However, another study from 2018 compared traditional oral hygiene methods to toothpaste users. This study showed contrasting evidence to the other studies. It found that traditional methods, including tooth powder, were inferior in plaque control compared to toothpaste. 5 One study has shown that tooth powder efficiently removes extrinsic (surface) stains from your teeth. 5 This study noted that the whitening effects of the tooth powder were greater than that of the toothpaste. However, the toothpaste was just a regular toothpaste, not a whitening toothpaste. The evolution of dental care continued relatively uneventfully until 1000 A.D., when the Persians warned others of the dangers of using overly abrasive powders that could damage teeth. They suggested creating a powder using milder materials such as burnt snail shells, dried animal parts, herbs and honey [source: BBC Home]. Natural tooth powders are an innovative, zero waste, eco friendly way of brushing teeth without the need for a plastic toothpaste tub. This is environmentally friendly because many commercial toothpaste tubes are made up of different layers of plastic and metal. This makes it very hard to recycle and, in most cases, ends up in general waste and sitting in landfill. Making the simple, eco switch to a natural tooth powder that is plastic-free will help reduce waste, plastic pollution, and encourage and support more sustainable, zero waste manufacturing processes. NewMouth recommends brushing your teeth with toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. All toothpaste with the ADA Seal of Acceptance has provided scientific evidence proving the safety and efficacy of the paste.

When it comes to using a plastic free, natural toothpowder it can seem daunting, however it really isn't! Natural tooth powders are so easy to use, just simply dip your eco friendly toothbrush head in the natural tooth powder and make sure you have a nice covering of the natural tooth powder on the bristles. Then brush as normal! There is limited research that has compared toothpaste to powder. However, those published show mixed results on tooth powder's overall effects on oral health. 1,2,3,4,5,6 Cury, J.A. and Tenuta, L.M.A. “ Evidence-Based Recommendation on Toothpaste Use .” Brazilian Oral Research, Sociedade Brasileira De Pesquisa Odontológica, 2014. Activated charcoal ⁠— Activated charcoal has a porous nature that is believed to remove toxins from your teeth (more studies need to be done to support this)Three scientific studies have shown that tooth powder is equally or more effective at reducing plaque than toothpaste. 1,2,3 This is likely due to the abrasive nature of tooth powders.

Considering this product’s pros and cons can help determine whether tooth powder is right for you. How to Use Tooth PowderThe quality and convenience of teeth cleaning products moved forward significantly during the early 19th century, as the addition of glycerin helped turn the powders into a paste that was easier on teeth and easier to use. By 1873, toothpaste was mass produced and sold in jars on drugstore shelves. In 1892, Dr. Washington Sheffield of Connecticut became the first to put toothpaste into a collapsible tube; his company later became Colgate. After World War II, toothpaste technology continued to develop: One of the most significant advancements was the addition of fluoride to toothpaste to strengthen tooth enamel and help prevent tooth decay. Baking soda had been considered a popular tooth powder because of its cleaning and whitening abilities -- not to mention its low cost. However, modern dentists caution that it's too abrasive for daily use. Toothpowder has not been studied as extensively as toothpaste. However, there have been a few studies that have examined the effectiveness of toothpowder. One study found that tooth powder can cause bleeding, gum loss, and damage to your enamel (tooth surface). 4 Another study showed that tooth loss was higher in people who brushed with red tooth powder due to its high abrasiveness and chemical composition. 5 Pros and Cons of Toothpowder

Remineralizing tooth powder contains ingredients that help remineralize tooth enamel. This can make your teeth stronger and more resistant to decay. Different ingredients' combined enamel remineralization potential can help protect teeth from further damage. Whitening Tooth Powder A few studies showed that tooth powder might be too abrasive compared to normal fluoride toothpaste. This can result in dental erosion. However, its abrasiveness can effectively polish stains off the surfaces of teeth. 4,5 Baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) ⁠— This ingredient has mild abrasive properties that help remove surface stains and dental plaque from the teeth

The verdict: My Sweet Smile teeth whitening powder

Dip the wet toothbrush in your tooth powder (the moisture will help the tooth powder adhere to your teeth and the toothbrush) When plaque builds up on teeth, it can cause inflammation, pain, and infection in your gums. This can lead to gingivitis (early gum disease). If gingivitis goes untreated, it can turn into periodontitis (advanced gum disease). The abrasiveness of tooth powder may help remove surface stains. However, it can also have negative effects on your teeth. Rinse your mouth and toothbrush with water to remove any remaining tooth powder residue from your mouth and toothbrush Shah et al. “ Association between Traditional Oral Hygiene Methods with Tooth Wear, Gingival Bleeding, and Recession: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study .” Indian Journal of Dental Research: Official Publication of Indian Society for Dental Research, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2018.