Most tooth paste has way too much "flavor" for my tender mouth. I've been using really mild ones; fennel or anise feels better than peppermint. As part of my dental hygiene routine, I've been using one of those little water-sprayer devices. Before filling it with warm water, I put in a teaspoon of salt and one or two drops of tea tree oil. Using this solution over my teeth, gums and the space between my teeth feels like a good thing. No bleeding gums when I do this regularly.
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| Tea Tree tooth powder |
My distant dentist published on her professional FB page notes about the possibility of toothpaste being too abrasive and wearing the gums and the tooth enamel. So I thought I'd try an experiment. My mother used to make us use salt and soda for brushing our teeth when I was little. I didn't like it. What if I used soda, with a lesser amount of Real Salt and a few drops of tea tree oil? I'm quite sure that even though soda is slightly abrasive (it dissolves quickly), it is far less so than silica and the usual additives to regular toothpaste.
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| Best to use about half this amount. |
I've been using the combination for about a week*. My mouth feels fantastic and my teeth feel clean, clean, clean when I use this routine as part of the Things I get to do today. Tea tree oil is anti-bacterial and anti-fungal as well as being a topical anesthetic. Toothpaste is not a big budget item, but this latest polishing powder is nearly free in comparison. So speak right up, Ms. Dentist. Is soda with tea tree good for my mouth and teeth?
*I made up about 3/4 cup total: 1/2 cup soda, 3 Tablespoons of Real Salt and about 10 drops of tea tree oil.
From the "distant dentist"...This is a great non abrasive toothpaste and I'm sure the tea tree oil is an additive benefit. Dr. Julie Furber See also:http://www.drjuliefurber.com/causes-tooth-wear/
I'd like to know the answer to this, too. Read an interesting article some time back on a remineralizing homemade toothpaste: http://wellnessmama.com/2500/homemade-remineralizing-toothpaste-recipe/
ReplyDeleteYours sounds much simpler.
Fun read, Maia. But like you say, three ingredients makes this easier.
DeleteFrom the "distant dentist"...This is a great non abrasive toothpaste and I'm sure the tea tree oil is an additive benefit. Dr. Julie Furber
ReplyDeleteThanks for the confirmation on this. Common sense tells me it's good, but I've never spoken with a dentist on the subject. A professional opinion is most helpful.
DeleteAnd do I get extra credit for exercise with a tongue twister title? Bet you can't say it three times quickly!
DeleteThe baking soda is a buffering agent that at least temporarily neutralizes the acids.
ReplyDeleteThanks, John. Good info for our dental health.
DeleteMy dad always brushed with soda and he never had cavities until he got older. I have thought about it too. I think I'll whip up a batch for myself. Like your photo displays.
ReplyDeleteI hear lots of testimonials like your father's. Let me know what you think on this. Thanks on the photos--going to pay more attention to them
DeleteI’ve heard that salt and baking soda are good alternatives for toothpaste. However, I’m a bit concerned about the presence of soda in your formula, which sounds like an odd ingredient for me. Anyway, perhaps this “distant dentist” is reliable enough for you to heed her advice, and it’s good to know that they’re working right for you. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteClyde Miller @ Smile Care Shop