My remineralizing toothpaste is one of Wellness Mama's most visited articles. Over the years I have received many emails from people who have changed and love it. After I I remineralized my teeth and reversed cavities, I converted to natural toothpaste!
The only downside to my homemade toothpaste is that it can leave residue on sinks. Additionally, coconut oil poses some problems if you have a septic system (like us). I also wanted to understand how to integrate the benefits of healing clays in our oral health regime. However, there were some texture issues with the clays and coconut oil.
The result was this remineralizing tooth powder and I couldn't be happier with the results. It's even easier to make than homemade toothpaste. Additionally, you can use ground herbs and spices instead of essential oils if you prefer.
Choosing a natural toothpaste
Over the past decade, more and more natural toothpastes have appeared on the market. They advertise natural ingredients without fluoride, without sulfate. Some are definitely better than others, but there are some good ones on the market. I compare different natural toothpastes in this article. Or you can find the toothpaste I helped develop here (we have a teeth whitening toothpaste and a strawberry flavor for kids!).
However, you will always find DIY products in my bathroom because I love being able to customize my oral care products.
Why tooth powder?
Natural tooth powder is less messy than a tube of toothpaste. This makes it easier to travel with or to go camping. I don't have to worry about toothpaste getting on my clothes if it accidentally gets crushed in my suitcase. And its shelf life is much longer since we don't introduce any liquid.
The main ingredient of this homemade tooth powder is bentonite clay. Years ago, I became a big fan of bentonite clay for its incredible health-promoting properties. Not only does it bind and remove heavy metals and toxins (a big plus for the mouth!), but it is also rich in minerals.
You can take bentonite internally to help flush out toxins, so it is safe to use in the mouth. Make sure you get food grade bentonite clay though! The one I linked in the recipe below is safe to use internally. In recent years, there has been talk about lead naturally occurring in bentonite clay. Although there is a tiny amount of lead (like many things), it is bound in clay and is not bioavailable. You can read more about it here.
Bentonite is also rich in calcium, magnesium and silica to help nourish teeth. So how does it work? Bentonite clay is unique because when mixed with water, the molecules develop an electrical charge. This filler attracts and absorbs toxins, drawing them into the clay structure and retaining them there.
To put it another way…
Bentonite is a swelling clay. When mixed with water, it swells quickly like a very porous sponge that traps toxins. It is also very sweet and has a milder taste. I use it for facial masks, healing poultices and even my hair.
Healthy Tooth Powder Ingredients
The other ingredients in tooth powder also support a healthy oral microbiome. The blend of herbs and minerals fights bad breath and leaves your mouth feeling squeaky clean. For a pure mint flavor, you can use more mint and omit the cinnamon and cloves. You can adjust the amount of powder according to your preferences. Personally, I like the balanced mix of organic peppermint powder, cinnamon and refreshing cloves.
- Baking soda – Helps remove stains and whiten teeth, but is gentle enough not to damage enamel. Helps remove plaque and reduces bleeding and inflammation of the gums. Because it is alkaline, it promotes healthy oral pH to discourage harmful bacteria.
- Calcium carbonate powder – Provides the calcium needed for strong enamel and may help reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Ground cloves – Naturally broad-spectrum antioxidant and antimicrobial. Clove freshens breath, increases circulation for healthier gums, soothes inflammation and may reduce pain in sensitive teeth. It also makes the tooth powder taste delicious.
- Cinnamon – Also antimicrobial and antifungal (especially against candida). Tastes great and helps discourage bacterial growth in the mouth for fresh breath. Reduces gum inflammation and increases circulation.
- mint – Tastes good and soothes the gums. Mint is antimicrobial, helps relieve dental pain and freshens breath. There is also some evidence that it can help fight the virus that causes cold sores.
- Xylitol – This sweetener adds to the flavor of the tooth powder but also has some awesome properties. oral health benefits. Studies show it helps fight inflammation from plaque and gingivitis. It also helps prevent cavities and binds with calcium to help remineralize teeth.
Add essential oils
It's completely optional, but you can add essential oils to your tooth powder. They are a powerful way to increase oral health benefits. Most antimicrobial essential oils are powerful, so a little goes a long way. When I add essential oils to this recipe, I add just a few drops total per batch.
Here are some essential oils to try in your DIY toothpowder!
The great thing about this tooth powder is that you can customize the flavor however you want. You can add essential oils to increase the potency or leave them out for a milder taste (which even my kids like).
Remineralizing dental powder
This homemade tooth powder uses ingredients that rebuild enamel, freshen breath, and detoxify your mouth.
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Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Use a fork to crush any lumps and mix in the essential oils (if using).
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Store in a small glass jar with a lid.
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To use, place a little powder in your palm and dip a damp toothbrush into the powder. Brush and rinse.
You can customize the powder to your liking and all herbal ingredients are optional. Create your own flavor with herbs and essential oils of your choice.
How to use tooth powder
Pour some powder into your palm and dip the bristles of a damp toothbrush into the powder. Sometimes I also add a few drops of OraWellness Brushing Blend. Brush and rinse with cold water. Adults and children can use it daily (or several times a day). Follow it with mouthwash or floss if necessary.
Shelf life and storage
This tooth powder will last for several years if stored properly. Store away from direct light and heat (like the car in summer). Although it does not contain water and the ingredients are antimicrobial, be careful to avoid getting the tooth powder jar wet. Always put a little powder in your palm before applying it to a damp toothbrush. Never dip the brush into the pot of powder as this introduces bacteria.
Oral health regimen
My teeth have never been whiter or healthier (according to my dentist) thanks to my oral health regimen. I eat foods that promote oral health and use healthy mouth products. I don't do the same thing every day, but here are some of the things I use. I have changed it since reversing my cavities and often now just use Wellnesse toothpaste.
Have you ever managed to knock down a cavity? What does your oral health routine look like? Leave a comment and share below!