Here to help

Independent health store advice on natural products for healthy teeth and gums

Looking for advice on natural health and wellbeing? Your local independent health store can offer a wealth of expertise. This month we talk to Hazel Lovie, owner of Nature’s Larder in Aberdeen

Healthy teeth and gums are vital for overall health and wellbeing, and here at Nature’s Larder we stock a wide range of natural dental products. It’s so important to consider the ingredients that go into our beauty and bodycare products, particularly those which are used internally. From natural toothpastes and mouthwashes to biodegradable toothbrushes we have plenty of choice to offer our customers.

Fluoride or fluoride-free?

The main brands we stock are Kingfisher, AloeDent and Georganics. Our most popular product is Kingfisher’s mint toothpaste and we stock both the fluoride and fluoride-free versions. We find that it’s a polarising issue among our customers – some want toothpastes with fluoride whereas others prefer them without – so we offer both options. The AloeDent toothpaste is another popular product and contains aloe vera which helps to soothe the gums naturally, as well as tea tree oil which is a natural antiseptic. Fennel is another ingredient you will often find in natural toothpastes as an alternative to mint. Charcoal toothpastes have become quite popular in recent years as a natural way to brighten and whiten teeth.

Ethical, sustainable and eco-friendly

Bamboo toothbrushes are a brilliant eco-friendly alternative to plastic toothbrushes. They are biodegradable and help to reduce your plastic consumption. The ones we stock also have biodegradable bristles and are available in soft, medium and child versions.

We have found in recent years that more of our customers are looking for products that are ethical, sustainable and eco-friendly. Packaging is particularly important as people are increasingly looking to reduce their use of single-use plastic. They are also interested in the ethics of the brands they buy from, so all these things are important.

Refilled, repurposed or recycled

The Georganics range of toothpastes are packaged in glass jars which can be refilled, repurposed or recycled, making them a great eco-friendly option. They also offer a range of mouthwash tablets, which you simply dissolve in water, gargle with and spit out. They are like a normal mouthwash but are made from natural ingredients and with sustainable glass packaging, so they are becoming quite popular. Georganics also have a range of oil-pulling mouthwashes, which contain organic coconut oil, and are available in a range of flavours from activated charcoal to spearmint and eucalyptus. Oil pulling is a great natural alternative to conventional mouthwash as the coconut oil can help to reduce harmful bacteria in the mouth whilst naturally whitening the teeth.

So, as you can see, we stock a wide range of options for customers who want to take a more natural approach to looking after their teeth and gums. We are here to offer help and advice when it comes to choosing products – just ask in store and we will be happy to help.

Nature’s Larder

60 Holburn Street, Aberdeen AB10 6BX

Nature’s Larder was first established in 1977 and is the oldest health store in Aberdeen. Owner Hazel Lovie has managed the store for the past five years and recently opened a second sustainable lifestyle store called Rosemount Market in Rosemount Place, Aberdeen.

Nature’s Larder stocks a well-sourced selection of wholefoods, free-from ingredients, vitamins and health supplements as well as natural beauty and bodycare products. It also offers a wide range of eco-friendly homewares plus a refill service for natural cleaning products. In 2018 it was shortlisted for the best independent retailer in the Aberdeen Business Awards.

To contact the store call 01224 588120 or visit
www.natureslarderaberdeen.co.uk
Facebook @natureslarderaberdeen
Instagram @natureslarderaberdeen

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