does anyone make there own tooth powder? Im about done with the tube of tooth paste. I thought it was just baking soda and salt,, is that right? ANyone have something different?

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), July 29, 2001

Answers

I just use baking powder. It tastes awful but does the job. Emily Jane

-- Emily Jane Jenkins (emilyjanejenkins@hotmail.com), July 29, 2001.

An equal part mixture of baking soda and salt with a drop or two of peppermint oil works and tastes pretty good, if you prefer, add your favorite natural essential oil, like sassafras, spearmint, or anise (is wonderful, tastes like licorice!!!). Store in a small tight- lidded jar to keep from hardening too much.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), July 29, 2001.

I know they use powdered myrrh in some places. Yep, like frankincense and myrrh. Can be ordered from herb suppliers.

-- Shannon at Grateful Acres Animal Sanctuary (gratacres@aol.com), July 29, 2001.

I've used anise flavored toothpaste from the health food store. I don't even like licorice but I just love that toothpaste!

-- Alison in N.S. (aproteau@istar.ca), July 31, 2001.

from a search using the google engine: MAKE YOUR OWN TOOTH POWDER. Thoroughly mix 3 parts baking soda (the cleanser and sweetener) with part salt (the abrasive) and funnel the compound into a short small-mouthed container such as a pop or beer bottle. You'll find that the creation has a satisfying, different taste and leaves your mouth feeling very fresh and soothed. If you'd like, add a few drops of peppermint or wintergreen oil to the concoction - or mix the home "brew" half-and-half with a commercial tooth powder - to give the dentifrice a more pleasant flavor. MAKE YOUR OWN TOOTHPASTE. This formula is simply an extension of the tooth powder recipe: To each half cup of homemade powder, add 3 teaspoons of glycerin, 10-20 drops of flavoring (peppermint, wintergreen, anise, cinnamon or whatever) and 1 drop of food coloring. Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl and add just enough water to make the concoction "tooth-pastey". Spoon the substance into a small refillable plastic squeeze bottle or any container that dispenses easily and won't leak. VoilÁ! Toothpaste!

-- bj pepper (pepper.pepper@excite.com), July 31, 2001.

I would like to say something to encourage those of you who use a tooth powder or who are now making a tooth powder. Tooth powders are the best means of cleaning your teeth.

The reason is that toothPASTES contain glycerine, or sodium laurel sulphate or sorbitol. My understanding is that these ingredients coat the teeth with a thin slippery layer. This thin slippery layer resists penetration from fluids. This is a very bad thing for the teeth. Indeed, it may not be an exaggeration to say that toothpaste is bad for your teeth. After using toothpaste, the glycerine layer coats the tooth and prevents remineralization. Remineralization is the natural process by which a healthy saliva applies calcium and needed nutrients to the tooth. If you have coated your teeth with glycerine, you have cut off theflow of minerals your teeth need.

Powders are kind of hard to use because they feel uncomfortable, but they are indeed better for your teeth.

-- Rick#7 (rick7@postmark.net), August 01, 2001.

Stan, this was in Heloise's column in this morning's local paper.

TOOTH POWDER 1/2-1/3 cup salt 1 (1 pound) box baking soda One of the following: oil of clove flavoring or oil of wintergreen flavoring Don't use a plastic blender container because it could be scratched. If using salt, pour it into a glass blender and turn on high for a few seconds, turn off, shake, then turn on again. Repeat this process until the salt has become a fine powder. Add the baking soda; mix for a second or two. Don't overblend. Divide the batch into different bowls if you are using more than one type of flavoring. Be careful not to "overflavor." Mix well and store in a airtight container. To use, pour a small amount or use a small squeeze bottle (a small, clean mustard bottle works well) to apply the tooth powder to a wet toothbrush. Note: Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate, so if you are on a sodium-restricted (limited salt) diet, you should check with your physician about using this, and you can omit the salt.

-- Victoria Tompkins (vtompkins@earthlink.net), August 02, 2001.

french clay with a drop of essential oils...or not

-- marcee king (thathope@mwt.net), August 03, 2001.

Another reason you don't want to use a plastic blender is that plastic will absorb some of the essential oil--clove-flavored everything, yuck. Whisk in a bowl or stir in a jar with lid and shake to blend. Dip your toothbrush in and you're set.

Some people add stevia to make it a little sweeter. Stevia is some plant used for years I think in South America, but I do not think it has been completely tested by the FDA.

-- GT (nospam@nospam.com), August 04, 2001.