Toothpaste

Toothpaste Selection Criteria

How we decide which oral care products deserve a place here

Oral care is unique because of sublingual absorption—the tissues in your mouth absorb ingredients directly into your bloodstream. Most mass-market toothpastes in India prioritize cost and "freshness" over biocompatibility.

Our role is to ensure that what goes in your mouth is as safe as what goes in your stomach.

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1. Our Non-Negotiable Exclusions (The "Toxic-Five" Gate)

Any product containing these is automatically disqualified:

❌ Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

• The primary cause of canker sores (mouth ulcers) and dry mouth
• Used only for foaming; provides zero cleaning benefit to teeth

Our position: A toothpaste doesn't need to be a soap.

❌ Triclosan

• An antibacterial pesticide linked to thyroid issues and antibiotic resistance
• Banned by the US FDA for hand soaps but still permitted in many Indian toothpastes

Our position: We do not allow endocrine disruptors in daily-use products.

❌ Saccharin & Aspartame

• Artificial sweeteners used to mask the bitter taste of chemicals
• Linked to gut microbiome disruption

Our position: Sweetness should come from Xylitol or Stevia, which actually help teeth.

❌ Microbeads (Plastic)

• Small plastic particles used for "scrubbing" that trap bacteria in gum pockets

Our position: Physical cleaning should come from safe clays or minerals.

❌ Parabens & Formaldehyde Donors

• Cheap preservatives used for long shelf life in humid Indian conditions

Our position: Safe, modern preservation is mandatory.

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2. Approved Actives (What We Look For)

We prioritize ingredients that work with the mouth's natural ecosystem rather than nuking it with chemicals.

✅ Nano-Hydroxyapatite (nHAp)

The gold standard for clean care. It is what your teeth are actually made of. It fills in microscopic cracks to reduce sensitivity and remineralize enamel naturally.

✅ Xylitol

A birch-derived sugar that oral bacteria cannot digest, effectively "starving" the bacteria that cause cavities.

✅ Bentonite/Kaolin Clay

Natural minerals that polish teeth gently and "adsorb" toxins without stripping enamel.

✅ Traditional Indian Botanicals

• Neem – antifungal
• Miswak – antibacterial
• Clove – analgesic
• Babool – astringent/gum tightening

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3. The Fluoride Stance

Fluoride is a complex topic in India due to high naturally occurring fluoride in the groundwater of many states (Risk of Fluorosis).

• We prefer Fluoride-free formulas for general maintenance
• We only list Fluoride-containing pastes if they are transparent about dosage and use a "Clean Label" base, specifically for those with high cavity risk

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4. Transparency & Origin

Full Disclosure

We reject brands that list "Paste Base Q.S." or "Herbal Base." Every ingredient, including the surfactant and preservative, must be named (INCI).

Made in India

We prioritize Indian brands that utilize local Ayurvedic wisdom combined with global manufacturing standards (GMP).

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5. Scoring Logic

Every toothpaste is scored (0–100) on:

• Enamel Safety: Low Relative Dentin Abrasivity (RDA)
• Gum Support: Presence of anti-inflammatory herbs
• Biocompatibility: Absence of synthetic dyes and harsh detergents
• Taste & Experience: Stability and "after-clean" feel

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What This Means For You

If a toothpaste appears here, you can swallow a small amount accidentally without panic. It will clean your teeth without destroying your oral microbiome or causing long-term hormonal stress.

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Our Promise

We don't take "slotting fees" from dental conglomerates. We recommend only what is bio-available, safe, and effective.