The Reverie
Is Whitening Toothpaste Bad For You?
Walk down any drugstore aisle and you’ll see it: “whitening” stamped on nearly every toothpaste tube like it’s a mandatory feature. Whitening is the promise. Pearly, radiant, just-left-the-dentist teeth. But while most whitening toothpastes boast quick results, they often don’t mention the potential trade-offs, like sensitivity, enamel damage, or gum irritation. So, is whitening toothpaste actually bad for you? And is there a safer way to brighten your smile without wrecking your mouth? Let’s take a closer look at what’s really behind the label. Is Whitening Toothpaste Bad For You? In moderation, many whitening toothpastes are considered safe. But here’s the catch: excessive or improper use can lead to real problems, especially if you have sensitive teeth or gums. These formulas are often more abrasive than regular toothpaste or contain chemical agents that whiten by bleaching the surface of your teeth. That might sound like a good thing, until you start feeling that twinge of pain when you sip something cold, or your gums look a little angrier than usual. Here are some whitening ingredients that are red flags: Hydrogen Peroxide: Effective for stain removal but harsh on enamel and nerves. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): A foaming agent linked to mouth irritation and canker sores. Colorants/Dyes: Used to give that illusion of brightness but offer zero functional benefit—and can be irritating. Harsh Abrasives: Often used to mechanically polish the surface of teet, but can lead to roughness and enamel wear. 3 Potential Risks of Whitening Toothpaste Here are a few of the most common side effects that can come with using whitening toothpaste regularly: Enamel Erosion Many whitening formulas rely on abrasive particles to scrub away surface stains. The downside? They can also scrub away your enamel: your teeth’s natural protective barrier. Once enamel is gone, it doesn’t grow back, and your teeth become more vulnerable to decay and sensitivity. In fact, some studies show that abrasive whitening toothpaste can alter the surface texture of teeth in as little as one week. Gum Irritation Certain chemical agents—like hydrogen peroxide—can irritate soft tissues in the mouth. If you're brushing with a heavy hand or using a stiff-bristled toothbrush, that irritation only gets worse. Red, inflamed gums aren’t just uncomfortable; they can also make your mouth more susceptible to bacteria. Tooth Sensitivity Whitening toothpaste is notorious for causing temporary tooth sensitivity. Hydrogen peroxide, the go-to whitening agent in many mainstream brands, penetrates the tooth to break down stains—but it can also reach the nerves and cause that sharp, uncomfortable “zing” feeling. Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening Toothpaste? The American Dental Association recommends avoiding whitening toothpaste if you: Have allergies or sensitivities to bleaching ingredients Have tooth-colored restorations (crowns, veneers, fillings) that won't respond to whitening agents Currently have or recently had tooth sensitivity In short: If your mouth is already prone to discomfort, these toothpastes may just make things worse. Better Alternatives to Traditional Whitening Toothpaste At Better & Better, we believe in whitening the way nature intended. That means no peroxide, no harsh abrasives, no synthetic dyes—just clean, effective ingredients that support both your smile and your oral microbiome. Our formulas are designed to gently whiten over time, using ingredients like: Calcium Carbonate: A gentle mineral polish that lifts surface stains without damaging enamel. Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate): Naturally whitens and neutralizes acids in the mouth. Organic Xylitol: Fights cavity-causing bacteria while promoting a healthier oral environment. Coconut Oil & Evaporated Coconut Water: Naturally antimicrobial and soothing for gums. Whitening Without Wrecking Your Mouth You don’t need to suffer through sensitivity or gamble with your enamel just to get a brighter smile. If your current toothpaste leaves your teeth feeling sore or your gums inflamed, it’s not worth it—no matter how many influencers swear by it. Whitening should be gradual, gentle, and compatible with daily use. Anything more aggressive is a short-term fix with long-term consequences. So next time you reach for that tube promising “extreme whitening,” flip it over and read the ingredient list. Or skip the fine print entirely and choose a toothpaste that’s actually good for your mouth.
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Here’s What Toothpaste Tubes Are Actually Made Of
When people think about clean toothpaste, they usually zero in on the ingredients list. Fluoride or no fluoride, whitening agents, harsh abrasives like SLS, the list goes on. But there’s a hidden part of the equation that’s easy to overlook: the tube itself. When you squeeze a dollop of toothpaste onto your brush, you probably don’t think twice about the container it came in. But maybe you should. Most traditional toothpaste tubes aren’t just made of harmless plastic. They’re a cocktail of petroleum-based plastics, hidden metals, and industrial adhesives—many of which are nearly impossible to recycle and can pose risks to your health and the environment. Below, we’re breaking down exactly what’s inside your average toothpaste tube, and why Better & Better’s sugarcane-based tubes are a cleaner, smarter swap for you and the planet. What Are Toothpaste Tubes Made Of? While some toothpaste formulas have gotten cleaner over the years, the tubes haven’t always kept up. Many major brands still rely on outdated materials and manufacturing shortcuts that come with hidden costs. Here’s what you’re really holding every time you brush: 1. Petroleum-Based Plastic That slick, squeezable feel you’re used to? It comes from petroleum-derived plastic. While it’s great for keeping your toothpaste fresh and pliable, it’s terrible for the planet. This type of plastic can take hundreds of years to break down—if it ever does. That means every tube you’ve ever tossed probably still exists somewhere, sitting in a landfill or worse, polluting waterways. 2. BPA Cheap toothpaste tubes can be lined or coated with BPA (bisphenol A). This chemical compound is often used to make plastics flexible and durable. Unfortunately, BPA is also notorious for acting as a hormone disruptor, interfering with the body’s endocrine system and potentially causing a ripple effect of health concerns over time. It’s the same stuff people avoid in plastic water bottles and food containers—yet many toothpaste tubes still contain it. 3. Industrial Adhesives Ever wonder how toothpaste tubes stay leakproof, even after you roll, squeeze, and twist them? Most brands bond multiple layers of plastic, foil, or other materials together using industrial adhesives. These glues do the job—keeping your toothpaste stable and contained—but they come at a cost. Over time, these adhesives can break down, leaching trace chemicals into your trash or recycling stream. Even worse? These adhesive layers make the tubes nearly impossible to separate for proper recycling. 4. Aluminum It’s not always obvious, but many toothpaste tubes have a hidden layer of aluminum sandwiched between layers of plastic. This thin metallic film helps keep the toothpaste stable by blocking light and air. Good for shelf life, but terrible for recyclability. Most local recycling facilities simply can’t process these mixed-material tubes, so they’re tossed straight into landfills, where they’ll sit for centuries. According to estimates, over 1 billion toothpaste tubes are thrown away every year—enough to circle the globe multiple times. Are Toothpaste Tubes Really Recyclable? You might see “recyclable” printed on some toothpaste packaging, but the reality is disappointing. Because traditional tubes are made with multiple bonded layers (plastic, aluminum, adhesives), they can’t be easily separated and recycled. Even when companies claim recyclability, the actual recycling rate for toothpaste tubes is dismally low. Most municipal recycling programs reject them outright because they gum up machinery and cost too much to process. Bottom line: Despite good intentions, the vast majority of toothpaste tubes end up as permanent landfill residents. Sugarcane Tubes: Better for Your Health (and the Planet’s Health) You deserve a toothpaste tube that’s as clean as the toothpaste inside it. That’s why Better & Better tubes are made from sustainably sourced sugarcane, a renewable resource that drastically reduces your carbon footprint compared to petroleum-based plastic. Our sugarcane tubes are BPA-free, so you don’t have to worry about hormone disruptors lurking in your bathroom cabinet. They’re also recyclable and carbon neutral, meaning they won’t stick around for centuries once you’re done brushing. Whether you want the natural cavity-fighting power of Fortify or a fluoride-free kids' toothpaste your little one actually loves, every Better & Better formula comes in a sugarcane-based tube you can feel good about. A Small Swap, A Big Difference At Better & Better, we believe your toothpaste should be clean from the inside out. No unnecessary chemicals. No wasteful packaging. Just a better way to brush that’s good for you and the planet. So next time you brush, take a closer look at what’s inside your tube—and what the tube itself is made of. Brushing better really does start with a smarter squeeze.
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Nano-Hydroxyapatite vs. Hydroxyapatite: 5 Key Differences
Fluoride-free toothpaste is having a moment—and for good reason. More and more people are waking up to the fact that stronger enamel and healthier mouths don’t have to come at the cost of questionable ingredients. So it’s no surprise that hydroxyapatite is finally getting the attention it deserves. But like most buzzed-about ingredients, hydroxyapatite (or HA) comes in more than one form. And not all of them are created equal. Specifically, there’s growing debate around micro-hydroxyapatite vs. nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA). Same ingredient, different particle size—and a completely different story when it comes to sourcing, formulation, and safety. At Better & Better, we chose a naturally derived micro-hydroxyapatite for all our remineralizing toothpastes. Here’s why. The Basics: What Is Hydroxyapatite Anyway? Hydroxyapatite is a calcium phosphate mineral that makes up 97% of your tooth enamel and 70% of your dentin. In short: It’s the stuff your teeth are made of. So it’s not surprising that hydroxyapatite is so effective at restoring and repairing enamel. Because your body already recognizes it, it can seamlessly reintegrate into your teeth—unlike other ingredients that may work on your teeth, but not with them. According to a 2019 study published in Nature, hydroxyapatite is just as effective as fluoride in preventing and reversing cavities. A 2014 study found that brushing with HA significantly reduced tooth sensitivity, especially to cold air and tactile stimulation. This enamel-restoring mineral has been used in oral care in Japan and Europe for decades—and with good reason. It’s safe, effective, and biomimetic (AKA your teeth welcome it with open arms). But while the ingredient itself is powerful, the way it’s made—and the size of its particles—can drastically change its story. Hydroxyapatite vs. Nano-Hydroxyapatite: 5 Key Differences When you zoom in (literally), the difference between HA and nHA comes down to particle size. Micro-hydroxyapatite (HA): Particle size in microns Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA): Particle size less than 100 nanometers And that one small detail changes everything—from safety and sourcing to how it behaves in your mouth. Here’s how they stack up: 1. Particle Size HA = microns. nHA = nanometers. Nano sounds high-tech (and it is), but smaller isn’t always better. Yes, nHA particles can penetrate enamel microdefects more easily—but they can also potentially cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and enter your body more easily, too. Micro-HA stays on the surface where it belongs, bonding with enamel without slipping past your body’s natural barriers. It does the job—without going overboard. 2. Source & Clean Label Better & Better’s HA: Derived from natural calcium carbonate, mined from French quarries.Nano-hydroxyapatite: Always lab-synthesized. Our mineral-origin HA is exactly that—a mineral. Not a lab-made replica. While synthetic nHA is chemically engineered to mimic your enamel, our HA is your enamel. It’s nature-made, sustainably sourced, and minimally processed. Just the way we like it. 3. Safety & Regulation Nano-materials often occupy a regulatory gray area—especially in the EU, where strict cosmetic safety standards apply. There’s an ongoing debate around the potential for nanoparticle absorption or inhalation, especially in aerosolized products (think sprays or powders). While this is less of a concern in toothpaste, it’s still enough to raise eyebrows Our micro-HA is stable, well-researched, and comfortably outside that gray area. No guesswork. No hand-waving. 4. Trust & Transparency If you’re reaching for clean-label, minimal-ingredient toothpaste, you probably don’t want to brush your teeth with something that sounds like it belongs in a chemistry lab. Even if nHA is technically safe, it feels like the kind of ingredient that deserves an asterisk. Our HA? No asterisk needed. It’s biomimetic, bioavailable, and fully disclosed on every label—because trust isn’t built on vague promises, it’s built on clarity. 5. Efficacy & Texture Sure, nanoparticles may sneak into enamel defects. But they also require more reactive formulations to stabilize. That means more tweaks to the ingredient list, more potential for irritation, and more trade-offs. Micro-HA? It still remineralizes, strengthens enamel, and reduces sensitivity, just without the extra formulation baggage. And when it’s sourced and processed properly (like ours is), it has a smooth, non-gritty feel that blends beautifully into your brushing routine. Why We Chose French-Mined Micro Hydroxyapatite Let’s recap. Our hydroxyapatite is: Naturally derived from French calcium carbonate Cruelty-free, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO Regulatory-safe with no nano complications Perfectly aligned with our clean-label approach You’ll find it in all three of our enamel-supporting toothpaste formulas: Fortify: Our GQ award-winning toothpaste that pairs HA with calcium and vitamin D3. Detoxify: For a deeper clean that supports your oral microbiome with added vitamins and minerals. Kids Multivitamin Toothpaste: Fluoride-free, watermelon-flavored, and packed with nutrients for tiny teeth. The Bottom Line: Not All Hydroxyapatite Is the Same Nano isn’t evil. But it’s not always necessary. We built our formulas around a source that’s natural, safe, and effective—without cutting corners or complicating things. Because “better” isn’t about chasing trends. It’s about being intentional with every choice we make—from what’s in the tube to what’s left out. Micro-hydroxyapatite is just one more way we’re making your oral care routine smarter, simpler, and cleaner—one brush at a time. Ready to remineralize the better way? Explore our fluoride-free toothpaste collection.
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Ask the Dentist: What Happens If You Don’t Floss Your Teeth?
Forgetting to floss might not seem like a big deal, especially if your teeth look and feel fine. But falling behind on your routine could raise your risk for health conditions that are way worse than bad breath. See what Dr. Rashi, our resident dentist, says about the risks in our latest blog.
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How Kids Can Maintain Their Dental Health Over Summer Break: 5 Tips from Dr. Jacci
Summer break can throw kids' oral care routines out of whack. Our resident oral surgeon, Dr. Jacci, shares her tips to maintain healthy summer smiles.
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5 Ways Hormonal Changes Can Impact Women’s Oral Health & How to Manage Them
Our resident oral surgeon, Dr. Jacci, explains how hormonal changes can influence conditions such as gum disease, dry mouth, bone health, and beyond.
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6 Links Between Your Oral Health and Mental Health (and How to Manage Them)
Growing up, most of us thought brushing and flossing were the only ways to take care of our teeth. But there’s another not-so-obvious factor that can make or break your dental health: your mental health.
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When Can Kids Use Adult Toothpaste? An Oral Surgeon Explains
Wondering when kids can make the switch to adult toothpaste? Our resident oral surgeon Dr. Jacci has the answer, plus expert insights to help little ones establish better brushing habits.
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3 Reasons Xylitol Is Good For Your Teeth (and How to Use It)
You’ve been told to stay away from sweets to protect your pearly whites. But this natural sweetener prevents cavities, remineralizes your teeth, and regulates your oral pH.
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