Rosalind Medea

Tooth powders were once the norm, many moons ago, as a way to keep one’s teeth and gums healthy. Herbs are an effective way to take care of oral health and by incorporating them into your daily oral hygiene you can save your pearlies from unwanted trips to the dentist.

Today, there are numerous businesses selling their own versions of tooth powders, however it really is easy to open up that spice rack at home and do-it-yourself.

The great thing about tooth powders is that you can experiment with blends on a daily basis and see what works for you. Tooth powders also work in combination with your regular toothpaste or you can use a small amount of extra virgin coconut oil to dip into the powder before brushing. Or you can simply apply the powder directly to teeth by dipping a toothbrush in water first and then dabbing the bristles into the powder before brushing.

The below tooth powder recipe – which uses ceylon cinnamon powder, dried peppermint powder, and dried sage – is beneficial for overall oral maintenance, as well as specific conditions including toothache and gum complaints.

Cinnamon is known to have antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory effects which reduces bacteria in the mouth and can aid in fighting bad breath. Cinnamon can also be used to maintain gum health.

Sage can be used against bleeding gums, gingivitis, gum recession, and mouth sores. Due to its natural astringent properties, it tightens the soft tissue of gums and calms a sore mouth. It is also mildly antiseptic so it helps with mouth ulcers, especially when used in a mouthwash.

Peppermint is most commonly known as a breath freshener, but its cooling sensation, owing to its anti-inflammatory properties, makes it an excellent ingredient to help with gum inflammation. It is also mildly antibacterial which helps fight against oral plaque.

Ingredients:

1tsp of Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder

1 tsp of Organic Dried Peppermint

1 tsp of Organic Dried Sage

Extra Virgin Coconut Oil or Baking Soda Toothpaste

(If you have a coffee grinder, you may want to use it to ground a batch of the dried sage and dried peppermint.)

Method:

1. Put the ingredients in small jar and stir with a wooden stick.
2. Apply extra virgin coconut oil or baking soda toothpaste to your toothbrush.
3. Dab the coconut oil or toothpaste into the powder.
4. Brush your teeth, paying close attention to where teeth meet the gum line.