A basic form of tooth powder can be made by mixing baking soda and peroxide.
Tooth powder is a slightly abrasive powder used in combination with a toothbrush to maintain oral hygiene. Many people in developed countries prefer to use toothpaste, which is simply a hydrated powder in a tube. Depending on where a person is located, commercially produced tooth powder can be easy or difficult to obtain, and people can also make it at home from common household ingredients. As it is often significantly cheaper than toothpaste, the product appeals to some people.
Baking soda can be used as a basic tooth powder.
The main ingredient in a tooth powder is an abrasive to remove plaque and food from the teeth. Baking soda is a common abrasive, along with salt or chalk. A soap may be included to encourage foaming in the powder. You can also include antibacterial ingredients like tea tree extract or a flavoring like peppermint to make it more palatable. To use the powder, people measure out a small amount, wet a damp toothbrush, and brush their teeth as directed by a dentist.
Peroxide, when mixed with baking soda, forms a simple tooth powder.
While dental hygiene has improved tremendously over the years, tooth powder has been around for a long time. The Egyptians used it, for example, as did ancient Asian cultures. Europeans used to use waterless toothbrushes until around 1800, when cleaning powders became popular. Lots of people made their own, and some commercial preparations were actually quite dangerous, due to the use of toxic filler ingredients. Toothpaste began to be commercialized in the late 19th century, although it was not immediately popular.
Baking soda and peroxide help whiten teeth.
For a very basic form of tooth powder, people can take advantage of the reaction between baking soda and peroxide, which will help whiten teeth during cleaning. A small amount of baking soda can be placed in your hand or in a small dish and hydrogen peroxide poured over it. The toothbrush is dipped into the foam mixture and the person brushes as they normally would. People who prefer a tamer brushing experience can also use plain baking soda and water.
Tooth powder can also be made more stimulating with the addition of essential oils and food-grade extracts. Ingredients like peppermint and tea tree oil can leave your mouth feeling clean and crisp, while cinnamon can help fight microbes in your mouth and leave you feeling warm. The powder can be kept in a can or bottle in the bathroom. Users can encourage people to use a spoon to scoop some powder onto their hands, instead of dipping wet toothbrushes into the container. this will help prevent contamination.