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How to make homemade remineralizing tooth powder?
I will share with you a simple yet effective zero waste tooth powder recipe that will keep your smile fresh and clean.
Keep reading to find more about:
- Why switch to a DIY tooth powder?
- Ingredients for the Remineralizing Tooth Powder recipe
- Remineralizing tooth powder recipe (step-by-step guide)
- How to use the tooth powder?
- FAQ
- Sum up
Why switch to a DIY tooth powder?
1) DIY tooth powder can help prevent tooth decay and remineralize your teeth.
Tooth remineralization (repair) is a natural process that happens each day within our mouths.
Remineralization repairs the outer layer of our tooth and prevents tooth decay.
In this DIY recipe, we will use ingredients that will enhance oral remineralization.
2) Creating your DIY tooth powder is also cheaper.
While the initial cost of the ingredients might be a bit higher, in the long run, you will save money!
That’s because, with just a couple of ingredients, you can make tooth powder for months to come.
3) Furthermore, you can find all the ingredients locally in bulk, or with plastic-free packaging.
You will reduce a lot of trash from toothpaste tubes, and this recipe will help you to create an (almost!) zero waste tooth powder.
4) Other benefits of DIY tooth powder include:
- It can whiten your teeth naturally
- It will freshen your breath
- It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory
- It will help you to maintain significantly lower plaque levels
Ingredients for the remineralizing tooth powder recipe:
Bentonite clay:
Bentonite clay is an antibacterial agent, and it contains natural minerals, such as calcium, which can help remineralize your teeth.
Bentonite clay raises the pH of your mouth and provides the necessary abrasiveness to remove plaque.
The good thing is that bentonite clay isn’t abrasive enough to scratch enamel, so it’s a safe option.
Additionally, you can treat bad breath with clay since it can eliminate the most common sources of bad breath.
Kaolin is another natural clay that’s safe and effective at cleaning and polishing teeth.
A side note:
Bentonite clay comes from the earth. Because of that, it may collect heavy metals or other substances.
When you want to use bentonite clay, always purchase a safe product for internal use from a reliable brand.
Where to buy plastic-free bentonite clay:
- Bentonite clay from Zero Waste Bulk (the US)
- Bentonite clay from A Drop In The Ocean (the US)
- Bentonite clay from All Things Being Eco (Canada)
- Bentonite clay from Zero waste store (Australia)
- Bentonite clay from Etsy
- I bought my bentonite clay from a local health store (Bulgaria)
Baking soda:
Baking soda is an effective antimicrobial powder that will freshen your breath and whiten your teeth. Best of all, it can start removing plaque after a single tooth brushing!
Studies (1, 2) found that brushing your teeth with baking soda helps maintain significantly lower plaque levels. Baking soda is also effective in stain removal and teeth whitening.
Researchers in both clinical and laboratory studies have found baking soda is safe, low in abrasiveness, and does not contribute to root sensitivity.
A study found that baking soda mouth rinse prevents enamel demineralization while enhancing remineralization.
An article in a leading dental journal from 1911 described baking soda as “the ideal tooth powder” as being “capable of giving a high polishing to the teeth, without the danger of scratching them.”
Here is another interesting chart showing the abrasiveness of common kinds of toothpaste. You can see that baking soda is on the lower end (low abrasiveness).
Just keep in mind that baking soda’s harshness depends on several factors, including the frequency of brushing, the hardness of the toothbrush bristles, and the pressure applied.
So when using baking soda in your tooth powder, be mindful, and don’t press your toothbrush with all the strength you have 😀
Where to buy plastic-free baking soda:
- Arm & Hammer Baking Soda – box (link to Amazon)
- Zero Waste Bulk (the US)
- The Good Fill – bulk (the US)
- The Source Bulk Foods (the UK)
- Zero Waste Bulk Foods (the UK)
- Or local bulk & healthy food stores
Xylitol:
Xylitol is a non-sugar sweetener extracted from the birch tree.
It is beneficial for the oral environment since it can decrease dental caries (1, 2).
Xylitol also reduces bacteria sticking to the gums, plaque levels, dry mouth, gingival inflammation, and teeth decay. (1)
Where to buy plastic-free xylitol:
- Zero waste bulk (the US)
- The Source Bulk Foods (Australia)
- Bulk™ (compostable packaging, the UK, Europe)
- Check local bulk and health stores
Peppermint essential oil:
Peppermint can effectively soothe toothaches, and it is potent for fighting oral pathogens and killing common bacteria that can lead to cavities and gum disease. (1)
Peppermint oil is antifungal and shows solid antibacterial action against oral pathogens. (1, 2)
Where to buy high-quality peppermint essential oil:
Cinnamon essential oil:
Cinnamon has an antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory effect that has long been used to treat toothache and fight bad breath. (1)
Studies found that cinnamon oil is effective in inhibiting bacterial species involved in dental caries. (1, 2)
Where to buy high-quality cinnamon essential oil:
Clove essential oil (optional):
In case you don’t have cinnamon essential oil, or you want an alternative – use clove.
Clove oil is a fantastic option since it is anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial.
It can also be applied directly to the gums to ease toothache, and it is effective at fighting several known oral bacteria. (1, 2)
Compounds extracted from cloves can stop the growth of two types of bacteria that contribute to gum disease.
Another study tested the effects of using an herbal mouthwash consisting of tea tree oil, cloves, and basil for 21 days.
There was an improvement in gum health and a significant reduction in plaque and bacteria in the mouth.
Where to buy high-quality clove essential oil:
NOTE:
As with any essential oil, there may be allergic reactions. Always do a skin patch test on a small area around your elbow.
For oral use, due to the highly aromatic nature of essential oils, tissue irritation may appear.
Homemade tooth powder recipe:
- 4 tbsp bentonite clay (53g)
- 4 tbsp baking soda (57g)
- 4 teaspoons xylitol (17g)
- 8-9 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops cinnamon essential oil (optional)
Instructions
- With a non-metallic spoon, add 4 tbsp bentonite clay and 4 tbsp of baking soda in a jar.
- Then add around 4 teaspoons of xylitol, and mix well.
- In the end, add peppermint essential oil and cinnamon (or clove) essential oils, and mix once again.
Remineralizing & Zero Waste Tooth Powder Recipe
A simple yet effective zero waste tooth powder recipe!
Ingredients
- 4 tbsp bentonite clay (53g)
- 4 tbsp baking soda (57g)
- 4 teaspoons xylitol (17g)
- 8-9 drops peppermint essential oil
- 3 drops cinnamon essential oil
Instructions
- With a non-metallic spoon*, add 4 tbsp bentonite clay and 4 tbsp of baking soda in a jar.
- Then add around 4 teaspoons of xylitol, and mix well.
- In the end, add peppermint essential oil and cinnamon (or clove) essential oils, and mix once again.
Notes
How to use the tooth powder?
Many people use it by adding water to their toothbrushes and then dipping them into the jar with tooth powder.
However, I prefer to sprinkle a small amount on my (freshly washed!) palms and then dip my wet toothbrush to the powder on my hand.
I prefer this since our toothbrushes contain a lot of bacteria, and I don’t want to contaminate my jar of fresh tooth powder with double-dipping. 😀
Alternatively, you can use a spice bottle with a shaker top and sprinkle the tooth powder on the toothbrush. (just make sure the top part is plastic)
After you have the tooth powder on your toothbrush, brush your teeth the same way you would with conventional toothpaste.
FAQ:
Do tooth powders really work?
Tooth powder is as good as toothpaste (if not better) in controlling dental plaque and gingivitis (1).
Studies, like this, and this one, found that tooth powder is more effective than toothpaste for removing surface stains from teeth and reducing dental plaque.
What should I avoid putting in my tooth powder?
In my personal experience, I will advise you to avoid adding:
- Charcoal – I was using charcoal tablets for a couple of months, and I definitely would not recommend it. It left my teeth with stains, and after researching more about it, I found that charcoal toothpaste increases the surface roughness of teeth, and there isn’t enough evidence that it’s safe.
- Cinnamon – I tried using cinnamon, as it has various benefits, but it was getting stuck in between my teeth every time, which was very annoying. That’s why I recommend cinnamon essential oil.
- Dried or fresh herbs – Similar to the previous, adding any dry or fresh herb might get stuck in between your teeth.
What are some good sustainable toothbrush options?
While we are on the topic, I thought to recommend a couple of eco-friendly toothbrush options:
- Brush With Bamboo (a pack of 4) (the US, link to Amazon)
- The Humble Co. (a pack of 5) (the US, link to Amazon)
- Eco Roots Toothbrush (the US, link to Eco Roots)
- Wild & Stone Bamboo Toothbrush – Use the code MERILIN for 5% off (the UK, link to Eco Sal)
- Live Coco Toothbrush (the UK, link to Live Coco)
I’m sensitive to essential oils. What should I do?
Just skip the essential oils. Instead, you can add 1-2 additional teaspoons of xylitol to make the tooth powder with a more pleasant taste.
Would a metal jar lid deactivate the bentonite clay?
Most jar lids have a thin plastic lining inside, preventing the powder from being deactivated.
However, if you aren’t sure if your jar lid is lined with plastic, use a jar with a plastic cover.
Can I omit the baking soda?
If your teeth hurt and are sensitive after baking soda, try reducing the baking soda to just 1 tbsp and see how it feels.
If it is still unpleasant, you can try to substitute baking soda with calcium carbonate powder.
Are there good toothpowder brands?
There are plenty of low waste & toothpowder brands you could try, including:
- Viva Doria Natural Fluoride Free Tooth Powder
- Banyan Botanicals Mint Cardamom Tooth Powder
- Dr. Arenander’s BrainGain Formulas – Toothpowder for gum diseases
- REGROW Remineralizing Tooth Powder – For sensitive teeth & gums
- Simply Sooney Tooth Powder – Jar or paper bag. Zero waste & 6-month supply
Sum up
I hope you will love this DIY tooth powder recipe as much as I do.
If I missed something, feel free to leave your questions in the comment section below. 🙂
And for more specific questions about dental issues, please contact your dentist.
