Baking soda

Carrageenan

Chamomile (German)

Fluoride

Ginger

Glycerin

Glycyrrhizin

Glyceryl laurate

Hectorite clay

Hops

Lemongrass

Lichen

Natural flavors

Poloxamer 335 and 407

Potassium nitrate

Propolis

Propylene glycol

Sage

Silica, hydrated

Silica shells

Sodium lauryl sulfate

Sorbitol

Sucrose cocoate 

Xanthan gum

Xylitol

Zinc citrate

Zinc ricinoleate

Further ingredient research:

Search the databases of the American Botanical Council for the latest research on herbal ingredients.

Ingredient Fact Sheet: Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate)

What is it?

Sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃), commonly known as baking soda, is a time-honored odor absorber and acid neutralizer. Baking soda can be found as a naturally occurring compound, but is more frequently manufactured from other naturally derived materials. Baking soda can be produced by the reaction of carbon dioxide and soda ash, a naturally occurring mineral.

What does it do?

Baking soda's odor-inhibiting and acid-neutralizing properties are well-known to grandmothers and dentists alike. Because it is a mild abrasive, baking soda is also effective in removing plaque when used in conjunction with a responsible brushing regimen.

What are the alternatives?

For many years, the form of baking soda most widely available for consumer products was manufactured from refined minerals that were mined from the earth. While this form of baking soda is natural, it requires several processing steps to create. Tom's of Maine Peppermint Baking Soda toothpaste was developed and brought to market at a time when this form of baking soda was the only commercially viable source.

At Tom's we are always searching for natural ingredients that are minimally processed. Our Research and Product Development Team has found that it is now possible to obtain commercial quantities of food-grade nahcolite, a naturally occurring form of baking soda. Consequently, we formulate our baking soda toothpaste and mouthwash to include nahcolite, the most natural form of baking soda available.

What are the risks?

Baking soda has no known toxicity or carcinogenicity. It has a long history of safe use and is Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration.

Tom's of Maine recognizes that no two people are alike, and even with pure and natural ingredients, some individuals may develop an allergic reaction that is unique to them. As with any product, be sure to discontinue use if you experience discomfort or other indications that the product may not be appropriate for your individual body chemistry.