Do you ever wonder what you’re actually ingesting when you brush your teeth? A lot of “heathy” toothpaste options are ineffective. Dr. Derek at RiseWell Toothpaste once believed you might as well just brush your teeth with water if you’re going to use natural toothpaste because it doesn’t have any effective ingredients. But after teaming up, Kori Estrada and Dr. Derek were determined to find an effective alternative to fluoride to create the best non-toxic toothpaste on the market.

Together, they zeroed in on hydroxyapatite—a natural and effective alternative to fluoride. We’ll be digging into the challenges they faced, including a dismissed class action lawsuit over alleged PFAS presence. Despite being a small company, they were determined to stand by their innocence, and that determination paid off when the suit was voluntarily dismissed.

You’ll learn about their rigorous testing for contaminants and their commitment to using real, disclosed ingredients like vanilla extract in their kids’ toothpaste. Personally, my entire family uses RiseWell Toothpaste and I’m continually inspired by their dedication to their mission. This episode is packed with expert insights and real-life experiences to help you make more informed choices for your oral and overall health. 

Use the code WENDYKATHRYN10 for 10% off all RiseWell products! 

In this episode, we’re chatting about: 

• RiseWell’s origin story
• How RiseWell created a toxin-free toothpaste that actually works 
• How RiseWell is making edible toothpaste for children 
• Behind the scenes into the lawsuit against RiseWell 

Creating the Best Non-Toxic Toothpaste

I was so curious to find out the ingredients RiseWell decided to use in their toothpaste. 

Nano-Hydroxyapatite

Europe was the first to research nano-hydroxyapatite and determine that it could potentially be problematic. They were finding it in places they’re not supposed to be, like organs. There’s a long list of health impacts that come with nano-hydroxyapatite. But RiseWell decided to use this ingredient because there’s a safe way to do it. 

RiseWell’s original formulation just had the natural hydroxyapatite. They wanted things as close to the source as possible, and nano-hydroxyapatite is chemically manufactured, so it’s slightly removed from using mined hydroxyapatite. 

RiseWell is using the version of nano-hydroxyapatite that has been deemed safe by the EU. They have no concerns with it. Their PRO line has a higher percentage of a combination of natural hydroxyapatite and the nano. For people who have more teeth issues or more sensitivity, nano-hydroxyapatite has been shown to be slightly better for sensitivity because the particle size is smaller and it’s able to fill in the holes of your teeth. 

Xylitol

There have been news articles recently about how the consumption of xylitol may have some future consequences. I’ve seen a lot of people ask if xylitol helps and if there are any side effects to swallowing it. Some people believe that it directly protects from cavities. Derek and Kori have read the research on xylitol and know it impairs the ability of bacteria to digest the sugar, which then leads to acid. 

The acid lowers the pH in the mouth and pH is a measure of acidity. When your pH drops below the critical 5.5 range, that’s when the decay-causing process is theorized to start. If there are no acids, you’re not going to get into that lower pH range. You stay at a higher pH, which means it’s more neutral or less acidic, and that is advantageous because saliva has a great buffering capacity.

Saliva buffers against an acidic environment, so having good saliva flow is important. There are a whole host of advantages to naturally occurring xylitol. It has a wonderful safety profile and a lot of great effects on oral health.

RiseWell isn’t using a huge percentage of xylitol in their products. Of course, there can be stomach side effects for some people, but the overwhelming majority of evidence suggests only benefits for your oral health. That’s why it’s something RiseWell uses in their products.

I have never had an issue with it and I’ve been using xylitol for a long time.  

Glycerin

There’s a lot of information about Glycerin on the internet. One topic is that if you have glycerin in a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite, it counteracts its effectiveness. 

Derek and Kori have seen some of those reports and they’re not buying it. At the lower levels they have, they do not see the ability to block the hydroxyapatite. You’re still getting good contact time on the teeth. They think that statement is a little overblown. But, they take these reports seriously and consider how it impacts their products. However, they don’t feel there’s enough causation to justify the potential correlation in some of the articles.

Mint

There are conversations about essential oils or natural mints disturbing the natural biome of your mouth and aren’t good for you. No solid studies suggest that’s true. 

From RiseWell’s research, when used in moderation, mint isn’t affecting the microbiome of your mouth. Again, everything is in moderation and everything is also a trade-off. 

RiseWell is trying to create a pleasant experience and many people a minty, fresh breath. If any customers have concerns over essential oils, RiseWell offers a flavorless option that doesn’t have essential oils or mints. Another reason why they have the best non-toxic toothpaste out there!

Anything in excess can have consequences. Mint in very small amounts won’t disrupt your microbiome significantly.

Natural Sweeteners

How did RiseWell decide which natural sweeteners to use and not use artificial sugars like a lot of other companies? Having xylitol in there was important to RiseWell and they also wanted to use erythritol and sorbitol. Derek and Kori think you should have a high enough percentage to actually do something. 

That’s a key thing to note about RiseWell versus others. Even if there’s just a tiny dash of hydroxyapatite, it’s probably not doing much for your teeth. You have to have a high enough percentage, and that’s true on the xylitol side as well. Derek and Kori knew there were certain minimums that they had to meet for their products to be truly effective. But also, people should feel excited about using their toothpaste twice a day.

What Does Sugar Do to Your Teeth?

I think all parents are interested in this answer! What does consuming a lot of sugar do to your teeth? When you’re consuming sugary foods, you’re creating the fuel ripe for bacteria to create acids. 

Dr. Derek talks to his patients a lot about nutrition. That’s the cornerstone of keeping your mouth healthy and keeping debris off your teeth. Don’t go to bed without brushing food particles off your teeth. It doesn’t necessarily have to be sweet desserts – pasta, crackers, cookies… all carbohydrate-type foods are reduced to glucose particles, and that’s where the fuel source begins for the decay-causing process.

Why I Recommend RiseWell

RiseWell has my full support. They are the most transparent of all the toothpaste companies I have reached out to. RiseWell has always provided me with anything and everything that I have ever asked for. Almost no other companies know the exact source of their ingredients and RiseWell can trace the exact source of what is in the toothpaste. They can even provide testing of each batch. 

The reason why I am so adamant in my support of RiseWell is if somebody doesn’t defend against these lawsuits, they will continue to happen. I think RiseWell is doing the industry a service by defending it and claiming your innocence. I also think they set the standard for the industry. Anytime there’s a transparent company, it forces the rest of the industry to move further in that direction. I applaud RiseWell for their transparency. 

My family uses Risewell and there is nothing I have seen or heard or has been represented that would make me stop. We use Risewell and we will continue to use Risewell. It’s the best non-toxic toothpaste I’ve found.

Use the code WENDYKATHRYN10 for 10% off all RiseWell products! 

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Related Episodes:

Episode 19: The Hydroxyapatite Toothpaste Dilemma: Why Nano is a No-Go

Episode 75: Uncovering the Truth Behind RiseWell Toothpaste PFAS Allegations and Lawsuit