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Toothpaste Testing!

While it has become a little easier in recent times to purchase foods with clearer ingredients lists, other items suitable for vegetarian and vegan use are more difficult to source, like, for example, cosmetic products. Essentially, what we are Iooking for is a product which is free from animal ingredients and which is not tested for safety using animals.

Over the last year or so, I have been trying out toothpastes from two manufacturers Tom's of Maine and Kingfisher (these brands were chosen randomly). There are a couple of other brands available to choose from in the range that one might find in the local health food shop (Desert Essence and Weleda). Both brands which were tested have a good range of flavours to choose from and are available with or without added fluoride. They are all suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

The Kingfisher range is made in the UK and is recognised by the British Dental Health Association. It is available in 50m1 and 125m1 tubes. The fennel flavoured toothpaste is (if the description is appropriate) delicious! and leaves your mouth feeling very fresh The other flavour tried from the range was mint with lemon and again, I would recommenced it

In the Tom's of Maine range (£3.60 for 75m1 tubes), the two flavours tested were the Fennel flavour natural toothpaste with propolis and myrrh (no fluoride) and Nature's Toothpaste for Children, “Silly Strawberry” Flavour (with fluoride). The strawberry flavour was mild and tasted a little like bubble gum, so it would probably be very popular with children. The fennel flavoured toothpaste was very good to use.

In both ranges, is it reported that no artificial sweeteners, flavourings, colourings or preservatives are used and are packaged with recycled materials. Tom's of Maine speak of "..a commitment to...welfare of communities, animals and the natural world" on their packaging and both brands have very clear lists of ingredients with the source and function of each one listed.

Maria Connolly

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