Yes, toothpaste now comes in tablet form. No more squeezing or complex tube origami to get the last smear of paste out. Toothpaste tablets are not only easy to use, but also more eco-friendly than there tubular counterpart. Here’s everything you need to know about them.
What are toothpaste tablets?
Most toothpaste tablets are technically not toothpaste at all. They are a compressed powder made from ingredients like xylitol (a natural sweetener that fights oral bacteria), calcium carbonate (a chemical found in limestone and snail shells) and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda). Some brands also contain cream of tartar (a common household alternative to bleach made from tartaric acid).
To my knowledge there are currently two types of toothpaste tablets available in South Africa. The first are products (Earthly Toothpaste and Lush) that pride themselves on being fluoride free. The second type (Bite&Brush) chooses to swap fluoride for hydroxyapatite (HA). Hydroxyapatite is a form of calcium that makes up 97% of our tooth enamel and nearly 70% of the dentine, making it completely biocompatible and non-toxic. Hydroxyapatite has been the gold standard in Japan for over 40-years. The Japanese company Sangi was the first to take an interest in hydroxyapatite. They bought the rights from NASA back in 1970. NASA used hydroxyapatite as a repairing material for astronauts when they lost necessary minerals in their teeth and bones in the absence of gravity. Although it seems hydroxyapatite has been scientifically proven to strengthen/remineralize teeth, fight sensitivity, prevent plaque build-up and whiten teeth naturally, there is still a lack of scientific evidence on its efficiency over longer periods of time.
The Pros
Since tubular toothpaste first appeared in 1898 it has been a bit of an environmental disaster. The fact that the tubes are made from different types of plastics and sometimes laminated with a metal layer makes them virtually impossible to recycle. Which means they end up in landfills where they break down slowly polluting soil and water. Toothpaste tablets, by comparison, are usually sold in glass bottles or recyclable plastic containers.
Speaking of plastic, many conventional toothpastes contain microplastics. These tiny indestructible plastic polymers get spat out and washed into the food chain. Most toothpaste tablets are made from ingredients you might find in the average pantry. So, no microplastics there.
Not only do toothpaste tablets reduce household waste, but they also tend to be less messy. Say good bye to the hardened paste stuck to the sink and tap, and the open tube that can’t be closed because the cap has mysteriously disappeared.
Toothpaste tablets are also easy to travel with and heat resistant – you can leave them in a hot car without them melting into some kind of disgusting minty epoxy.
The Cons
In my mind there are only two disadvantages to using toothbrush tablets, one of which might be a deal breaker for some. It seems there is a lack of scientific evidence on how good toothpaste tablets are in terms of oral health. Some Dentists find the lack of fluoride in many tablet brands worrying as fluoride plays a big part in removing plaque, preventing gum disease and tooth decay.
Secondly, brushing your teeth with a powder takes some getting used to, especially if you are used to a gel or paste. Initially the ‘chewing’ phase feels weird and a little unpleasant, but after a few brushes one gets used to it.
How to use toothpaste tablets
Using toothpaste tablets is easy. Place the toothpaste tablet in your mouth and chew it until it mixes with your saliva and forms a paste in your mouth. Use a damp toothbrush and start brushing where most of the tablet toothpaste is. Then brush as you always would. Some brands recommend not rinsing the toothpaste out of your mouth. That way anti-cavity fluoride ingredients can stay on your teeth giving them an added level of protection. To rinse or not to rinse, seems to be a personal preference. I personally choose to rinse, as I don’t like the gritty residue in my mouth.
Toothpaste Tablets to avoid
Some professionals advice steering clear of toothpaste tablets made with charcoal. Although they may make your teeth look whiter at first, the abrasive nature of charcoal can scratch and erode your teeth’s enamel over time causing weak, darker and more sensitive teeth.
Chat to your dentist
Your dentist and dental hygienist are the best people to talk to when you’re considering switching to toothpaste tablets. I contacted my dentist recently when swapping my Fluoride Free toothpaste tablets for those containing hydroxyapatite. As the scientific data on the effect hydroxyapatite has on oral health will only be available in five to ten years, he advised brushing my teeth with tubular toothpaste once or twice a week. That way I can be sure that my teeth are getting the necessary amount of fluoride.
At first I wondered whether it was worth making the swap if I would be using plastic tubes of toothpaste together with the tablets. But I soon realized that by brushing with tubular toothpaste only a few times a week, I would be cutting back on single-use plastic dramatically as a tube of toothpaste lasts me a lot longer than before. And for me that’s a WIN.
xxx
