Are “Toothpaste Tablets” the next big thing in personal care products? These tablets aren’t actually toothpaste at all. They are a compressed powder derived from products like xylitol (a natural sweetener that also fights oral bacteria), calcium carbonate (a chemical compound found in limestone and snail shells) and sodium bicarbonate (standard baking soda). They often also contain cream of tartar, a common household bleach-alternative made from tartaric acid.
Nevertheless, manufacturers of the tablets are giving them an impressive resume:
- Eco-friendly – due to the lack of toothpaste tubes (which are not recyclable except through specialized recycling companies)
- Travel-friendly – because it is not a gel or liquid, there’s no special bagging needed at the airport security line.
- Preservative free - but still with a long shelf life
- Many brands claim organic, vegan, preservative and sulfate-free status
- Plastic free – did you know that approximately HALF of all toothpaste brands contain small microplastics that get washed down the drain and into the food chain?
- Promote harmony - No more fighting about how your family member squeezes the tube! (Flatten as you go vs. free-for-all!)
But not all of the facts are so exciting. Here’s what you need to know about Toothpaste Tablets:
- Untested – As with many new products, these tablets are largely untested, especially by entities like the American Dental Association
- No Fluoride – Most of the tablet products on the market do not contain fluoride which has been shown to prevent cavities.
- Acquired Taste – chewing a tablet and then using the crushed up tablet to then brush with a toothbrush might take some getting used to.
- Costly – The tablets can run a consumer about $30 for a 4 month supply versus a tube of toothpaste that can last approximately that long for $3 - $6. Prices may come down as market demand increases.
So… will you send toothpaste “down the tubes” and hop on to the “toothpaste tablet” trend? Let us know by leaving us a comment on social media! Happy brushing!
For more info on non-mainstream toothpastes or our Rhode Island orthodontics practice, Tollgate Orthodontics, click here see our article on charcoal toothpastes.