Haven’t heard of tooth powder (a.k.a. dental powder)? You aren’t the only one. Lots of folks are unfamiliar with this toothpaste alternative, even though it actually predates paste. If you’re wondering whether you should replace your preferred paste with an old-fashioned powder, read on to learn more!
What is tooth powder?
As its name implies, tooth powder is a powder that is used to clean and polish teeth and freshen breath. It is believed to have originated many millennia ago, and proponents claim that it may be more effective at removing plaque and surface stains from teeth than toothpaste.
Tooth powder can be made at home using ingredients such as activated charcoal powder, baking soda, coarse salt and flavorings, or you can find it at specialty stores and online retailers, like Vitacost.com. Unlike typical homemade versions, manufactured tooth powders may contain fluoride, a mineral commonly used to help prevent dental cavities.
How do you use tooth powder?
Tooth powder is very easy to use. Although you should always follow the specific manufacturer’s directions, steps for using tooth powder are typically as follows:
- Sprinkle a small amount of the powder onto a wet toothbrush
- Brush your teeth as you normally would with toothpaste
The
American Dental Association (ADA) recommends brushing your teeth twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, although many people choose to brush after every meal.
Tooth powders to try
Want to see if dental powder can make your pearly whites even brighter? We’ve got you—and your soon-to-be winning smile—covered! So, grab your toothbrush and try adding one of the following tooth powders to your oral care regimen (and don’t forget to
floss you teeth and use
mouthwash regularly!):
Formulated for individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, this must-try tooth powder “cleans, polishes, whitens and detoxes.” It contains a holistic blend of activated coconut shell charcoal, calcium bentonite clay, organic mint extract and organic orange peel extract—far fewer ingredients than you’ll find in many popular toothpastes!
This gentle yet powerful powder is “a nontoxic alternative to chemical-based tooth products, crafted to work alongside your body’s inherent ability to heal and rejuvenate.” In addition to activated coconut charcoal, which absorbs bacteria and toxins, and baking soda, bamboo and silica, which help eliminate stains naturally, it contains calcium from algae, organic essential oils and a “blend of oral-specific probiotics and herbs,” which aid in remineralization of the teeth and restoration or microbial balance in the mouth.
This “naturally effervescent baking soda tooth powder for healthier teeth and gums” can harden your choppers without the use of fluoride. It boasts lower abrasivity and can neutralize mouth acids, and the manufacturer claims that it’s “better than pastes!” Did we mention that it’s recommended by dentists and has a fresh, minty flavor?
Want to replace your toothpaste with a dental powder that’s free of added chemicals and fillers? Look no further! This herbal option can serve as the perfect introduction transition from paste to powder. One Vitacost reviewer noted that their “gums and teeth feel squeaky clean for a whole day, even after meals.”
Redmond Earthpowder® Unsweetened Spearmint Natural Toothpowder
Longing for a dazzling smile? This gluten-free, vegan dental powder “is made with nature’s perfect polisher to remove surface stains without needing to add any bleach or synthetic ingredients.” Simply wet your toothbrush, coat the bristles in powder, brush as your normally would and enjoy the “amazingly natural results.” That’s all there is to it!
