Have you ever heard of tooth powder? Funny story is that I have very distinct memories from my childhood of my grandmother using baking soda based tooth powder to whiten my teeth from to time. I have also have recreated these recipes for my children, but had no idea what it was called. Or that it was really a thing and not just something my big fat African family came up with. haha
What is tooth powder?
Tooth powder is an organic dental cleaning substance that usually starts with an abrasive base (i.e. baking soda) and can be mixed with other extracts for flavoring and extra whitening power. It was actually used by several ancient communities including the Romans and the Chinese, but has gained immense popularity over the years in terms of green and organic hygiene care. Hence…this search for tooth powder recipes that led you to this post.
Why use tooth powder?
As I mentioned earlier, tooth powder is purely made of natural and organic ingredients such as baking soda, sea salt, cloves, bentonite clay and sage. This lack of toxic chemicals is just one of the pros of tooth powder. According to a PubMed study mouthwashes that contain hydrogen peroxide can negatively harm your tissues due to its carcinogenic properties. A related study established that there have been concerns about the role of Triclosan- a toothpaste antibacterial- in cancer development. I’m definitely not knocking the use of regular toothpaste, but if you’re looking for a chemical-free alternative, tooth powder is not a bad idea.
Other benefits of Tooth Powder
- It has been proven to be more efficient at removing plaque as compared to toothpaste.
- Its eco-friendly.
- Reduces teeth sensitivity. According to the University of Utah, sensitivity is the most common dental problem. Toothpastes act as a band aid by just numbing the sensitive tooth. Tooth powder, however, helps in remineralization rebuilding the enamel.
- It doesn’t have fluoride. This makes it safe for kids.
Disadvantages of Tooth Powder
The only (obvious) downside is that tooth powder is not as easy to use as a toothpaste tube. I remember my grandmother would only make a use a little at a time since it didn’t store, keep or travel as well as toothpaste.
Now, how do you make this stuff? It’s actually a lot easier than you think. I have 5 recipes listed here to help get you started, but there are many variations of these recipes that’ll also give you those pearly whites you love.
Orange peel extract tooth powder
Ingredients
A teaspoon each of:
- Orange peel extract – Oranges always have an awesome citrusy taste/aroma. In addition, this ingredient acts as replacement to chemical whiteners and it also strengthens your enamel.
- Peppermint/Spearmint Extract -Hello fresh breath!
- Activated Charcoal -Is a whitener and also fights plaque.
- Bentonite clay is important in promoting bone health.
Instructions
All you have to do is mix the dry ingredients with a plastic/wooden spoon. Non-metal spoons are preferred because when Bentonite clay comes into contact with metal it becomes less effective.
Then add the spearmint/peppermint oils.
Easy, right?
Baking soda & Sage tooth powder
Ingredients
- Baking sodaBaking soda is a mild abrasive and helps in removing stains on your teeth.
- Sage- this is an ancient herb that has always been used as a tooth whitener.
- Xylitol or Stevia- to act as a sweetener.
- Cloves (This is optional but it is great if you are having sore gums.)
- Bentonite clay (If you have mercury dental fillings, then this is a must- have ingredient in all of your homemade tooth powders because is great at removing metal toxins.
- Peppermint oil (Peppermint not only tastes good, but when used to make tooth powders it also acts as a natural antibiotic.)
Instructions
Mix a teaspoon each of all the dry ingredients. Infuse this mix with the peppermint oil and store in a sealed container.
Peppermint & Sage tooth powder
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay and baking soda
- Several drops of peppermint oil (adjust to your taste)
- A teaspoon of sea salt or Celtic salt
- A teaspoon of sage powder
Instructions
- Put all the dry ingredients in a bowl and mix with a plastic or wooden spoon.
- Add the essential oil
- Store in your preferred non-metal jar
Activated charcoal tooth powder
Ingredients
- Activated charcoal ( Given, its color can be such a turn off when brushing your teeth. However it’s a great whitening agent…only for your teeth.)
- White cosmetic clay
- Cinnamon or clove oil
All you have to is mix the ingredients.
Sea Salt tooth powder
This is one of my favorite recipes.
Just mix lemon essential oil with a teaspoon of sea salt, bentonite clay, activated charcoal and turmeric.
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Now that you have learned these tooth powder recipes all you have to do is dip your brush in your favorite and be guaranteed of pearly whites all-summer.
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