Tooth Powder 101: How to Brush With a Mineral Powder

Tooth powder is toothpaste without the water, the foaming agents and the tube. People brushed with powders long before paste existed. Our blend is called Mineral Refresh, and every ingredient in it is there for a reason. Here is what each one does, and how to brush with a powder if you never have.

The minerals that do the cleaning

• Sodium bicarbonate, better known as baking soda, is a gentle polish that lifts surface stains. It is also alkaline, so it helps neutralize the acids that build up in the mouth after eating.
• Calcium carbonate is a soft mineral that has been used in tooth cleaners for generations. It adds mild scrubbing power to help clear away plaque.
• Kaolin clay is a fine white clay. It polishes without scratching and gives the powder its smooth, silky feel.

Xylitol: sweetness that is kind to teeth

Xylitol is a sweetener that comes from plants. It makes the powder pleasant to brush with, and it does something sugar cannot: the bacteria that cause cavities are not able to feed on it. That is why you find it in so many sugar free gums and mints.

The botanicals

• Neem leaf has been part of mouth care in South Asia for centuries. Neem twigs are still used there as natural toothbrushes.
• Cloves are a warm spice with a long history in traditional mouth care.
• Cinnamon adds warmth and a naturally sweet, spicy flavor.
• Frankincense resin is an aromatic tree resin that has traditionally been chewed like gum to freshen the mouth.
• Menthol crystals leave your mouth feeling cool and clean after you rinse.

There are no dyes and no foaming agents.

How to brush with it

1. Wet your toothbrush and shake off the extra water.
2. Tap a little powder into your palm or the lid, and press the bristles into it. A light coating is enough.
3. Brush gently for two minutes, the same as with paste.
4. Rinse well.

Tapping the powder out, instead of dipping your brush in the jar, keeps water out of the jar and makes it easy to share at home.

What it feels like

It will not foam. That takes a few days to get used to. Most people notice how smooth their teeth feel afterward. Brush gently. The minerals do the polishing, so there is no need to scrub.

Good to know

It comes in 1 oz and 2 oz jars, and a little goes a long way, so even the small jar lasts a while. Keep the lid on tight so moisture stays out. Xylitol is not safe for dogs, so store the jar where pets cannot reach it.

Take a look at our Tooth Powder and give your toothbrush something new.