It wasn't until the late 1800s that companies like Colgate began producing commercial toothpastes. Like products of the nineteenth and twentieth century, marketing became the driving force. Additives like fluoride, flavoring, coloring, and foaming agents are now a standard part of the recipe for commercial toothpaste. But you can keep your teeth clean and white and your gums healthy without these additives. Just use the same simple ingredients your great grandmother used for her family's tooth powders and toothpastes.
Baking Soda and Peroxide
The easiest solution is to make a paste of baking soda and a few drops of hydrogen peroxide. Not only with this make your teeth and mouth fresh and clean, the peroxide will help to whiten your teeth.
Baking Soda and Oils
Another recipe combines ½ half teaspoon of baking soda with ½ half teaspoon of finely ground sea salt and a drop of peppermint, spearmint, orange, clove or cinnamon oil for flavoring. Mix in a few drops of water to form a paste thick enough to stay on your toothbrush. Store in an air tight container.
Citrus Powered
To make a tooth powder, add a teaspoon or two of dried lemon or orange rind to a mixture of ¼ cup of baking soda and 1 teaspoon of table salt. Grind the ingredients together in a food processor. Store in an air tight container. To use, dip your moistened toothbrush into the powder.
photo by Festland
