A Comparison of an American Popular Toothpaste and NoBs from Better Biom

When choosing toothpaste for yourself or your family, it's important to know about the ingredients and their implications for dental health and safety. In this blog post, I will compare the ingredients of a popular American toothpaste, Colgate Total, and NoBs from Better Biom. While there are many other fluoride-free options out there, I chose NoBs because that is the toothpaste I’ve chosen for my family. I will evaluate Colgate’s and NoBs’ ingredients for efficiency and toxicity based on scientific evidence, providing you with a guide to help make a more informed decision.

Colgate Total (American Popular Toothpaste) Ingredients

1. Fluoride (Sodium Fluoride)

2. Triclosan (Note: Triclosan has been removed in newer formulations, but it was a significant ingredient in older versions)

3. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

4. Hydrated Silica

5. Glycerin

6. Sorbitol

7. Flavoring Agents

8. PVM/MA Copolymer

9. Sodium Hydroxide

10. Carrageenan

11. Sodium Saccharin

12. Propylene Glycol

13. Water

NoBs from Better Biom Ingredients

1. Nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-HAp)

2. Xylitol

3. Calcium Carbonate

4. Erythritol

5. Silica

6. Cocamidopropyl Betaine

7. Stevia

8. Natural Flavors

9. Menthol

10. Aqua (Water)

Fluoride (Sodium Fluoride)

• Efficiency: Fluoride has the ability to prevent dental caries by enhancing remineralization and inhibiting demineralization of tooth enamel. Many studies confirm its efficacy in reducing cavities.

• Toxicity: While effective, fluoride can be toxic in high doses. Chronic ingestion can lead to dental fluorosis and, in extreme cases, skeletal fluorosis.

Nano-Hydroxyapatite (n-HAp)

• Efficiency: n-HAp is a biocompatible material that mimics the natural mineral component of teeth. Studies indicate it is effective in remineralizing tooth enamel and reducing hypersensitivity, potentially even outperforming fluoride in some ways.

• Toxicity: n-HAp is considered safe and biocompatible, with no known adverse effects when used in toothpaste.

Triclosan

• Efficiency: Triclosan is an antibacterial agent that is used to reduce plaque and gingivitis.

• Toxicity: Due to concerns about its safety, including endocrine disruption and bacterial resistance, triclosan has been phased out of many other toothpaste formulations and banned in several countries.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)

• Efficiency: SLS is a surfactant that helps to create foam, which aids in the distribution of the toothpaste in the mouth.

• Toxicity: SLS can be an irritant to the skin and mucous membranes, and some individuals may experience sensitivity or allergic reactions.

Xylitol and Erythritol

• Efficiency: Both are sugar alcohols that inhibit the growth of decay-causing bacteria. Xylitol, in particular, has been shown to reduce the levels of Streptococcus mutans in the mouth, which is a primary contributor to tooth decay.

• Toxicity: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA. Overconsumption can lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

Glycerin and Sorbitol

• Efficiency: These ingredients act as humectants, keeping the toothpaste from drying out.

• Toxicity: Both are considered safe for use in toothpaste.

Calcium Carbonate

• Efficiency: Calcium carbonate is a mild abrasive that helps remove surface stains and plaque.

• Toxicity: It is generally safe and commonly used in toothpaste.

Silica

• Efficiency: Silica is another abrasive that aids in cleaning and polishing the teeth.

• Toxicity: Generally considered safe, though excessive use can lead to enamel wear.

Cocamidopropyl Betaine

• Efficiency: This is a mild surfactant that helps in creating foam.

• Toxicity: It is generally safe, though it can cause irritation in some individuals.

Carrageenan, Sodium Saccharin, Propylene Glycol, Flavoring Agents, and Natural Flavors

• Efficiency: These ingredients are mainly used for consistency, preservation, and flavor enhancement.

• Toxicity: Most are considered safe in the concentrations used in toothpaste. However, carrageenan has been controversial due to concerns about inflammatory effects and some cancers, though food-grade carrageenan is generally regarded as safe. Nonetheless, concerns persist, and some researchers argue that even food-grade carrageenan could pose health risks, warranting further investigation into its long-term effects on human health.

When comparing the ingredients of Colgate Total and NoBs from Better Biom, several points stand out:

1. Remineralization and Cavity Prevention: Both kinds of toothpaste contain effective agents for enamel remineralization—fluoride in Colgate and nano-hydroxyapatite in NoBs. While fluoride is well-established, n-HAp is gaining attention for its potential to match or exceed fluoride's benefits without the associated toxicity risks.

2. Antibacterial Properties: Colgate Total previously relied on triclosan, an effective but controversial antibacterial agent. NoBs uses xylitol and erythritol, which are safer alternatives that also help reduce harmful bacteria.

3. Foaming Agents and Irritants: Colgate Total uses Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS), a known irritant for some users. NoBs opts for Cocamidopropyl Betaine, a milder surfactant, making it potentially more suitable for individuals with sensitive mouths.

4. Abrasives: Both toothpastes use silica for cleaning, but NoBs includes calcium carbonate, another mild abrasive, providing a good balance for effective cleaning without excessive enamel wear.

5. Humectants and Sweeteners: Both kinds of toothpaste use glycerin and other agents like sorbitol (Colgate) and erythritol (NoBs) to retain moisture and sweetness. NoBs also uses stevia as a natural sweetener, adding to its appeal for those looking to avoid artificial additives.

6. Safety and Toxicity: Overall, NoBs from Better Biom has a more natural and biocompatible ingredient list, minimizing the risk of irritation and other side effects. Colgate Total, while effective, contains several synthetic ingredients that may cause issues for sensitive users.

In summary, NoBs from Better Biom presents itself as a strong contender in the toothpaste market, especially for those seeking a natural and biocompatible option. Its use of nano-hydroxyapatite offers a promising alternative to fluoride, aligning with trends in Europe and growing interest in the U.S. for safer oral care products. While traditional fluoride-based toothpastes like Colgate Total remain effective and widely used, it's worth considering NoBs for its innovative approach and commitment to natural ingredients.

For those looking to switch to a toothpaste that provides effective oral care without the potential risks associated with some synthetic ingredients, NoBs from Better Biom is a compelling choice.

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This content is never meant to serve as medical advice.

In crafting this blog post, I aimed to encapsulate the essence of scientific findings and my own research to present the information in a reader-friendly format that promotes critical thinking and informed decision-making.

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