysorbates are a class of emulsifiers used in food preparation. Aloe Dent therefore provides consumers with a natural alternative to mouthwashes that contain alcohol.”

AloeDent Natural Toothpastes

AloeDent Natural Toothpaste

If you’re after an effective, natural alternative in oral care made from ingredients with 100% natural origin, then look no further than AloeDent.

AloeDent not only specialise in providing high quality toothpastes containing Aloe Vera, but also have one of the widest ranges on the natural oral care market. Their range is packed full of natural ingredients - from Silica, a natural mineral used to help keep teeth clean helping to prevent cavities, to nature’s own antiseptic, Tea Tree oil and Escin (a component in Horse Chestnut Seed) both play a role in maintaining healthy gums.

Because AloeDent is drawn from nature it is totally fluoride and SLS free. Our mouthwash and breath freshening spray are also free from alcohol and saccharin.

AloeDent products taste minty-fresh (they promise!) and they have a comprehensive range so we’re pretty sure you’ll find something to suit every member of your family.

The AloeDent Range:

Natural Triple Action Toothpaste>>

A breakthrough in the science of oral hygiene. The water is replaced with soothing Aloe Vera juice, which is combined with a powerful blend of carefully selected natural, active ingredients, including Chitosan and Co-Q-10.

Sensitive Toothpaste >>

An Aloe Vera based toothpaste for sensitive gums and teeth. Contains Vitamin K, Echinacea and Tea Tree.

Whitening Toothpaste >>

An Aloe Vera based toothpaste which promotes healthy gums and whitens teeth discoloured by tea & coffee, smoking, red wine and staining.

Children’s Toothpaste >>

Cool Strawberry flavoured + Co-Q-10,Tea Tree & Silica.

Alcohol Free Mouthwash >>

A minty fresh, Alcohol, Fluoride and Saccharin free mouthwash that includes Aloe Vera, Grapefruit Seed extract and Tea Tree oil. Provides total protection, fights bacteria that can cause plaque, and so helps maintain strong teeth and healthy gums.

Breath Freshening Spray >>

Combines the numerous benefits of Aloe Vera with a powerful blend of carefully selected natural active ingredients. AloeDent Fresh Breath Therapy is 100% natural and is free from Sucrose and Alcohol.

Dental Floss >>

Contains Aloe Vera, which may help to soothe the gums when flossing, and Mint for a refreshing natural flavour. The Shred Resistant Nylon Floss is coated in natural Beeswax to help glide between teeth and prevent inter-dental decay and discolouration. The floss comes in an ergonomically designed case for ease of use.

Lip Balm >>

Multi action lip balm formulated with Aloe Vera gel to soothe and moisturise the lips. Contains the essential amino acid; Lysine, to help promote healthy lips. Also includes Vitamin E, Jojoba, Tea Tree oil and Menthol along with sun screens to help protect lips from the sun's harmful UVA and UVB rays. This comprehensive formula provides rich, soothing protection for dry or cracked lips.