Parla Toothpaste Tablets Review
PÄRLA toothpaste tablets have taken the dental care world by storm. Founded by a group of Instagram-famous dentists, these toothpaste tablets aim to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste in dental products.
Having also gained attention on Dragons' Den, Parla has positioned itself as a leader in sustainable oral hygiene. In this article, we’ll dive into what makes these toothpaste tablets so popular and whether they live up to the hype.
Disclaimers:
This article contains affiliate links; however, all the opinions are my genuine thoughts after trialling the toothbrush for four months at home and when travelling - Dr Zaeem Jafri BDS
We purchased the Pärla toothpaste tablets ourselves and have no active partnership with them in any way
Summary
Parla toothpaste tablets are a commendable step toward reducing plastic waste, and their mission is undeniably admirable.
However, the brushing experience may not be as satisfying as using traditional toothpaste, as the tablets produce significantly less foam. Additionally, the cost is a notable drawback—Parla tabs are over ten times more expensive than standard branded toothpaste. While there is no specific reason to doubt the effectiveness of toothpaste tablets, it’s worth noting that long-term studies on their efficacy are still lacking.
They are a great way to reduce your plastic waste, however, it comes at a cost.
★★★★★
Pros
Reduced plastic waste
SLS free
Pro version foams better than other tablets
Contains fluoride
Cons
Much more expensive than using branded toothpaste
Doesn’t foam as much as toothpaste
Not as minty fresh
Issues with long-term storage
Unsure about production process
Pärla origial and Pärla Pro White
PÄRLA offers two types of toothpaste tablets: Original and Pro White.
The Original version is similar to standard toothpaste and contains 1450ppm fluoride.
The PÄRLA Pro White tablets contain fluoride as well as:
Hydroxyapatite (to help remineralise teeth and fight sensitivity)
Vitamin E and B12 (for boosting immunity
Clinical Effectiveness
Theoretically, PÄRLA toothpaste tabs should work completely fine to protect your teeth from decay. They contain 1450ppm fluoride, and the hydroxyapatite in the Pro version is also a well-studied ingredient that helps remineralise weak enamel.
There are no clinical studies listed on the PÄRLA website scientifically testing them to indicate how effective they are.
We have found a 2023 study here that shows toothpaste tablets show a similar level of plaque reduction after brushing when comparing them with a normal toothpaste. And there is also a study that shows using a vitamin B12-infused toothpaste (not a tablet) can help increase B12 levels in vegans.
However, we can not say for sure whether or not PÄRLA tablets specifically are better than normal toothpaste or other tablets.
PÄRLA promotes their Pro White tabs as offering high-gloss whitening. However, the tablets do not contain ingredients that genuinely whiten teeth. Some components may temporarily give your teeth a shiny, glossy appearance, much like most standard toothpaste, but they will not alter the actual colour of your teeth.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of everything they do at PÄRLA. As a certified B Corporation, PÄRLA is committed to meeting high environmental and social performance standards. Their mission is to combat the staggering issue of plastic waste in oral care, addressing the fact that an estimated 1.5 billion toothpaste tubes end up in landfill or the ocean every year.
PÄRLA’s innovative toothpaste tabs come in 100% plastic-free containers, a significant step toward reducing plastic pollution. All their packaging is designed to be refillable, compostable, or infinitely recyclable, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
This eco-friendly approach provides a sustainable alternative to traditional toothpaste tubes, which are typically made of non-recyclable plastic and take around 500 years to decompose.
The refillable glass jars not only eliminate the need for single-use plastics but also align with a circular economy model. You can purchase refills packaged in compostable pouches, further reducing waste.
While PÄRLA has taken significant strides in reducing plastic waste, their website does not provide information about the carbon footprint of their manufacturing process. It is not clear if these tabs are made locally in the UK or if they are produced in China (like many other products) and shipped over to be sold and distributed.
There are many white-label toothpaste tablets available on wholesale websites like Alibaba, so it is unclear if PÄRLA is manufacturing these tablets exclusively themselves and if that is being done locally.
Price
PÄRLA Toothpaste Tabs offer a sustainable, eco-friendly solution to oral care, but this comes at a premium cost. Here's how their pricing compares to traditional toothpaste options:
PÄRLA Original: £25 for 248 tablets (10p per brush), equivalent to £73 per year or £6 per month.
PÄRLA Pro: £39.95 for 248 tablets (16p per brush), totaling £131 per year or £11 per month.
Traditional Toothpaste Comparison
A standard 75ml tube of branded toothpaste (e.g., Sensodyne Repair and Protect) costs £3.80 per tube and lasts about four months is used correctly.
This breaks down to £1-2 per month for a premium toothpaste.
Switching to PÄRLA tabs means paying more than 10 times the price of a n expesive branded traditional toothpaste:
A year of PÄRLA Pro costs £131, compared to £12 per year for Sensodyne (three tubes annually).
Even the more affordable PÄRLA Original costs over six times more than traditional options.
Final Thoughts
PÄRLA toothpaste tabs offer an innovative, sustainable solution for reducing plastic waste in oral care. Their zero-waste packaging and commitment to eco-friendliness make them an excellent choice for environmentally conscious consumers. However, this comes at a significant financial cost, with prices far exceeding traditional toothpaste options.
While the brushing experience with tabs may not match the smoothness and familiarity of traditional toothpaste, they can still effectively maintain oral health when used properly. As a relatively new product in the dental care market, long-term studies on their efficacy are limited. However, based on their formulation, they should adequately protect against decay if paired with good brushing habits.
Ultimately, PÄRLA tabs are ideal for those who prioritise sustainability over cost and are willing to adapt to a different brushing experience. For others, the high price and differing texture may make traditional toothpaste a more practical choice.
