Tooth powder has become a lifesaver for many people, particularly those with sensitive teeth and gums. It is usually made with natural abrasives like baking soda, charcoal, and clay, as well as antibacterial essential oils. It doesn't contain fluoride, so it's less likely to cause irritation to your teeth and gums. But if you're new to tooth powder, choosing one might seem a little bit challenging.
That's why we've compiled a list of highly recommended tooth powders to save you some research time. Check the buying guide reviewed by a dental hygienist to help you find the right product for you!
Quick List - Top Tooth Powders
Viva Doria
Chemical-Free Oral Care With Natural Ingredients for Healthy Teeth and Gums
Living Well with Dr. Michelle
Holistic Tooth Powder by Dr. Michelle Jorgensen
Jaeyoung is an oral health educator and dental disease preventer passionate about paving the way for patients to embark on their journey to proper oral hygiene. She graduated from UNC School of Dentistry in 2018 and served on the UNC SOD SPURGEON Student Government. She's always trying to keep up with new dental research articles and products to help her patients choose compatible products that work with their lifestyles. She's also a coffee lover and mom to two Bengal cats and multiple plants!
mybest US' editing team consists of experienced members who have backgrounds in writing, editing, translation, and more. We are dedicated to researching what makes a product or service the best to users in the US in order to create top-quality articles. From skincare, to kitchen appliances, and to DIY supplies, our mission is to find the best ones for you.
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Table of Contents
You might have never heard about tooth powder before, but it was actually the antecedent to toothpaste and created thousands of years ago.
This dental care product is thought to have been invented by the Romans to clean and polish teeth as well as eliminate unpleasant mouth odor. The very first version of tooth powder contained ingredients such as eggshells, animal bone ash, and myrrh.
Tooth powder was still widely used up until the nineteenth century, although slightly modified with some other ingredients like baking soda, herbs, plant oils, chalk, and salt.
Nowadays, tooth powder is crafted to suit a variety of dental needs such as removing odor or whitening teeth. But despite differences in the formulas of products, some of the commonly-found ingredients still include baking soda, essential oils, and medicinal herbs.
So what sets tooth powder apart from toothpaste? Tooth powder is usually made with naturally-derived ingredients and doesn't contain fluoride. Therefore, it's a better choice for those with sensitive teeth and gum.
Studies have also shown that tooth powder may be more effective in removing plaque and controlling gingivitis. In addition to abrasives, toothpaste consists of humectants and thickeners to get a smooth texture. Therefore, it's less concentrated than tooth powder and might not be able to remove stains as effectively.
Tooth powder hasn't been widely studied, but it has been around for a long time. Tooth powder may do a better job at removing stains and reducing plaque because of the concentrated ingredients of baking soda, essential oils, and medicinal herbs.
If you're not cavity-prone and you're sensitive or allergic to fluoride, giving tooth powder a go can be a good idea to find better ways to improve your oral health.
In this buying guide, we'll talk about some key points that you might want to take into consideration such as the abrasive ingredients and the flavor.
Abrasives are an indispensable part of all tooth powders. They help eliminate discoloration as well as remove plaque and stains from the surface of your teeth.
However, not all abrasives work the same way. Some might be too harsh on your teeth and can even damage their enamel. Meanwhile, some might be too weak and can't really eliminate tough stains like coffee, tea, or nicotine stains.
Clays such as kaolin, bentonite, and French green clay are excellent options to help you achieve that pearly smile. Kaolin clay and bentonite are especially great at whitening and polishing your teeth and won't irritate sensitive teeth and gums.
French green clay has antibacterial properties to help impede the growth of bacteria that cause tooth decay. All clays are rich in minerals that help strengthen the health of your teeth such as calcium, potassium, and phosphorous.
Be careful using clays when whitening teeth! Although they're effective, some can be very damaging to tooth enamel. Abrasive products can also lead to gum recession. Bentonite clay can be abrasive on the enamel and gums, but Umbrian clay is relatively nonabrasive.
The thought of brushing your teeth with some black charcoal powder might not sound that compelling, but--even though there isn't conclusive evidence yet--charcoal may actually deliver various benefits to your oral health.
Besides removing plaque effectively, some research shows it can possibly balance the pH level of your mouth because it attracts acids. Keeping a pH of 6.2 to 7.6 is particularly important since below that you run a risk of tooth decay. It's easy to check the pH level of your mouth with a pH testing strip, or ask your dentist to measure it.
However, the reason charcoal removes plaque is that it's abrasive. There are many who say it whitened their teeth and had no unwanted effects, but there are few studies on its use.
More research needs to be done on activated charcoal for dental professionals to confidently promote its benefits. Like most abrasives, use it moderately and gently; it could lead to permanent damage to your teeth and gums.
Baking soda, also listed as sodium bicarbonate in an ingredient list, is another ingredient that can help whiten your teeth and remove discoloration. It isn't abrasive to the point of damaging your tooth enamel but is still effective in blocking the accumulation of plaque.
Baking soda is often combined with other abrasives such as clays in order to boost its whitening and cleansing power.
Baking soda is also found in toothpaste and helps to gently whiten and remove plaque when brushing. However, if you brush with it too aggressively, the abrasive particles and the excessive forces put on by the toothbrush bristles can damage your enamel.
Bacteria exist everywhere in the mouth. While most are harmless, there are also bad ones that can induce dental decay and gum disease. T. denticola and P. gingivalis are two common types of bacteria that can lead to bleeding and inflamed gums. S. mutans is a kind of bacteria associated with tooth decay.
Many abrasives such as bentonite clay can only help hinder the growth of bacteria to some degree. Products that can actually eliminate harmful bacteria include essential oils with powerful antibacterial properties such as spearmint oil, peppermint oil, orange, cinnamon, and others.
Those essential oils might impart a taste and smell to your tooth powder as well. Since tooth powders without any flavorings might taste a bit dusty, having essential oils in the formula is a natural way to make using tooth powder a little bit more pleasant. There are traditional mint flavors and warm, spicy flavors like cinnamon.
Tooth powders with essential oils are almost guaranteed to boost their effectiveness. Some essential oils such as peppermint, basil, and thyme oils are known to kill bacteria. Essential oils also help flavor the tooth powders for a more pleasant brushing experience.
Some tooth powders are only recommended to use once or twice per week, but others can replace regular toothpaste. There are also those that should be used after you finish brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste.
If you want to ease into using tooth powder, one that is used in combination with toothpaste might be a good place to start.
I would read about the ingredients listed in tooth powder,s such as which clays and essential oils are involved. Like with all brushing methods, brush gently along the gum line to effectively remove bacteria and prevent gum recession.
Tooth powders may be a great addition to improve your oral health, especially for those with gum disease.
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | Details | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Amount | Key Ingredients | Flavor | Whitens Teeth | |||||
1 | Primal Life Dirty Mouth Luminous Lemon Toothpowder | ![]() | Lemon Flavored Tooth Powder | 1 oz | Bentonite, Sodium Bicarbonate, Essential Oils | Lemon | ||
2 | Viva Doria Natural Non-Fluoride Tooth Powder Mint Flavor | ![]() | Chemical-Free Oral Care With Natural Ingredients for Healthy Teeth and Gums | 3 oz | Eucalyptus, Menthol | Mint | ||
3 | PurelyWHITE DELUXE Whitening Powder | ![]() | Transform Your Smile Gently With Innovative Whitening Technology | 0.5 oz | PAP | |||
4 | Living Well with Dr. Michelle Remineralizing Tooth Powder | ![]() | Holistic Tooth Powder by Dr. Michelle Jorgensen | 5.18 oz | Bentonite, Calcium Carbonate, Hydroxyapatite | Cool Mint | ||
5 | Living Well with Dr. Michelle Whitening & Remineralizing Tooth Powder (Cool Mint) | ![]() | Naturally Strengthen and Whiten Your Teeth with Hydroxyapatite and Activated Charcoal | 2oz | Activated Charcoal, Bentonite, Hydroxyapatite | Cool Mint | ||
6 | Uncle Harry's Peppermint Toothpaste | ![]() | All-Natural Powder Toothpaste | 3 oz | Bentonite Clay, Calcium Carbonate, Colloidal Silver, Sea Salt, Mustard Seed, Eucalyptus, Clove, Wintergreen, and Oregano Essential Oils | Peppermint | ||
7 | Simply Sooney Vegan Mineral Tooth Powder | ![]() | Handcrafted Vegan Tooth Powder With Organic Ingredients for Gentle and Safe Oral Care | 1.5 oz | Pepperment Oil, Essential Oils | Peppermint | ||
8 | PurelyWHITE DELUXE Teeth Brightening Powder | ![]() | Gentle Whitening, Viral Brightness | 0.5 oz | PAP | |||
9 | Boka BrightBoost Whitening Powder | ![]() | Tooth Powder for Sensitive Teeth | 5 oz | Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) and Peroxide-Free PAP | |||
10 | Made by Dentists Teeth Whitening Powder | ![]() | Whitening Powder Made by Professionals | 0.5oz | Hydroxyapatite, Diamond Powder, PAP, and Hydrogen Peroxide |
Key Ingredients | Bentonite, Sodium Bicarbonate, Essential Oils |
---|
Discover a natural way to enhance your oral health with Dirty Mouth Toothpowder. Crafted with organic, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients, this innovative powder uses bentonite, kaolin, and French green clays, combined with spearmint essential oils, to clean and brighten your teeth effectively. Free from synthetic additives, fluoride, and artificial flavors, it offers a safe alternative for a fresher, cleaner smile.
Amount | 1 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | Lemon |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | Eucalyptus, Menthol |
---|
Amount | 3 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | Mint |
Whitens Teeth |
Amount | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | Bentonite, Calcium Carbonate, Hydroxyapatite |
---|
Elevate your oral care routine with this fluoride-free, hydroxyapatite-based tooth powder. Clinically proven to rebuild enamel, strengthen teeth, and reduce sensitivity, it combines natural whitening agents like bentonite clay and calcium carbonate with essential oils for a refreshing clean. Developed with a focus on whole-body wellness, this tooth powder is a safe, natural, and effective alternative to conventional toothpaste, enhancing both oral and overall health.
Amount | 5.18 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | Cool Mint |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | Activated Charcoal, Bentonite, Hydroxyapatite |
---|
Amount | 2oz |
---|---|
Flavor | Cool Mint |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | Bentonite Clay, Calcium Carbonate, Colloidal Silver, Sea Salt, Mustard Seed, Eucalyptus, Clove, Wintergreen, and Oregano Essential Oils |
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Uncle Harry's Natural Toothpaste provides a holistic approach to oral care with its fluoride-free, mineral-rich formula. It strengthens teeth with calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus while promoting a naturally alkaline environment for optimal dental health. Infused with peppermint and spiced plant essences, it eliminates bad breath and refreshes the mouth, all in a sustainable, zero-waste glass jar.
Crafted with natural ingredients like bentonite clay, colloidal silver, and essential oils, this toothpaste whitens teeth without harsh chemicals, ensuring a gentle yet effective clean. Free from synthetic preservatives, animal by-products, and foaming agents, it caters to even the most sensitive and conscious users.
Amount | 3 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | Peppermint |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | Pepperment Oil, Essential Oils |
---|
The Vegan Mineral Tooth Powder is a handcrafted oral care product made in small batches by a woman-owned company established in 2013. It provides gentle cleansing through a non-abrasive, non-toxic formula that is safe if swallowed. Packaged in a BPA-free amber plastic jar, the powder is formulated with certified organic ingredients sourced from American companies, ensuring a high-quality, vegan, and cruelty-free product.
This tooth powder features food-grade bentonite clay and calcium carbonate from limestone for mineral-rich cleaning and whitening. It includes non-GMO American birch xylitol, magnesium citrate, and Himalayan sea salt to support dental health. Essential oils such as peppermint and orange, or certified organic herbs, add a refreshing flavor and contribute to the powder's effectiveness. Free from fluoride, SLS, glycerin, artificial colors, flavors, and fragrances, this product is designed to promote remineralization without harmful chemicals, making it suitable for adults seeking a natural oral care solution.
Amount | 1.5 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | Peppermint |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | PAP |
---|
Elevate your oral care routine with Simply Purple Brightening Powder, a gentle yet effective whitening solution that delivers a radiant smile without sensitivity. This innovative powder oxidizes tough stains like coffee, tea, and wine, leaving your teeth visibly brighter without damaging enamel.
Formulated with PAP, a peroxide-free alternative, this product offers a safe and enamel-friendly approach to teeth whitening. Its efficiency and ease of use have made it a viral sensation, celebrated by celebrities and TikTok users alike. Just dip your toothbrush into the powder alongside your regular toothpaste for an instant upgrade.
Amount | 0.5 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | Nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) and Peroxide-Free PAP |
---|
Transform your brushing routine with Boka Tooth Powder, a fluoride-free solution designed to whiten and remineralize teeth. Infused with nano-hydroxyapatite (n-Ha) and peroxide-free PAP, this advanced formula polishes away stains while strengthening enamel, leaving teeth smoother and brighter. Essential vitamins A, C, and E complement the refreshing lemongrass mint flavor, enhancing oral health and gum care.
Gentle yet effective, Boka Tooth Powder includes soothing aloe vera and natural polishers like perlite and kaolin to ensure a deep clean without irritating sensitive teeth and gums. This water-free, compact alternative to toothpaste is perfect for home or travel, offering a fresh, revitalized smile wherever you go.
Amount | 5 oz |
---|---|
Flavor | |
Whitens Teeth |
Key Ingredients | Hydroxyapatite, Diamond Powder, PAP, and Hydrogen Peroxide |
---|
Reveal a radiant smile with Made by Dentists Whitening Tooth Powder, designed to deliver instant whitening results. Its professional-grade formula, featuring hydroxyapatite, diamond powder, PAP, and hydrogen peroxide, effectively lifts stubborn stains while being gentle on enamel. This non-abrasive powder ensures safe daily use, leaving your teeth visibly brighter and healthier.
Amount | 0.5oz |
---|---|
Flavor | |
Whitens Teeth |
No. 1: Primal Life|Dirty Mouth Luminous Lemon Toothpowder
No. 2: Viva Doria|Natural Non-Fluoride Tooth Powder Mint Flavor
No. 3: PurelyWHITE DELUXE|Whitening Powder
No. 4: Living Well with Dr. Michelle|Remineralizing Tooth Powder
No. 5: Living Well with Dr. Michelle|Whitening & Remineralizing Tooth Powder (Cool Mint)
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