Why and How to use toothpowder

Toothpaste has many harmful chemicals. How can we put something non-edible ingredients in our mouth? The chemicals, when put into our mouth, are absorbed via swallowing and sublingual absorption. Sublingual, meaning 'under the tongue'. From our mouth cavity substances are rapidly absorbed via the blood vessels into our bloodstream. This method is used in medical procedures also, like first aid for heart attack. We are allowing chemicals to enter our bodies through our digestive system and bloodstream. 

Traditionally toothpowder or tree twigs were used to maintain oral health and it is the time we also switch to these natural methods. So buy a natural toothpowder or make your own! It's very important to keep the toothpowder dry and moisture-free. Make sure to take the toothpowder with dry hands.

How to use toothpowder: In your palm take around 2 pinches of powder, use your finger or toothbrush and gently brush your teeth for 2-5 minutes. Rinse your mouth well. 

Some concerns around toothpowder are

1. It can abrasive as its a powder form  - It's important to use a very fine toothpowder. The best way to brush is to use your finger to brush, massaging the toothpowder on your teeth and gums. However, if you do use a brush, brush gently. When using toohpaste we brush vigorously but when we brush with toothpowder we should be gentle to make sure it's not abrasive.

2. Teeth are yellow - I have been using toothpowder for the past 3 years and I have not visited the dentist even once, because I have healthy teeth. My teeth are slightly yellow but are healthy. So I question this concept of white sparkly teeth. Has the media influenced into believing that white teeth = healthy teeth? Of course for a few people, yellowing teeth could also be some medical issue, and that should be addressed but otherwise, I don't see an issue with my slightly yellow teeth. There are natural remedies and ways also to gain white teeth like salt. Some ways are to use salt water to brush your teeth, oil pulling,  gently rubbing the inside of a banana peel on your teeth.

3. Teeth become sensitive when using toothpowder - If you are using a toothpowder that has a citrus element like amla or lemon then you can experience sensitivity in your teeth. It's then advisable to take a break from the toothpowder regularly, like for a week every month and use a not citrus toothpowder. 

4. Tooth decay or cavity - Believe it or not your teeth have the potential to heal itself. It is called the remineralization of teeth. Your saliva is the way your teeth remineralize. Your diet affects the nutrition content in your saliva and its potential to heal the teeth. Good to have vitamins and minerals in your diet. Also, a good oral hygiene is important for healthy teeth and teeth remineralization so brush regularly, cleans your tongue and rinse your mouth after eating. For cavity, some ingredients to add in toothpowder are Guava leaves, Mango leaves and Banyan aerial bark powder.