My remineralizing toothpaste is one of the most visited posts at Wellness Mama. Over the years I’ve had a lot of emails from people who’ve switched and love it. After I remineralized my teeth and reversed cavities, I became a convert to natural toothpaste!
The only downfall to my homemade toothpaste is that it can leave residue on sinks. Plus there’s some concern with the coconut oil if you have a septic system (like we do). I also wanted to figure out how to incorporate the benefits of healing clays into our oral health regimen. However, there were some definite texture issues with the clays and coconut oil.
What resulted was this remineralizing tooth powder and I couldn’t be happier with the results. It’s even easier to make than homemade toothpaste. Plus you can use ground herbs and spices instead of essential oils if preferred.
Choosing a Natural Toothpaste
Over the past decade, more and more natural toothpastes have come on the market. They advertise fluoride-free, sulfate-free, and natural ingredients. Some are certainly better than others, but there are some good ones on the market. I compare different natural toothpastes in this article. Or you can find the toothpaste I helped develop here (we have tooth whitening toothpaste plus a kid’s strawberry flavor!).
You’ll still find DIY products in my bathroom though because I love being able to customize my oral care products.
Why Tooth Powder?
Natural tooth powder is less messy than a tube of toothpaste. This makes it easier to travel with or take camping. I don’t have to worry about toothpaste all over my clothes if it accidentally gets squished in my suitcase. And it has a much longer shelf life since we’re not introducing any liquids.
The main ingredient in this homemade tooth powder is bentonite clay. Years ago I became a big fan of bentonite clay for its amazing health properties. Not only does it bind and draw out heavy metals and toxins (a big plus for the mouth!), but it’s also mineral rich.
You can take bentonite internally to help remove toxins, so it’s safe to use in the mouth. Be sure to get food-grade bentonite clay though! The one I have linked in the recipe below is safe to use internally. In recent years there’s been talk about the lead naturally found in bentonite clay. While there is a tiny amount of lead (like many things), it’s bound within the clay and not bioavailable. You can read more about that here.
Bentonite is also rich in calcium, magnesium, and silica to help nourish teeth. So how does it work? Bentonite clay is unique because once mixed with water the molecules develop an electrical charge. This charge attracts and soaks up toxins, drawing them into the inside of the clay structure and holding them there.
To put it another way…
Bentonite is a swelling clay. When it becomes mixed with water it rapidly swells open like a highly porous sponge that traps toxins. It’s also very gentle and has a milder taste. I use it for facial masks, healing poultices, and even my hair.
Healthy Tooth Powder Ingredients
The other tooth powder ingredients also support a healthy oral microbiome. The blend of herbs and minerals fights bad breath and leaves your mouth feeling squeaky clean. For a pure mint flavor you can use more mint and omit the cinnamon and clove. You can adjust the amount of powder to your preferences. Personally, I love the balanced blend of organic peppermint powder, cinnamon, and refreshing clove.
- Baking soda – Helps remove stains and whiten teeth but it’s gentle enough that it won’t harm enamel. Helps remove plaque and reduces gum bleeding and inflammation. Because it’s alkaline it supports a healthy mouth pH to discourage harmful bacteria.
- Calcium Carbonate powder – Provides the calcium needed for strong enamel and can help reduce tooth sensitivity.
- Ground cloves – Naturally antioxidant and a broad spectrum antimicrobial. Clove freshens breath, increases circulation for healthier gums, soothes inflammation, and can reduce the pain of sensitive teeth. It also gives the tooth powder a yummy taste.
- Cinnamon – Also antimicrobial and antifungal (especially against candida). Tastes great and helps discourage bacterial growth in the mouth for fresh breath. Reduces gum inflammation and increases circulation.
- Mint – Tastes great and soothes the gums. Mint is antimicrobial, helps relieve tooth pain, and freshens breath. There’s also some evidence it can help fight the virus that causes cold sores.
- Xylitol – This sweetener adds to the tooth powder flavor but also has some impressive oral health benefits. Studies show it helps fight plaque and gingivitis inflammation. It also helps prevent cavities and binds with calcium to help remineralize teeth.
Adding Essential Oils
It’s completely optional, but you can add some essential oils to your tooth powder. They’re a potent way to increase the oral health benefits. Most antimicrobial essential oils are strong so a little goes a long way. When I add essential oils to this recipe, I just add a few drops total per batch.
Here are some essential oils to try in your DIY tooth powder!
- Myrrh
- Cinnamon leaf (less irritating than cinnamon bark essential oil)
- Clove
- Mint (peppermint or spearmint)
- Orange (wild or sweet orange)
- Chamomile
- Frankincense
The great thing about this tooth powder is you can customize the flavor however you want. You can add essential oils to increase the potency or leave them out for a milder taste (that even my kids like).

Remineralizing Tooth Powder
Notes
How to Use Tooth Powder
Dump a little powder into your palm and dip the bristles of a wet toothbrush into the powder. Sometimes I’ll also add a few drops of the OraWellness Brushing Blend. Brush and rinse with cool water. Adults and kids can use this daily (or multiple times a day). Follow it up with some mouthwash or flossing if needed.
Shelf Life and Storage
This tooth powder will last for several years if stored properly. Store away from direct light and heat (like the car in summer). While it doesn’t have any water and the ingredients are antimicrobial, be sure to avoid getting the tooth powder jar wet. Always put a little powder into your palm before applying it to a wet toothbrush. Never dip the brush into the jar of powder as this introduces bacteria.
Oral Health Regimen
My teeth have never been whiter or healthier (according to my dentist) thanks to my oral health regimen. I eat foods that support oral health and use mouth-healthy products. I don’t do the same thing every single day, but here are some of the things I use. I’ve changed it up some since I reversed my cavities and often now I’ll just use Wellnesse toothpaste.
- Brush with Wellnesse Remineralizing and Charcoal Toothpastes. One step, no fuss, and plenty of natural health benefits.
- Brush with tooth powder or homemade remineralizing toothpaste.
- Rub a few drops of this brushing blend on my gums and tongue to discourage bacteria growth.
Have you ever had success reversing a cavity? What does your oral health routine look like? Leave a comment and share below!

Is substituting erythritol for xylitol in your tooth powder recipe acceptable? I mistakenly bought erythritol instead of xylitol. Thanks, Phil
No, erythritol will sweeten it but it doesn’t benefit the enamel.
Hi, The bentonite clay you’ve used is marketed as food grade, but there are disclaimers on the packaging that advise the state of California is aware the product causes cancer, reproductive organ harm and birth defects. Can you please comment more on this?
his article explains more: https://comments.wellnessmama.com/health/california-prop-65/
Which Bentonite clay should I use? Sodium or Calcium Bentonite Clay? What is the difference between them?
Calcium bentonite clay has more calcium in it and is considered a cleaner source than sodium bentonite. Sodium bentonite has higher salt levels and is a swelling clay that increases in size more with water. Both types have very similar properties otherwise.
I LOVE this tooth powder! I have recently discovered a coconut allergy and can’t use most soap, lotion, toothpaste, etc.
I skipped the xylitol, cinnamon, and cloves as I do low histamine and can’t have cinnamon and don’t need it to be sweet.
Instead, I added ground spearmint and 1 T ginger, it’s lovely. Ginger spearmint! My teeth feel like they have been polished. So happy with this. Thanks
Thank-you for sharing this interesting and helpful blog.
I’ve read about tooth powder/toothpaste recipies with cocoa powder in response to the studies completed on theobromine (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6364351/).
Have you tried this ingredient in your oral hygiene routine?
For those with dogs erythritol is dog safe and works as well as xylitol at preventing cavities and balancing oral ph.
Would it taste horrible without the sweetener? Or is there an alternative?
You can omit the sweetener. It is a little salty without it but I don’t find it bad at all. Xylitol does have studies backing its benefits for oral health though.
Like you, I have a septic system for my home. Which I’m glad you mention was also a concern for you using coconut oil as it tends to harden when cold. To the day I’ve used a separate container to dispose of after washing up so to avoid complications with the septic system clogging/backing up with coconut oil after oil pulling or with the used toothpaste. A bit of an inconvenience. So when I looked into the alternate tooth powder recipe instead of the homemade toothpaste I’ve been making with coconut oil, again – it begs the question: since bentonite clay is, well, clay, and it expands with water. Such liquids as those that exist in our septic tank. Will it not run the same risk as coconut oil and back it up when it swells?
Hi Wellness Mama — I wonder if you might want to include a note beside the Xylitol in the ingredient list that it is highly toxic and even deadly for dogs. Even a small amount. I’d like to think a dog would not be interested in eating this toothpaste, but some of ’em are just weird. Thank you for this recipe. I’m gathering the ingredients now. I’ve been buying an already formulated powder, but the price is quite ridiculous.
I used these ingredients with distilled water and made a mouthwash. I left out the mint and baking soda. I do a 15 minute swish with it when I take my afternoon shower. It tastes great! Can this be made into a gel using guar gum and distilled water? I prefer a gel over dry. I would probably also add some magnesium chloride, as it is a great add on for oral care. My magnesium chloride flakes are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. Please advise.
I’m noticing the links on most of the recipes are to sodium bentonite and not calcium. Is the sodium ok for use on teeth? I’ve read mixed things. I even ordered one that was listed as calcium but when I got it turns out it’s sodium.
I am about to begin a natural reminerlizing routine. I quite using fluoride toothpaste about 2 years ago. About mid-year last year I began to have some dental issues. I have not had any issues since 2003. I get my teeth cleaned twice a year every year. I believe the issue was with going non-fluoride. I know there are those that believe that fluoride is poisonous, but so are most chemicals when taken at a high level. Tis like drinking a cup of red wine a night versus drinking a bottle a night. The 8 ounces a night is very beneficial for men, but about 4-5 ounces for women. A bottle a night would likely lead to death after a prolonged period of time.
I spoke to my dentist about the fluoride issue and he addressed the issue and I believe that I will continue using it for now. I want to ramp up the process and use a remineralizing gargle. Would this recipe make an appropriate mouthwash if distilled water was added to the list? Please respond and I will proceed as prompted. Thank you!
I’d recommend reading through this about fluoride: https://wellnessmama.com/377757/fluoride/
Thank you for your response. I read the article. Still, can this recipe be used as a mouthwash with the addition of distilled or filtered water? Please advise.
Yes, although I would mix a small amount each day instead of mixing a large amount as I don’t know the shelf life over time.
Thank you! I will give it a try. I have a few preservatives and will research which one will be best. I will have to test the pH of a smaller solution first and proceed from there.
Please reconsider and do more looking into fluoride. It is taken up by the thyroid instead of iodine and will cause life issues long term. Do everything you can to detox from fluoride, starting with iodine supplement
Does cinnamon stain teeth?
I haven’t had any trouble with this, but you can omit if you are concerned.
Is there a benefit to one type of calcium powder over another?
I am able to get grey-green clay from the Andes but calcium powder? Nada/ what is the purpose of the calcium powder and can it be left out?
You can leave it out, but it provides minerals
The betonite clay link for amazon is out of stock any suggests on where to get it?
What is the OralWellness brushing blend?
And wheres the best place to get the calcium powder?
This one should be in stock: https://amzn.to/2G5xZ5z but this brand is also good https://amzn.to/37k1xIV