Zero Waste Tooth Powder (with B12)

Another step towards a more sustainable conscious bathroom routine: my zero waste tooth powder (with B12). The reason why I haven’t tried making my own tooth powder was simply that I had too many questions and doubts around a homemade tooth paste aka. tooth powder. Although I have used tooth tablets before (the ones that you bite and becomes all foamy in your mouth) and I liked them a lot, I wasn’t quite sure if I actually did good to my teeth. Do they really get everything they need? I took the last month to do some research around homemade tooth pastes and powders. Here, I will try to include all the information that have helped me in the process. Plus, I have included a recipe for a tooth powder that has worked really well for me.

I decided to give my tooth powder a special touch by adding B12 to it. If you are a vegan like me you know the importance of adding B12 to your diet. Originally, I used a tooth paste enriched with B12. But unfortunately the company was bought by a big cosmetics manufacturer, a company that I do not support. So I thought it was super smart to add some ground B12 tablets to my tooth powder.

Here I am going to answer some questions that were twirling around in my head while looking for that perfect recipe for my tooth powder and its effect.

How does it feel to brush with the tooth powder?

I am not going to lie, it will feel unfamiliar at first. The tooth powder will not form any foam. And we tend to think that teeth are only clean when there is foam which is not true of course. So in the beginning it will feel a bit dry in your mouth but I got used to it very quickly. The tooth powder still keeps the mouth really fresh after brushing because of the added peppermint essential oil. To add to the freshness feeling, you can make your own mouth wash using peppermint essential oil, water and xylitol.

Is is expensive to make?

Thing here is: it might be a bit more expensive in the first place to get some of the main ingredients. But once you got them, you can make a lot of tooth power. Soda and birch sugar are very cheap, the only investment might be a good essential oil. If you don’t want to splurge on the peppermint oil, grind some dried peppermint leaves, cinnamon, turmeric and add to the tooth powder. Talking about money, my commercial B12 tooth paste or any other natural tooth paste costs 4.00 – 6.00€ and would last 2 months. In the long term, tooth powder is a lot cheaper than tooth paste without the nasty ingredients and plastic.

Does it really clean you teeth properly?

You will be surprised! It cleans not more or less than your expensive or cheap tooth paste. But remember to still use dental brushes and floss.

Whats in my tooth powder?

I have listed the basic ingredients here but switch ingredients around as you wish. And it is always good to know what’s possible and about ingredients you could add.

Soda: removes discolorations from the teeth, neutralizes acids in the mouth, prevents bacterial growth.

Mineral Clay: remineralizes the teeth, binds toxins and heavy metals, can remove impurities from the teeth without attacking the enamel.

Birch Sugar (Xylit): protects against caries, helps to reduce acid-forming bacteria, remineralizes the enamel by stabilizing calcium.

Essential oils: leave your mouth fresh and every essential oil has its own positive effect on the body. Peppermint, sage, cinnamon are great!

Add ons:

Turmeric: is a natural teeth whitenener, anti-inflammatory.

Ginger Powder: is anti-inflammatory, improves blood circulation and improves mouth hygiene.

Cinnamon: is a disinfectant and has antibacterial properties, anti-inflammatory.

How do I use my tooth powder?

Usually, I wet my tooth brush slightly. I dip the tooth brush into the powder trying not to add any water to the powder. You really only need a little bit.

Is baking soda going to be too abrasive to my sensitive teeth?

I have very sensitive teeth and it works fine for me. I red different opinions on how baking soda effects teeth health. In my opinion, baking soda might be doubted by many people but it is sure as hell better than the chemical tooth paste you buy at the supermarket. I had a chat with my dentist at my last check up to ask her about a homemade tooth powder. She told me the only thing that really mattered is that the teeth are clean after brushing. And this is not depending on what’s in the tooth powder or paste. She did recommend using fluoride though but that’s again a controversial subject of discussion. If you wanted to you could add fluoride to your powder but I chose not to.

If you have enjoyed my Zero Waste Tooth Powder (with B12), make sure to check out the DIY for my Natural Wildflower Soap too!