Modern toothpastes are a part of our daily lives, yet we don't often question what ingredients are in them and why our whitening, anti-cavity, anti-plaque toothpastes still result in bad news when we visit our dentist. 

What’s Wrong with Conventional Toothpaste?

In our search for a healthier and more effective option, we learned that modern toothpastes are filled with ingredients to enhance the look, the taste and the ease of use, but are actually harmful to our teeth and gums.

• Glycerin, for example, an ingredient in most toothpastes coats our teeth and prevents the natural process of remineralization, which is needed to keep our teeth healthy and strong.

• Fluoride, known as a toxic ingredient, as well as artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners do little for our teeth and gums, yet are found in most leading toothpaste brands.

Why Use a Tooth Powder instead of Toothpaste?

Tooth powders, because of their form, don’t require the additives and preservatives that creamy toothpastes need to have the right texture. That alone eliminates many unnecessary ingredients. By keeping it simple and only including ingredients that are beneficial to the teeth and gums, tooth powders are more effective and are a safer option for adults and children.

DIY RECIPE: How to Make a Toothpaste Powder at Home?

You can make your own tooth powder at home with the following ingredients.

• BENTONITE CLAY

  Clay naturally binds to unhealthy substances in the mouth and helps to remove them. Its anti-bacterial properties help gently clean the teeth and mouth, absorbing toxins, impurities, and other contaminants. Its high mineral content is highly effective in remineralizing the teeth to keep them strong and healthy, and preventing (as well as reversing) tooth decay.

• BAKING SODA

  Baking soda's alkaline nature creates a healthy environment in our mouths that slows down the harmful effects of the acids that we consume on a daily basis. It also helps to keep our breath fresh, our gums healthy, and encourages healthy bacteria growth that eliminates plaque and protects the enamel from decay. Baking soda is also used as a whitening agent by effectively and gently removing stains from the teeth.

• XYLITOL

  Primarily used as a natural sweetener, Xylitol also has many oral care benefits. It helps in reducing cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, which can lead to tooth decay. It also helps in relieving dry mouth, by increasing saliva production, which in turn can repair damage to the enamel and aids in the remineralization process. Make sure to choose a Non-GMO or organic xylitol.

• CALCIUM CARBONATE

  Calcium Carbonate is a common substance found in rocks, and used in some soy milks and almond milks as a dietary supplement. When added to tooth powder, calcium carbonate is a mild abrasive that helps to safely remove plaque while gently polishing away surface stains. It also helps to strengthen the teeth by supplying it with essential calcium.

• ESSENTIAL OILS

  Unlike artificial flavors, essential oils are a healthy and safe alternative to providing good taste with many added oral care benefits. Essential oils are unique in the benefits they provide, with the most common being their anti-bacterial anti-fungal properties, which kill anaerobic bacteria that live on the teeth (tartar), freshen breath, and protect against gum disease and gingivitis. Essential oils also help clear infections and root canals and prevent mouth ulcers and sore gums.

Using a mineralizing tooth powder in place of modern toothpaste will result in stronger whiter teeth, healthier gums, fresh breath and an overall healthy mouth (and great news from the Dentist!).

You can make your own toothpaste powder at home with the ingredients we recommended, or try out our Isabella's Clearly MINT or Isabella's Clearly SPICE tooth powders.