Things to Look for When Choosing a Natural Toothpaste
Dr Rita Trak, 9th April 2026
As a holistic dentist, I often see patients who are doing everything right — brushing regularly, eating well — and still experiencing sensitivity, decay or gum inflammation. What many people don’t realise is that the issue is often not their habits, but the products they use every day.
Toothpaste is used twice daily, yet many conventional formulas contain ingredients that can irritate tissues, disrupt the oral microbiome and interfere with the body’s natural healing processes. While many people are now choosing fluoride-free options, this alone is not enough.
From a holistic perspective, the goal is not just to harden the tooth surface, but to support true remineralisation. When choosing a fluoride-free toothpaste, I recommend looking for ingredients that actively support oral health.
One of my favourite ingredients is non-nano hydroxyapatite, which helps rebuild and strengthen enamel in a way that closely mimics the natural structure of teeth. Ideally, you want to look for a formulation that contains 10% non-nano hydroxyapatite, as this is considered an effective concentration for supporting remineralisation.
However, this is where it becomes difficult for consumers because toothpaste labels do not disclose the percentage of active ingredients. This is not a legal requirement, which means the only way to truly know is to contact each company directly and ask.
It is equally important to avoid ingredients that can cause harm over time. I advise patients to stay away from:
- SLS (sodium lauryl sulphate)
- Artificial flavours and preservatives such as phenoxyethanol
- Triclosan
- Titanium dioxide
- Sucralose and saccharine
- Carrageenan
These ingredients can irritate tissues and disrupt the delicate balance of the oral microbiome.
Your mouth is a complex ecosystem that plays a vital role in overall health. When we shift from a “kill everything” approach to one that supports balance, we create the conditions for stronger teeth, healthier gums and long-term wellbeing.
My Recommendations
In my clinical experience, finding a fluoride-free toothpaste that truly aligns with these principles is not always easy, which is why I am selective with what I recommend.
One formulation that consistently meets these criteria is Grants Whitening +HA. It contains 10% non-nano hydroxyapatite to support enamel remineralisation while avoiding common disruptors like SLS and artificial additives. It also supports the oral microbiome and provides gentle whitening without relying on harsh or abrasive ingredients.
I also recommend Grants Mild Mint and Sensitive Toothpastes, as both contain xylitol, which helps reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth while supporting a balanced oral environment. This makes them a great option for patients wanting additional microbiome support, particularly those prone to decay, gum inflammation or oral sensitivity. Their gentle formulations also make them well suited for patients who prefer a milder flavour profile or who may be sensitive to stronger whitening products.
For patients looking for a fluoride-free toothpaste that supports both oral and overall health, these are the ones I feel confident recommending.
About Dr. Rita Trak
(Dr Margarita Trakhtman; Registered Dentist AHPRA Registration No. DEN0001929543)
Dr. Rita Trak is a holistic dentist, founder of Melbourne’s Dental and Skin Clinic and now, Grants of Australia’s “Go-To” Dentist. For more information, please visit her full bio.
Or follow Dr. Rita on Instagram – @dentalandskin