Remineralizing Tooth Powder Recipe

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Creating your homemade tooth powder is one of my favorite DIYs. It’s affordable, effective, and gives you full control over what goes into your oral care routine.

Plus, it promotes remineralization – a natural process that helps repair and strengthen enamel to prevent decay.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to make a simple and sustainable DIY remineralizing tooth powder, why each ingredient matters, how to use it, and answer common questions based on my personal experience.

Why use remineralizing tooth powder?

Switching to a remineralizing tooth powder offers many benefits:

• Natural & fluoride-free alternative to toothpaste
• Promotes enamel repair and gum health
• Helps fight cavities, plaque, and bad breath
• Lower environmental impact and packaging waste
• Customizable to your taste and needs
• Backed by studies showing effectiveness vs toothpaste

Unlike conventional toothpaste, this one contains no fillers, foaming agents, or unnecessary additives. It’s pure, natural, and effective.

Ingredients & benefits

1. Bentonite clay

Bentonite clay is naturally mineral-rich (calcium, magnesium, silica) and gently abrasive. It raises your mouth’s pH and binds to toxins and bacteria, making it perfect for oral detox. It’s not abrasive enough to damage enamel and helps reduce bad breath.

⚠️ Always use food-grade bentonite clay from a reputable source. Because it’s sourced from the earth, it can absorb heavy metals if not tested properly. Avoid using metal utensils when handling them – use ceramic, glass, or wood instead.

Alternatives: Kaolin clay is also effective if you don’t have bentonite.

Where to buy plastic-free bentonite clay: Zero Waste Bulk (the US), A Drop In The Ocean (the US), All Things Being Eco (Canada), Zero waste store (Australia)

Baking soda

Baking soda is an antimicrobial powerhouse. It gently polishes teeth, helps neutralize acids in the mouth, and supports enamel remineralization.

Studies have shown that brushing with baking soda reduces plaque and enhances stain removal without increasing tooth sensitivity.

Also, baking soda is actually one of the least abrasive options out there – it scores low on the RDA scale, which means it’s much gentler on your teeth than most commercial toothpastes. That’s why it’s perfect for a tooth powder recipe.

Plastic-free baking soda: The Good Fill (the US), The Source Bulk Foods (the UK)

✨ Tip: Use soft-bristled brushes and avoid applying heavy pressure to keep abrasiveness low.

🦷 Fun fact: An article in a leading dental journal from 1911 described baking soda as “the ideal tooth powder”, capable of “giving a high polishing to the teeth, without the danger of scratching them.”

Xylitol

Xylitol is a must for cavity prevention. This natural sweetener (often from birch) not only improves the taste, but also fights the bacteria that cause plaque, gum disease, dry mouth, gingival inflammation, and tooth decay. It helps maintain a healthy oral environment and even stimulates saliva production, which supports remineralization. (1, 2, 3)

Essential oils

• Peppermint oil – Soothes toothaches, kills odor-causing bacteria, and adds a fresh flavor. (1, 2, 3)
• Cinnamon oil – Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and known to fight bacteria responsible for cavities. (1, 2)
• Clove oil – Antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. Effective for gum issues and oral pain. (1, 2, 3)

🧪 Allergy warning: Always patch test essential oils before use. If you’re sensitive, you can skip them and add extra xylitol for flavor.

Homemade tooth powder recipe

1. 4 tbsp bentonite clay (53g)
2. 4 tbsp baking soda (57g)
3. 4 teaspoons xylitol (17g)
4. 8-9 drops of peppermint essential oil
5. 3 drops cinnamon essential oil (optional)

Instructions

1. In a clean glass jar, combine the bentonite clay and baking soda using a non-metallic spoon.
2. Add the xylitol and mix thoroughly.
3. Drop in the essential oils, then mix again until well mixed.
4. Seal with a plastic-lined or non-metallic lid.

✅ Pro tip: If you’re using this diy tooth powder to heal or strengthen enamel, hold the powder in your mouth for about 60 seconds before brushing. This maximizes contact with your teeth and supports remineralization.

How to use your tooth powder

You have a few options:

• Palm method: Wet your toothbrush, sprinkle a small amount on your palm, and dip the brush in. This avoids contaminating the jar.
• Direct dip: Wet the brush and dip it into the jar. This works, but may introduce bacteria.

Sustainable toothbrushes to pair with your tooth powder

• Brush With Bamboo (US)
• The Humble Co. (US)
• Eco Roots Toothbrush (US)
• Live Coco (UK)

FAQ

Does tooth powder actually work?

Yes! Studies, like this, and this one, show that homemade tooth powder can be more effective than toothpaste for stain removal and plaque reduction. It can also whiten teeth naturally, freshen breath, and reduce inflammation.

What should I avoid putting in my tooth powder?

In my personal experience, I will advise you to avoid adding:

• Charcoal: May cause enamel erosion and leave stains.
• Ground herbs: Tend to get stuck between teeth.
• Cinnamon powder: Leaves residue; stick to the essential oil instead.

What if I’m sensitive to essential oils?

Just skip them. You can add an extra 1-2 tsp of xylitol to keep the taste pleasant.

Can I use a metal lid for storage?

If the lid is lined with plastic (most are), it’s safe. If not, opt for a plastic or bamboo lid jar to avoid deactivating the bentonite clay.

Can I omit the baking soda?

Yes. If baking soda causes sensitivity, reduce it to 1 tbsp or swap it with calcium carbonate powder.

Are there good tooth powder brands I can try?

If DIY isn’t your thing, here are some great options:

• REGROW Remineralizing Tooth Powder – Great for sensitivity
• Simply Sooney – 6-month supply, zero-waste
• Dr. Arenander’s BrainGain – Herbal toothpowder for gum care
• Banyan Botanicals Mint Cardamom
• Viva Doria Natural Tooth Powder

Final thoughts

Incorporating a diy remineralizing tooth powder into your daily oral care routine is a simple yet effective way to support your dental health naturally.

By using ingredients known for strengthening enamel and promoting overall gum health, you can feel confident in taking a more holistic approach to oral hygiene.

I hope you will love this DIY tooth powder recipe as much as I do! If you try this tooth powder, let me know how it works for you. 💚