Do you have an aunt in your life who is not really your aunt – as in you are not related? She is a family friend who spends so much time with your family that she basically becomes your aunt or Ciocia (in Polish). So many of my Mama’s close friends just automatically become my Ciocia [if you are Polish… you totally understand where I am coming from!] One of my lovely Ciocias made me an amazing tooth powder recipe, which inspired me to make my own! [You know who you are – love you even more.]

To read about why I stopped using commercial toothpaste and if you prefer a non-toxic toothpaste recipe, click here. This natural tooth powder recipe is great for travel and for homes with sensitive or older plumbing that may not be able to handle coconut oil down the drain from the toothpaste recipe. Most importantly it lets you choose what you prefer to use!

How to Make Natural Tooth Powder

Choose a glass container with a lid. A small jar works best for this.

Start by adding 2 tablespoons of bentonite clay with a non-metal spoon. Bentonite clay is full of minerals (iron, magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium) which help to remineralize teeth. It also adsorbs (not absorbs – different process) toxins from the mouth and removes stains from teeth, resulting in fresh breath and whiter teeth.

Next add 2 tablespoons of baking soda. Baking soda helps to whiten teeth, remove stains, and reduce plaque. It is not too abrasive for teeth if you are brushing properly [this is toothbrushing not scrubbing the bathtub… let the brush do most of the work].

Add 1/8 teaspoon of activated charcoal. Activated charcoal works in a similar way to bentonite clay, in that it adsorbs toxins and removes stains from the teeth (especially for tea, coffee, and wine drinkers… hi it’s me.) It also balances the ph of the mouth and can prevent cavities, tooth decay and gingivitis. PS: It will not make your teeth black but it will stain EVERYTHING else so be cautious.

Add 1/8 teaspoon of turmeric. I know it’s orange, but it will not turn your teeth the colour of cheetos. Turmeric contains curcumin, which has antiseptic and antibiotic properties for tooth and gum health. Also, it helps to whiten teeth, removes plaque, relieves sensitive teeth, and can heal bacterial infections.

Also add 1 teaspoon of spices, such as cinnamon, cloves, and ground mint. These add flavour to the tooth powder, prevent inflammation, and reduce the amount of bacteria in the mouth that can lead to gum disease.

Instead of spices, choose to add essential oils. Add 10 drops total of essential oils. Add them slowly and mix with a non-metal fork to remove any clumps (it will dry). I like to use 5 drops of Peppermint EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy) and 5 drops of Thieves EO blend (Young Living) or 5 drops of Germ Fighter EO blend (Plant Therapy) *Avoid peppermint EO if you are pregnant or nursing, or making this for children. Swap in Spearmint EO (Young Living or Plant Therapy) instead.*

{I use and recommend Young Living Essential Oils and Plant Therapy Essential Oils because they are 100% pure quality essential oils. There are other reputable essential oil companies to purchase from. Your local drug store’s cheap essential oil can give you a rash and not have the same positive effects because most only contain about 10% of the pure oil and the rest is filled with synthetics. Do your research and find a company you feel comfortable purchasing from.}

Finally, mix everything together using a non-metal spoon and leave it for a while until the essential oils dry and the mixture is completely powdery.

To use: Slightly wet toothbrush, dip into container, and begin brushing those pearly whites! Follow up with a good homemade mouthwash and admire your smile 😉

Happy Toothbrushing 🙂

What do you use to brush your teeth? Do you prefer a toothpaste or tooth powder?