Dental News - Introducing Grin, New Zealand’s first all-natural toothpaste

Dental Tribune International

Tue. 26. January 2016

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AUCKLAND, New Zealand: Using the benefits of locally sourced all-natural ingredients, such as propolis, manuka oil and organic sea salt, while avoiding preservatives, artificial colourants and flavours, as well as harsh abrasives, Kiwi company Grin Natural is an exemplary model for safe, effective and conscious oral health care. Dental Tribune Online spoke with Grin Marketing Manager Tara Tan about the company’s inspiration for its natural and local approach.

Dental Tribune Online: Could you summarise Grin’s product philosophy?
Tara Tan: At Grin, we are all about what we leave in, what we leave out and how we leave your teeth. Our formulation is not only 100 per cent natural, but also scientifically proven to combat both tooth decay and a broad spectrum of bacteria that may result in tooth decay and other gum diseases—because toothpaste needs to get the job done. The key active ingredients—propolis, manuka oil and South Island organic sea salt are 100 per cent sourced from New Zealand. The product is proudly made in NZ as well.

Our support of non-animal-testing models also includes the belief that we do not need to use animal ingredients to create effective products. For example, glycerine used in toothpastes and soaps is often made from animal ingredients, but ours is vegetable-based.

How long was the development process?
The product development cycle took more than a year, followed by the product testing. We then worked with Massey University to test the antimicrobial effects of Grin toothpaste ingredients—seven in total—on the growth of some human oral bacterial strains.

Could you give us some details on the study?
Grin Natural’s ingredients were tested for effectiveness in combating common oral bacteria by a team at Massey University. The researchers found that six out of the seven natural ingredients were extremely effective in inhibiting the growth of the bacteria. According to Dr Tony Mutukumira, senior lecturer at the university, spearmint, peppermint, fennel, menthol, manuka tree oil and propolis were all effective in inhibiting the growth of harmful oral bacteria for more than 48 hours.

Why do you not include fluoride?
We do not add fluoride, although it is used in many commercial toothpastes. From what we believe, fluoride can have a negative effect on some individuals, especially young children, who sometimes swallow their toothpaste. Studies done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that about 41 per cent of children aged 12–15 in the US have some form of fluorosis—a mottling of the tooth’s enamel. Besides, various studies suggest that the inappropriate use of fluoride-containing dental products, such as toothpaste and mouth rinses, could contribute to dental fluorosis.

Grin toothpaste has been available for customers since late 2015. What has the response been so far?
We have been overwhelmed with the positive reception this natural product has received. More and more Kiwis are investing in products that are good for their overall health rather than chemical products that may be harmful to them in the long term, and this is the same for the dental community.

Are you working with dentists or clinics?
We worked with dental and oral health practitioners and academics from universities throughout the product development and marketing processes. We highly value our relationship with them and their contributions to Grin. Since launching the Grin toothpaste, we have received a number of distribution enquiries from individual dental laboratories and wholesalers.

We will continue working closely with dentists and dental clinics in 2016, especially regarding consumer influence and education and new product development.

Are you planning to venture into new markets in 2016?
Yes, certainly. We are very confident in our products and are looking forward to opportunities to introduce our products to overseas customers. Also, we are proud to be launching our 100% natural kids’ toothpaste in late March.

Thank you very much for the interview.

Grin Natural toothpaste is available at NZ$7.99 (US$5.25) per tube. More information can be found at www.grinnatural.co.nz.

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