Today it is difficult for us to imagine that our distant ancestors did not have toothbrushes, tooth powders, or pastes. And why didn't they just brush their teeth! Tree bark, resin, gypsum, propolis, snail shells, corals and other outlandish materials for us were in the arsenal of ancient people.
But progress does not stand still. Great Britain is considered the birthplace of tooth powder, where it appeared in the eighteenth century. Chalk served as the basis for the manufacture of tooth powder. Little has changed over time. And today, tooth powder is made from chalk, adding essential oils, fragrances, flavors, and abrasives. Today, powders can be found in almost any pharmacy or household chemical store at a fairly affordable price, but they are not widely popular. This is due to the fact that in addition to useful properties, this tool is fraught with some dangers.
Useful properties of tooth powder
It should be remembered that the benefit or harm of tooth powders largely depends on the correct use of them, as well as the composition, which may differ from manufacturer to manufacturer.
The main advantage of tooth powder over pastes is a higher degree of abrasiveness, which is an important factor in the fight against tartar. Tooth powder perfectly polishes tooth enamel, making teeth whiter. The powder is also able to cope with the harmful microflora of the oral cavity, thereby reducing the risk of caries.
For people with gum problems, tooth powder is simply irreplaceable. Compresses from such a powder can stop inflammatory processes. Mix tooth powder with water to a paste-like consistency and apply to the gums for 10 minutes after brushing your teeth. After this procedure, rinse your mouth well with a decoction of chamomile or oak bark.
What harm can tooth powder cause?
Despite the fact that modern technologies for the production of tooth powders make them practically harmless, sometimes the result may not be as expected.
Because toothpowder is more abrasive than toothpaste, using too much or too much can damage your enamel and gums. Therefore, it is recommended to carefully study the composition of the tooth powder and use it no more than once a week.
Another danger of tooth powder lies in its packaging. If several family members use one package, dipping a toothbrush in powder, this is not very hygienic, and can lead to various types of oral diseases, as well as infection with acute respiratory infections. Therefore, it is better for each family member to purchase a separate box of tooth powder, especially since it is not very expensive.
