Adults Have Many Options Today to Get Straighter Teeth

Toothpaste is used by almost all Americans for their tooth brushing needs, but tooth powder has a long history that predates paste-based cleaners. In fact, there are good reasons why using a homemade tooth powder may be advantageous for individuals even in today's time; some of these factors include low-cost per unit of volume as well as complete control over what ingredients are mixed into the powder. Below is how you can make your own tooth powder with bentonite clay as the key base ingredient:

Why is bentonite clay so beneficial?

Bentonite clay is formed naturally as a byproduct of volcanic ash breakdown. It can have any number of core chemical origins, including calcium, sodium and potassium, but all bentonite clay subtypes possess certain characteristics that make it an excellent ingredient in tooth powder:

• Moisture retention capability - Bentonite clay is capable of absorbing a tremendous amount of water relative to particle size. This means that the clay can pull in not only water but also bacteria, viruses, plaque, and other dental disease-causing agents. The clay "binds" these agents during brushing, and they are then harmlessly discharged from the mouth during spitting and rinsing.

• Mildly abrasive properties - Bentonite clay is also a slightly-abrasive compound. This assists in the mechanical removal of harmful and stain-causing materials from the teeth. The abrasive characteristics are not overly harsh, however, and this is important since it won't contribute to the destruction of your tooth enamel.

• Medically-safe and approved - Bentonite clay has been approved for internal use by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and is known to be safe for use in laxatives.

How to make your own tooth powder

1. Pour one-half cup of bentonite clay powder into a clean, glass bowl, and add two tablespoons of xylitol powder as a sweetening agent. Xylitol offers tremendous benefits to your teeth as well. It contains natural, plant-derived chemicals that possess antibacterial properties; these chemicals kill bacteria that cause tooth decay.

2. Add a tablespoon of cinnamon powder to the bowl. Cinnamon also possesses antibacterial properties and works in conjunction with the xylitol to provide a "one-two" punch against the harmful microorganisms that inhabit your mouth. Its taste is also pleasant to most people and can serve as a great incentive to brush your teeth.

3. Mix thoroughly and store tooth powder in a clean, dry container. After you have added the three ingredients, stir the contents thoroughly with a large spoon until they are evenly mixed. Pour the contents into a clean, dry container and seal it tightly to prevent moisture from entering and swelling the bentonite clay.

4. Use the tooth powder. To use the tooth powder, pour about one half of a teaspoon on your toothbrush and brush your teeth as you normally would. Spit and rinse with cool tap water, or even omit the rinsing if you wish.

For more information, contact a dentist in your area.