Picture this:
It’s 10:58 p.m. The kids are finally asleep. You should also be asleep, but instead… you’re in the bathroom reading your toothpaste label like it’s the plot twist of a thriller novel.
Suddenly you’re whispering to yourself:
“What is this? Why is that in here? Should toothpaste really need a chemistry degree to understand?”
Welcome to the club. We have questions - and opinions - and a growing list of things we’re not putting in our mouths anymore.
Let’s talk about the 4 harmful ingredients you should kick out of your toothpaste immediately, mom-to-mom, no filter.
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
The foam-making diva of the toothpaste world - and not in a good way.
SLS is the ingredient responsible for making toothpaste bubble up like it’s auditioning for a role in a bubble bath commercial.
Except… it’s also known for:
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Causing mouth irritation
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Triggering canker sores
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Drying out your mouth
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Making kids scream when it stings their little lips
If you’ve ever brushed and thought, “Why does my mouth feel like a desert afterward?” — SLS is the culprit.
We don’t need that drama at 7 a.m.
2. Artificial Sweeteners (Especially Saccharin)
The toothpaste industry tried to trick us with this one.
You see “saccharin” and think:
“Oh cute, sounds like saccharine… sweet… harmless.”
NO.
This sweetener is basically a relic from the 1950s that we should’ve left behind with lead paint and smoking indoors. Studies have raised concerns about long-term biological effects, and honestly, why use artificial sweeteners when xylitol exists and actually helps prevent cavities?
Plus, kids swallow toothpaste. Let’s choose better.
3. Artificial Dyes (Red 40, Blue 1, etc.)
Listen… why does toothpaste need to be neon?
Who decided that “electric blue” = clean?
Artificial dyes add nothing beneficial to your teeth. Zero.
They’re linked to hyperactivity and attention issues in children, and some are banned in other countries.
No thank you.
4. Harsh Abrasives (Charcoal, Large-Particle Silica)
Charcoal toothpaste had its moment - we all tried it, felt cute, and then learned it was sandpaper in disguise.
Harsh abrasives can:
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Destroy enamel
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Increase sensitivity
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Permanently thin your teeth
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Make cold drinks feel like punishment
If toothpaste is scratching your enamel off like it’s exfoliating, run.
So… What Should You Use Instead?
Look for these safe, gentle swaps:
Bentonite clay instead of charcoal
Xylitol instead of artificial sweeteners
Essential oils instead of dyes
Coco-glucoside instead of SLS
A short ingredient list is usually a green flag.
Your toothpaste should NOT:
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Burn your mouth
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Stain your sink black
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Sound like it belongs in a science lab
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Require a warning label longer than your grocery list
Clean ingredients.
Effective cleaning.
Zero nonsense.
Your mouth deserves better - and so does your family.
Want to try a toothpaste that actually does what others only say they do—without the junk? Shop Mama Made Toothpaste
This content is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. MamaMadeCo toothpaste is not a medical product and should not be considered a substitute for professional dental care. Individual oral health needs vary. Consult a qualified dental or healthcare professional with questions regarding fluoride use or oral health decisions.
References
Herlofson, B. “SLS and Oral Irritation.” Journal of the American Dental Association, 1996.
Stevens, L. “Food Dyes and Child Behavior.” Clinical Pediatrics, 2013.
Hamdan, H. “Charcoal Toothpaste and Enamel Abrasion.” Journal of Applied Oral Science, 2020.
Manton, D. “Role of Xylitol in Caries Prevention.” International Dental Journal, 2017.
