Vegan oral healthcare products

Posted on December 5, 2024 in Healthy You

With the rise of veganism and cruelty-free lifestyles, many people are seeking out dental products that align with their values. Fortunately, you can find a whole range of animal-free oral health products nowadays from toothbrushes and floss to whitening kits and eco-friendly toothpaste tabs.

However, terms like "vegan," "cruelty-free," and "natural" can be confusing. Here's a breakdown of what these labels mean, the ingredients to watch for and why maintaining a regular dental care routine is essential.

Clarifying terms: Vegan, cruelty-free, and natural

• Vegan: Vegan products do not contain any animal-derived ingredients.
• Cruelty-free: Cruelty-free products are not tested on animals. However, they may still contain animal-derived ingredients.
• Natural: Natural products are made from ingredients that come from natural sources. However, they may not necessarily be vegan or cruelty-free.
• Eco-friendly: Eco-friendly products are designed to create less harm on the environment from production and packaging to disposal. This includes using earth-friendly materials, and reducing waste and energy. Eco-friendly does not necessarily mean vegan.

These terms often overlap, which can cause a lot of confusion. The easiest way to determine if a product is truly vegan is to check the label to see if it identifies the product as vegan.

Animal-derived ingredients in dental products

When many of us think of animal products, we think of meat, fish and dairy — and why would any of those ingredients be in a dental product? But there could be some animal byproducts used in dental products. If an animal is used in any way in the making of the product, even if the animal is not killed, it’s not vegan.

Below are some hidden animal-derived ingredients that are commonly added to dental products like toothpaste and floss.

• Glycerin: Often coming from animal fats, glycerin is used in toothpaste and mouthwashes to help moisturize the mouth.
• Calcium phosphate: Sourced from bones, calcium phosphate is often used in toothpaste to help keep teeth strong.
• Propolis and beeswax: Propolis is produced by bees and may be used in toothpaste for its antibacterial properties, and beeswax is often used to make natural dental floss.

Common ingredients in vegan dental products

Vegan dental products substitute animal-derived ingredients with plant-based or artificial alternatives. Some of the common ingredients you'll find include:

• Plant-based glycerin: In vegan products, glycerin is often derived from vegetable oils like coconut or soy.
• Hydrated silica: This mineral-based substance helps clean and polish teeth in place of calcium phosphate.
• Xylitol: A natural sweetener derived from plants, xylitol is common in vegan toothpaste and has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria.¹
• Essential oils: Many vegan toothpastes use natural essential oils like peppermint or tea tree oil for flavor.

The products may change but regular brushing and flossing remains

Switching to vegan dental products is a great choice for those looking to avoid animal-based ingredients or support cruelty-free brands, but it’s still important to maintain a twice-daily brushing and flossing routine.

Regardless of the type of product you use, proper at-home dental hygiene is crucial for preventing cavities, gum disease and other oral health problems.

Make sure to brush with a fluoride-based toothpaste, as this mineral strengthens enamel (the outer coating of your tooth) and protects against cavities. If you want to use a fluoride-free vegan option, talk to your dentist about how to protect your teeth.

Of course, at-home dental products are only one piece of your total oral healthcare puzzle. The other big part is to see your dentist twice a year. Talk to your dentist about the vegan products you use to ensure they are effectively protecting your mouth. And if you need a new dentist, Delta Dental of Iowa is here for you. Use our online Find a Provider tool today to find a dentist near you.

REFERENCE:

1. Delta Dental of California 

SOURCES:

Great Green Wall

Colgate

Vegan Rabbit

National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research