Toothpaste or Tooth Powder?
Before toothpaste there was . . . tooth powder. Glycerin was later added to turn the powder into paste for a more convenient way to keep teeth clean. According to this abstract, tooth powder may be more effective than paste at removing plaque – a great reason to use tooth powder.
I was intrigued by a tooth powder recipe in The Wild Wisdom of Weeds by Katrina Blair that used plantain, kelp and clay. Because the author didn’t give the benefits of each ingredient, I had to do some research.
My recipe is based on the one in the book, although I recommend adding much more essential oil and some unrefined stevia leaf powder to take away some of the bitterness of the other ingredients.
The Ingredients
Plantain
As a forager, I know the value of plantain, a perennial weed found around the world. Walk out your door and begin to search. Most likely you won’t have to go far to find this ubiquitous weed. (There are 34 species of plantain and all are edible and medicinal).
Plantain is most well known as a remedy for insects bites, rashes, and to treat poison ivy. Many of its properties make it an ideal addition to tooth powder as well:
- high in calcium
- contains silica, important for remineralization of teeth
- antibacterial
- astringent
- antiseptic
- antimicrobial
- anti-inflammatory
- antitoxic
Plantain leaves may be harvested, dehydrated, and ground to a fine powder for use in tooth powder, or purchase here.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay acts as a magnet binding itself to toxins, drawing them out of your body. Yes, go ahead and swallow this tooth powder. All of the ingredients are not only edible, but will do a body good.
Bentonite clay is also high in silica and other trace minerals and, like plantain, helps to remineralize teeth. Find bentonite clay here.
Kelp
Kelp (Ascophyllum Nodosum) is a nutritious seaweed which is rich in calcium and trace minerals. Evidence suggests that kelp helps to cleanse teeth by removing plaque. (Kelp is already widely used in pet products for its ability to remove plaque).
It is important that kelp be sourced from pristine waters and it is best not to use while pregnant. If you are swallowing the tooth powder, occasionally take a break since kelp is so high in iodine. Find Icelandic kelp here.
Other Optional Tooth Powder Ingredients
Peppermint
While peppermint essential oil is an optional ingredient, giving the tooth powder a traditional toothpaste taste, it does have qualities that are beneficial. Peppermint is:
- analgesic
- antibacterial
- anti-inflammatory
- antifungal
- antimicrobial
- antiseptic
- astringent
Find peppermint essential oil here.
Unrefined Stevia Powder
Stevia may be added if you prefer a sweeter toothpowder. In this particular tooth powder, I do recommend it. Find unrefined stevia leaf powder here.
More Posts That Will Interest You
Natural Home Remedies for Your Medicine Cabinet
The Forager’s Guide to Plant Identification
From Plantain Leaf to Healing Balm
Plantain and Jewelweed Home Remedy for Poison Ivy Rash
Plantain & Kelp Plaque-Fighting Tooth Powder
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup plantain leaf powder
- 1/2 cup bentonite clay
- 1/4 cup kelp powder
- 2 teaspoons unrefined stevia powder optional
- 30 drops peppermint essential oil optional
Instructions
- Combine ingredients and mix well.
- Store in a glass jar with lid.
- To use, place a pinch of tooth powder in the palm of your hand. Scoop it up with a wet toothbrush and brush as usual.
Source, Source, BYU Redmond Clay Study
Thank you for visiting Learning And Yearning. May "the LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn his face toward you and give you peace." Num 6:24-26
Helene says
I eat kelp (yum) and I have made lots of products for my home but this is a new one to me! I’ll be thinking this over!
Susan Vinskofski says
I’ve been really happy with it!
Martha says
Nice – this is the first time I’ve seen plantain leaf in a tooth powder recipe. Conveniently, we are almost out, and I need to mix up a new batch, so I will be happy to try out your version. And, during the growing season, plantain grows abundantly in our yard, so it will be great to have another beneficial use for it!
I noticed that the Mountain Rose bentonite to which you link is the sodium variety. My understanding is that the calcium type is best for tooth applications. What are your thoughts on that?
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Martha, I think you are absolutely correct. A green clay would certainly boost the calcium in the toothpowder (although reduce the silica).
Lisa says
If you have mercury/amalgam fillings you may not want to use bentonite as it draws metals out and could cause toxicity. I am interested in alternatives to Bentonite until I can have my fillings replaced.
Susan Vinskofski says
Thanks, Lisa. Great reminder!
Marie says
Do you know that you have publicity of ‘eastern pipelines’ on you site!? Come on don’t pomote this shit.
For the rest your website is very inspiring and well documented! good job!
But please kick out those pipelines 😉
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Marie, generally the ads that show up are related to searches or websites visited by you, the viewer. I don’t have a lot of control over what you see and I personally don’t see the same ads you do. However, I can block certain types of ads, and I will see what I can do.
The Crunchy Urbanite says
I’ve got loads and loads of plantain that I dried for use in skin-therapy infusions. Had never thought to use powdered for toothpaste. Will have to give it a go, thanks. (That glycerine disinfo rumor won’t stop, but for what it’s worth, it really doesn’t coat your teeth.) PS. If you’ve got lots of plantain, you can try steaming it with miso. Highly recommend it!
Alyssa says
Sooooooo. I just made this. And I thought I would be super smart and add coconut oil. Please don’t laugh, I’m totally new to homemade everything; is your version gritty and chalky and get stuck in your teeth? I think I was going for a paste like texture. If you have any suggestions, I’d appreciate it. I mean, it makes a huge mess in my mouth and sink. Is this normal? Thanks
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Alyssa, the powder does not dissolve, so yes, you are spitting it back out unless you swallow it. It doesn’t seem to get stuck in my teeth; I’m wondering if the coconut oil is causing that since the coconut oil is not water soluble.
Layne says
I made this tooth powder about 5 months ago and was happy with it, but because I’m used to paste I always forgot to use this powder. Well, now I want to use the powder until it’s gone but is it expired since I haven’t used it in 5 months?!
Susan Vinskofski says
It should be just fine, Layne!
Anna says
Susan, this is awesome, I’ll try it, I’m happy to learn one more use for my plantains! Thank you!
Kimberly Lambdin says
For little ones… that swallow their tooth powder. I know, I know… spit, spit and spit! Been working on it but they swallow (5yrs-autistic and 2yrs).. I wonder… is there a good substitute for the kelp? Would chlorella or spirulina work? I actually currently use spirulina in my tooth powder and the kids love it.
Thoughts? Any other subs for kelp? Thanks in advance!
Susan Vinskofski says
I think the spirulina would make a great substitute!
Kimberly Lambdin says
YAY! Thank you!
Melissa says
I would like to order stuff for thoot plauq
Laurie says
LOVE your website! I came here inquiring about pine and got lost learning about so many other GREAT and interesting remedies. I think that I will try your toothpaste recipe after making your wintergreen extract to replace the peppermint! Thank you!
Susan Vinskofski says
Thank you, Laurie, for the sweet compliment. It’s always nice to know that what you do matters.
Alison says
Hi, I thought I had bentonite powder and I don’t. Would baking powder work??
Susan Vinskofski says
Hi Alison, I would be more inclined to try baking soda over baking powder as a substitute.
Alison says
Hahahaha….of course, hehehe. Oh my, sometimes my brain has glitches…..this being one of them. Thank you
Susan Vinskofski says
You’re welcome!