The Root

Get access to our latest news by signing up for our newsletter.

botanical oral care

Licorice Root in Toothpaste and Mouthwash: What It Actually Does

What Licorice Root Does for Your Teeth and Gums Licorice root has been used in traditional oral care for thousands of years — in Ayurvedic practice, traditional Chinese medicine, and ancient Medit...

Myrrh Toothpaste: What This Ancient Resin Does for Your Gums and Oral Health

Myrrh has been used in oral care for over 4,000 years. Here's the science behind why. If you've ever read through the ingredient list on a genuinely natural toothpaste, you've likely seen myrrh li...

Is 10% Hydroxyapatite Worth the Hype?

Most brands are pushing 10% nano-hydroxyapatite as the gold standard — but the foundational remineralization studies were done at 5%. Here's what the science actually says, and why formula quality ...

Calendula Toothpaste: What This Ancient Flower Does for Your Gums

Your toothpaste probably contains hydroxyapatite, xylitol, or colloidal silver — but there's one ingredient that most natural oral care brands have completely overlooked: calendula flower CO2 extra...

Xylitol Toothpaste: What This Sugar Alcohol Actually Does for Your Teeth

Xylitol prevents cavities by disrupting Streptococcus mutans at the cellular level — here's the science behind how it works, why it belongs in a fluoride-free formula, and what to look for when cho...

Zinc Citrate in Toothpaste: What This Mineral Does for Gums, Breath, and Plaque

Zinc Citrate in Toothpaste: What This Mineral Does for Gums, Breath, and Plaque Zinc citrate might be the most underrated ingredient in natural toothpaste. While colloidal silver and hydroxyapatit...