Last Updated on January 23, 2024
I went to the dentist to get my yearly x-rays and dental exams. I’ve been using my zero waste, DIY mouthwash, toothpowder, and water flossing.
I was really curious how things would differ. I had one year of using conventional toothpaste, flossing, and Listerine. After that year, I discovered my first cavities. I couldn’t believe it – 24 years and I had never had a cavity!
WHY NOW!?!?
When I was a kid, my teeth were sealed. They said that they could see the sealant coming off inside the molars. So, several cavities had appeared and they said my gum line was slightly recessing. I was a little nervous to embark on the homemade, DIY journey… but I did!
And, it went WAY better than I had expected. My gums are so much better than they were. I definitely attribute this to the mouthwash and the waterpik. They make cordless water flossers now which sounds really revolutionary!
I do have one small cavity; so, that was a little bit of a bummer… but it wasn’t entirely unexpected with the way things were going. Bentonite clay is considered remineralizing, but I don’t think it has the power to heal a cavity… I could be wrong. Does anyone have experience with this?
I’m just happy that it wasn’t more than one.
My goals for the coming year is to oil pull more often. I am really interested in adding clove oil to my routine. I’ve heard really good things about clove oil and remineralization.
Have any of you used clove oil? I would love to hear your stories.
I’m working on making a homemade toothpaste rather than just a toothpowder. I’m pretty excited about the results and am looking forward to my checkup next year.
Yes I use clove oil in my toothpowder and incorporate whole cloves into my diet, through tea and cooking. When I am feeling congested I will chew on a whole clove.
Awesome! Great tips.
The information in your blog is really nice.We also provide Orthodontists services in Houston, Texas .All your dental needs can be addressed in one location.
Hi Kathryn! I appreciate all of your posts and hard work, so I thank you for that! Two questions: first, I recently started using the homemade tooth powder and I like it, but I’ve noticed I’ve developed teeth sensitivity and some dark spots that my dentist said may or may not be cavities seem to have gotten darker/bigger. I had gone 20 years using conventional toothpaste and I just got my first cavity this year. I was hesitant to switch my regimen up but the wasteful tubes, animal testing and scary ingredients are not appealing! But I don’t want my teeth to rot…I guess my question for you is if you noticed increased sensitivity at the beginning of using the powder? And if so, did it subside? I want to consult my dentist on this but I know he’d be aghast if he heard I stopped using fluoride! I just don’t want to cause irreparable damage to my teeth and I’m conflicted about whether I should stick it out with the powder or go back to fluoride.
Second, in regards to oil pulling, how do you keep that zero waste? Everything I read says to spit the oil in the trash because it clogs drains, but I feel like there must be a better way to discard it. Thank you so much!
Yes, your health comes FIRST. Some people need fluoride! You can always get a fluoride treatment with your dentist. Or switch to Tom’s. They take back their tubes through TerraCycle and don’t test on animals! I had sensitivity when using plain baking soda. I haven’t had any since using my new recipe. When I oil pull, I typically spit it outside… lol.
Thank you for the advice! I think I’ll go buy some Tom’s tomorrow and use that until I can make an appointment to talk with my dentist 🙂
Hi Kathryn!
Great post update! I’ve recently made my own batch of toothpaste using your powder recipe less the bentonite clay (I have yet to find it in bulk near me.) I’ve also mixed in coconut oil so i have a sort of paste instead of just powder, and since many people suggest oil pulling with coconut oil.
I recently found some posts on teeth whitening using tumeric powder and am considering adding it into my toothpaste mix.
Looking forward to more updates! Thanks for your awesome work.
I use a drop of clove oil on my toothbrush then add my toothpaste. It burns a bit but your mouth feels all tingly. It’s refreshing and supposed to be good to heal receding gums.
Hi Kathryn,
Great to hear that your tooth regimen is helping! I’m moving deeper into a zero waste lifestyle and haven’t yet changed over my dental hygiene. Glad to see that there’s a dentist approved recipe here. Thanks for putting that together 🙂
My experience in tooth remineralization is that it’s just as important to do from the inside as well. I was vegetarian for about 5 years and started to develop a fair amount of tooth decay. After having to have a wisdom tooth due to rapid degeneration (root canal level of decay) I started to question things and looked into what our ancestors did. I found Dr. Weston Price’s research and, slowly, but radically changed my diet. A decade later I now have much healthier teeth! No more sensitivity and no more cavities.
This dental powder looks good. The result is outstanding. what about the toothpaste? have you made it or not?
This dental powder looks good. The result is outstanding. what about the toothpaste? have you made it or not?
What’s your progress on making a natural toothpaste
This dental powder looks good. The result is outstanding. what about the toothpaste? have you made it or not?