If you’re sensitive to mint, hate the taste or are having homeopathic treatment, your choice of toothpaste is limited. It’s tricky to find a toothpaste that meets all your oral health needs that doesn’t contain mint.
Mint flavor dominates the toothpaste market – apart from children’s toothpastes! Then a huge range of tempting tastes become available. So why is mint so often used? What other flavors are available? And are the tastier children’s toothpastes good for adults?
These are just some of the questions you can find the answers to here.
Plus, we’ve researched a range of non-mint toothpastes that address different oral health issues. You can use our handy summary of the 6 most delicious and effective ones to quickly spot those that match your needs and tastes before reviewing them in more detail below.
Why is mint used in toothpastes?
Toothpastes contain nasty tasting ingredients. They’re necessary for toothpaste to do its job properly. This is true even of natural toothpastes. For example, baking soda is an amazing all round natural ingredient, but it doesn’t taste good! A strong flavor will mask these unpleasant tasting elements.
Mint makes sense because it’s strong and peppermint oil and menthol (derived from peppermint oil) have antibacterial and fungicidal properties. This means they can perform other useful tasks in your toothpaste. Plus, the strong minty smell on your breath makes it smell fresher.
As well as fighting germs, mint usually cools the mouth leaving it feeling refreshed and soothed. However, since we all have different tolerances, mint can also burn and this is one reason why some people want to avoid it.
So, for many reasons, mint has become the go-to flavoring for toothpaste manufacturers.
But if mint burns your mouth, or you hate the taste or are having homeopathic treatment, you need to find a non-mint toothpaste. Could children’s toothpaste be the answer?
Is children’s toothpaste good for adults?
Children’s pastes use a diverse and fun range of flavors to encourage kids to brush. So, if you’re not a fan of mint, children’s toothpaste might seem a tempting alternative.
But is it suitable for adults?
The simple answer is that it depends on your attitude to fluoride.
Children’s toothpaste has a much lower fluoride content then adult paste. This is because children often swallow toothpaste which can cause kidney damage in youngsters. Too much fluoride can also cause white spots to develop on children’s teeth. So, our next question is…
Why is fluoride used in toothpaste?
Teeth are protected by enamel which is made of minerals. Enamel can be worn away by harsh brushing, highly abrasive toothpaste or acid attack. Acids build up in the mouth due to eating acidic, starchy or sugary foods.
Fluoride is a natural mineral. It helps to strengthen tooth enamel and repair existing damage. This protects teeth and prevents cavities.
However, there are some health concerns regarding the use of fluoride. Many people therefore are happy to use low fluoride, or even no fluoride toothpastes.
If you’re happy to incorporate fluoride in your oral health routine, you can make up for the lower fluoride content in children’s toothpaste by using a non-mint high fluoride rinse. We suggest Colgate Phos Flur Grape Rinse.
So now let’s get to the products.
Best non-mint toothpastes
Redmond Earthpaste Toothpaste, Cinnamon
Pros
- Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, fluoride, glycerine and cruelty free
- 100% natural ingredients
- Reduces acid levels in the mouth
- Contains xylitol to prevent plaque build up
- Safe enough to swallow (though we don’t suggest you do this!)
- Also available in Lemon Twist flavor
Cons
- Non foaming paste takes getting used to
- Odd color (brownish grey)
- May contain trace amounts of lead, however the lead is not bioavailable to the body. You can read about why we can’t absorb naturally occurring lead here.
Redmond Earthpaste contains only five completely natural ingredients, one of which is bentonite clay. This has been used for centuries for its healing properties. When wet it becomes a super absorbent sponge for absorbing toxins.
But that’s not all. As it removes the bad stuff it replaces it with good stuff. This is because it contains a high concentration of minerals which fortify tooth enamel.
It also helps to eliminate harmful acids in the mouth. Combined with xylitol this helps to keep the pH balance of the mouth naturally healthy and prevent cavities and plaque build-up.
Redmond’s Earthpaste is massively popular on Amazon. However, the color and texture do take some getting used to. It’s runnier than normal toothpaste and does not foam.
Nevertheless, once you’ve overcome the oddness of a beige non-foaming toothpaste, you may join the ranks of fans who claim their mouths feel healthier, cleaner and fresher than ever before.
Ingredients
Bentonite Clay, Purified Water, Xylitol, Salt and Essential Oils (Cinnamon and Lemon Twist flavors do not contain mint or menthol).
- INGREDIENTS – No glycerin, no Fluoride, no SLS, no Coloring, non- GMO. Only real Ingredients, such as...
- NATURAL CLEANER – Earthpaste naturally polishes away surface stains without any chemicals or additives
- NO POISON WARNING – Ever wondered why most toothpaste tubes include a poison warning? Not earth-based we...
Crest Complete Cinnamon Rush
Pros
- Contains fluoride to fight cavities and protect and strengthen enamel
- Well established toothpaste brand
- Removes surface staining
- Inhibits tartar build up
- Freshens breath
- Cinnamon flavor that is not overwhelming
- Handy container, easy to use and avoids waste
Cons
- Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
- Runnier than normal toothpaste
Crest is one of the two giants in the toothpaste industry. It’s a long established and trusted brand with years of research behind its products.
This gel contains a wide range of ingredients with lots of benefits. Silica to polish teeth and remove stains, fluoride to replenish and strengthen enamel and phosphates that inhibit plaque and tartar build up.
The flavor is not overbearing, though it is quite sweet. This is because sorbitol (a natural sweetener) figures first on the list of ingredients, meaning there’s quite a lot of it.
It is a little disappointing that Crest Complete contains SLS. This is a foaming agent that can be an irritant. It’s derived from palm oil – the production of palm oil has led to severe deforestation. However, it can be tricky to track down a toothpaste without SLS which is also non-mint.
This aside, it is very positively reviewed on Amazon in terms of its flavor, cleaning power and handy dispensing style
Ingredients
Active
Sodium fluoride 0.243%
Inactive
Sorbitol, Water, Hydrated Silica, Tetrasodium Pyrophosphate, PEG-6, Glycerin, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Disodium Pyrophosphate, Flavor, Sodium Saccharin, Cellulose Gum, Carnauba Wax, Carbomer, Titanium Dioxide, Red 40.
Auromere Mint-Free Toothpaste
Pros
- Natural ingredients which do a good all round job
- Compatible with homeopathy
- Mint, fluoride and gluten free
- Pleasing mild anise taste and texture
- Good for sensitivity
Cons
- Brown paste can take getting used to
- Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and carrageenan
Auromere Toothpaste uses natural ingredients to effectively perform the job of a regular toothpaste. It addresses problems such as tooth decay, bad breath, sore gums and staining. It is based on an ancient system of holistic medicine and is compatible with homeopathy.
Fine chalk particles gently polish tooth enamel and lift surface stains. Their size and shape make them far less abrasive than other toothpastes. Ingredients such as peelu and neem combine to inhibit and reduce plaque, strengthen tooth enamel, heal sore gums and promote fresh breath.
Though more expensive than regular toothpaste, it is highly concentrated and multi packs are available so cost need not be a deal breaker.
It is disappointing to see the addition of SLS and carrageenan, both of which can be an irritant to some people.
However, if you are not sensitive to SLS or carrageenan (which are widely used in toothpastes) Auromere is a great choice. Especially if you are mint-sensitive or using homeopathic remedies. Its fresh licorice taste and texture are highly praised.
Ingredients
Fine chalk, glycerine, water, herbal extract blend: [peelu, neem, indian licorice root, pomegranate rind, common jujube, rose apple, clove, persian walnut, barleria prionitis bark, indian almond, bedda nut, asian holly oak, prickly ash, zanthoxylum alatum, sappan wood, catechu, bengal madder, acacia arabica bark, sarsaparilla, cinnamon, medlar bark, mayweed, bishop’s weed, silica, sodium lauryl sulfate, carageenan, cellulose (plant) gum, clove oil, anethol, geranium extract, potassium sorbate (potassium salt), p thymol (from thyme oil).
- Toothpaste Mint Free 4.16 oz. Paste
- product type: PROFESSIONAL HEALTHCARE
- brand: Auromere
Cleure Hypoallergenic Toothpaste
Pros
- Fluoride, gluten, paraben and sodium lauryl sulphate free
- No artificial sweeteners
- Vegan
- Developed by a dental surgeon
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar build up
- Free of common irritants so ideal for sensitivity
- Available in a 3-flavor bundle (cinnamon, citrus and cranberry)
Cons
- Thin consistency takes getting used to
Cleure Hypoallergenic Toothpaste was created by a practicing dental surgeon who wanted to create a paste that was completely free of chemicals and allergens.
In a nutshell, Cleure is free of suspect ingredients that can cause dryness, sores or irritation. It does contain Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, but this is not the same as Sodium Lauryl Sulphate. It is a foaming agent but it does not cause irritation.
Baking soda and xylitol combine to effectively clean teeth and neutralize acids in the mouth, inhibit plaque build-up and prevent cavities.
Dicalcium phosphate is used as a gentle abrasive to lift stains whilst at the same time replenishing tooth enamel.
Cleure is a great natural choice for those with sensitive teeth and can be used by the entire family.
Ingredients
Baking Soda, Xylitol, Dicalcium Phosphate, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate, Xantham Gum, flavor.
- Cleure toothpaste is free of harsh, irritating ingredients and unnecessary herbal fillers. It is...
- Free of harsh abrasives, therefore, gentle on sensitive teeth toothpaste. Developed by a dentist and...
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar build up, helps reverse initial stages of tooth decay with dicalcium phosphate....
Hello Oral Kids Fluoride Free Toothpaste
Pros
- Great non-mint taste
- Free of artificial flavors or sweeteners and sodium lauryl sulphate
- Gluten and cruelty free
- Recyclable packaging
- Fluoride free
Cons
- Cost
- Does not contain fluoride – which can be considered a pro if you are concerned about possible effects of fluoride – though a fluoride version is available.
Hello Toothpaste ingredients are highly effective at cleaning and whitening teeth as well as protecting both them and your gums. Hello is also 100% vegan, ethical and sustainable.
The fluoride free version protects teeth from cavities using xylitol. Xylitol is a natural plant-based sweetener that bacteria cannot process. So, it helps to control the bacteria load in your mouth. It also prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth.
The Hello brand is hugely popular on Amazon with a high percentage of positive reviews.
Ingredients
Sorbitol, hydrated silica, purified water, vegetable glycerin, aloe vera gel, xylitol, erythritol, natural flavor, xantham gum, lauryl glucoside, calcium glycerophosphate, titanium dioxide, potassium sorbate, stevia rebaudiana leaf extract.
- Hello Kids fluoride free and SLS free toothpaste, natural Watermelon 4.2oz
Tom’s of Maine Fluoride Children’s Toothpaste, Silly Strawberry
Pros
- Natural fruit flavor that is not overpowering
- No artificial flavoring, color or preservatives
- Cruelty free
- Suitable for the whole family
- Contains fluoride to prevent cavities and strengthen tooth enamel
Cons
- Contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS) and Carrageenan both of which can be irritants
Tom’s of Maine Silly Strawberry contains fluoride to protect teeth against cavities and replenish the minerals in tooth enamel, making it stronger. A non fluoride option is available if you have concerns about the use of this mineral.
Calcium carbonate and silica gently buff away stains helping to polish and whiten teeth.
One potential drawback is that this toothpaste contains Sodium Lauryl Sulphate, commonly referred to as SLS. SLS is approved for use by the American Food and Drug Agency but can cause irritation in some individuals.
However, if you are not sensitive to SLS this is a super popular children’s toothpaste which is suitable for the entire family. The flavor particularly suits those who are not only sensitive to mint, but to cinnamon too. And it’s also available in Orange Mango flavor.
Ingredients
Active Ingredient – Sodium Monofluorophosphate 0.76% (0.13% w/v Fluoride Ion)
Inactive Ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Calcium Carbonate, Hydrated Silica, Natural Flavor, Carrageenan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
- Pack of 3
- Taste kids love – naturally derived ingredients parents love! Our natural children’s toothpaste uses...
- Natural fruit flavor kids love
So what’s the best choice?
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to toothpaste and it may take some time to settle on the right one for you. Being open and honest with your dentist can help speed up the process in finding a great mint-free solution.
If you’re embarking on a journey to find the best non-mint toothpaste for you, we suggest starting with a well-known and widely available toothpaste like the Crest Complete Cinnamon Toothpaste.
And remember, the best toothpaste is ultimately the one that you can use twice daily, day in and day out, to get the best from your oral health routine.