Fluoride-free toothpastes

Fluoride is a common ingredient in toothpaste. But while it’s proven to help prevent decay, some researchers say it’s linked to problems including allergies, Alzheimer’s, lower IQ and cancer (though others dispute this). Meanwhile, excess fluoride can cause children to develop dental fluorosis – streaking on the teeth. We put a selection of fluoride-free pastes through their paces. 1 LAVERA BASIS SENSITIV TOOTHPASTE WITH ORGANIC ECHINACEA AND

PROPOLIS 75ml, £3.45, pravera.co.uk Containing echinacea to strengthen teeth and gums, and propolis to protect the mouth, this was the mildest-tasting paste tested, so good for children. Flavour-wise, it easily beat Comvita Propolis Toothgel with Tea Tree Oil, a sludgy green paste with a medicated taste. 2 SARAKAN TOOTHPASTE 50ml, £2.49, sarakan.co.uk This has extract of salvadora persica, a shrub used for centuries in twig form as a natural toothbrush in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The paste was developed by an army doctor in India, who noticed his patients had good dental health despite their poor diet, due to chewing the twigs. A freshtasting blend of lemon and mint, but pretty strong so a little goes a long way. The light texture compares well with the stickiness of traditional toothpaste. 3 WELEDA CALENDULA TOOTHPASTE 75ml, £4.50, weleda.co.uk A strong, aniseed-like flavour but sweet and almost sickly. Like oldfashioned toothpastes, it leaves a chalky feel in the mouth. Contains calendula and myrrh: both are anti-inflammatory so good if you have sore or sensitive gums. 4 JASON POWERSMILE TOOTHPASTE Peppermint 170g, £4.99, nutritioncentre.co.uk This contains three natural tooth-whiteners to brighten the smile, as well as peppermint oil for freshness. Teeth did look a little brighter after use, but prolonged use would be needed to assess it properly. The toothpaste had a powerful peppermint taste, like eating an extra strong mint. The tube warns it should be kept out of reach of children under the age of six. 5 KINGFISHER ALOE VERA TEA TREE MINT FLUORIDE-FREE TOOTHPASTE

100ml, £3.04, goodnessdirect.com Free from artificial flavourings, colourings, preservatives or whiteners, this toothpaste contains real fennel, lemons, aloe vera and tea tree extracts. It didn’t produce a very thick lather and the powerful menthol taste might be too strong for some, but it did leave a fresh taste in the mouth after brushing.