So far, toothpaste tablet on the market has been given the seal of approval from the American Dental Association as the ADA's regulations typically revolve around specific ingredients instead of the "type" of product.

But that doesn't mean they don't work! In fact, a lot of dentists recommend toothpaste tablets.

Toothpaste tablets are excellent, sustainable alternatives to toothpaste as they deliver the same efficacy as conventional toothpaste.

So, what are toothpaste tablets, are they effective, and do dentists recommend them as a substitute for toothpaste?

Keep reading to find out!

What are Toothpaste Tablets?

Toothpaste tablets are essentially dehydrated toothpaste. They're compact, and they come in recyclable containers.

Billions of toothpaste tubes are produced yearly, and many of these tubes contain different plastics, making them difficult to recycle.

Toothpaste tablets are excellent alternatives to toothpaste because they are small and easy to carry.

Take them on your next vacation or backpacking adventure!

They're also easy to use.

Just pop them in your mouth, chew 'til it mixes with your saliva, and grab a wet toothbrush, then brush ahead!

Do Dentists Recommend Toothpaste Tablets?

A lot of dentists recommend using toothpaste tablets.

Lawrence Fung, D.D.S., says toothpaste tablets are an easy way to brush and are incredibly effective in removing plaque.

Some dentists say that the ingredients that the dentifrice contain are more important.

Michaela Tozzi, D.M.D., agrees and adds that many toothpaste tablets contain natural and safe ingredients that are as effective in removing bacteria as regular toothpaste.

Adrienne Hedrick, D.D.S., remarks that toothpaste tablets provide health benefits and are better than brushing without toothpaste.

Furthermore, she shares that toothpaste tablets often share the same ingredients, such as xylitol for removing bacteria, nano-hydroxyapatite for remineralization, and calcium carbonate to polish teeth.

Michael Wei, D.D.S., suggests looking for the ingredients mentioned above, as well as silica to remove stains and sodium bicarbonate to whiten teeth.

What Ingredients Make Toothpaste Tablets Effective?

Different ingredients cater to different oral care needs.

Since hundreds of oral products are on the market, knowing what ingredients suit you and your family is best.

Now, let's ask the bigger question- what ingredients are needed to make toothpaste tablets effective?

Licorice Root

Licorice is a small but powerful ingredient.

Its bioactive constituents, such as glycyrrhizin, have shown exceptional oral disease prevention and treatment. It's proven effective in preventing periodontitis, caries, canker sores, candidiasis, and even oral cancer.

Licorice is also known to fight viruses, inflammations, and ulcers. The herb has been used for many years in Chinese medicine and is now of great interest in the dental world.

The FDA has considered licorice safe for human consumption, provided it follows the recommended dosage of 100mg per day.

Sodium Bicarbonate

Sodium bicarbonate, more commonly known as baking soda, is a chemical compound frequently used in cleaning and baking.

But baking soda is so much more than that!

Baking soda in oral care products is used as an abrasive to remove plaque buildup mechanically and neutralize acids that attack the enamel.

Contrary to popular belief, baking soda is a lot less abrasive than other agents, meaning it is gentle on the teeth. However, that doesn't make it any less effective.

In fact, studies show that dentifrices with sodium bicarbonate are more effective in controlling plaque than those that don't.

Calcium Carbonate

Calcium carbonate is an excellent aid in promoting remineralization when paired with other remineralizing agents.

Aside from that, it helps gently remove teeth stains and dental caries by neutralizing plaque acids.

Xylitol

Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol derived from fruits and vegetables, often used as a substitute for sugar.

In oral care products, xylitol fights plaque buildup and reduces bacteria. Since it is a natural sugar, oral bacteria cannot process it and turn it into cavities.

That is why a lot of chewing gums, lozenges, and breath mints use xylitol as a main ingredient.

Nano-hydroxyapatite

Nano-hydroxyapatite (nHA) is an innovative alternative to fluoride that delivers promising results in oral care. Unlike fluoride, nano-hydroxyapatite does not cause inflammation, toxicity, and fluorosis.

Nano-hydroxyapatite is a synthetic version of hydroxyapatite, a mineral that composes 97% of our enamel and 60% of the dentin.

It has been sized down to around 50-1000 nanometers. With its size, it's able to penetrate the tiniest demineralized areas of our teeth. It can also fill in the dentin gaps and drastically reduce teeth sensitivity.

Aside from remineralization, nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste tablets is effective in controlling plaque buildup since it can bond with more bacteria due to its size.

When nHA fills the microabrasions on the enamel's surface and creates a synthetic enamel around the teeth, it makes the teeth appear whiter and smoother while making them stronger.

Summary: Are Toothpaste Tablets ADA Approved?

As of today, no toothpaste tablets have been approved by the American Dental Association due to the lack of clinical data.

However, this doesn't equate to toothpaste tablets being ineffective.

Toothpaste tablets are relatively new to the market, and there's still so much room for research on their efficacy compared to other oral care products.

A lot of dentists recommend using toothpaste tablets, especially those that contain the right ingredients that aid in improving oral health.

Licorice root, baking soda, xylitol, and nano-hydroxyapatite are some essential ingredients a fluoride-free toothpaste tablet should have.

Thankfully, NOBS Toothpaste Tablets have all of these ingredients and more! Try NOBS now and feel the difference for yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I identify toothpaste tablets that have received ADA approval?
Toothpaste tablets that are ADA approved will typically display the ADA Seal of Acceptance on their packaging or product information.

What criteria do toothpaste tablets need to meet to receive ADA approval?
Toothpaste tablets must undergo rigorous testing to demonstrate their safety and their effectiveness in preventing cavities and gum disease. Also, toothpaste tablets should contain fluoride, which is a key requirement for ADA approval.

Are all toothpaste tablets ADA approved, or only specific brands and products?
Not all toothpaste tablets are ADA approved. Only those that meet the ADA's stringent criteria can receive the ADA Seal of Acceptance.

Does ADA approval guarantee that a toothpaste tablet is safe for everyone to use?
While ADA approval indicates that a toothpaste tablet meets established standards, those with specific allergies or sensitivities should still review the product's ingredients to ensure it is safe for their use. If you have concerns, be sure to speak with your dentist before using a new toothpaste.