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The surprising truth about your Toothpaste: Is it really the best choice?

Tushar Aggarwal

We've all been there - standing in the toothpaste aisle, staring at rows of brightly colored tubes promising whiter teeth and fresher breath. But have you ever wondered if there's a better option out there? One that's kinder to the planet and just as effective at keeping your smile sparkling !




Do you remember “ tooth powder” - the humble, old-fashioned tooth cleaner, now it's making a big comeback. Gone are the days of those unpalatable powders. Today's modern powders are just as pleasant to use as traditional paste, but with some serious sustainability upsides.


You may be thinking, the world is going ahead, this fellow is taking us back to the old days and old means. Wait, please spend the next 1.5 minutes reading this article. You will be surprised to learn about the latest findings. 


 Well, recent studies have shown that quality tooth powders can actually outperform pastes when it comes to reducing plaque and gingivitis. The gentle, abrasive powders combined with super-cleaning ingredients like baking soda and essential oils give you serious cleaning power. So, if your concern is about effectiveness,  and your bright, healthy smile; Tooth power has proven to be more effective. 


Now, seeing what else the use of Tooth powder can bring to this world.  Let's start with the shipping and supply chain. Those heavy toothpaste tubes require a lot of fuel to transport from factory to store shelves. Tooth powders, on the other hand, are lightweight and compact, cutting way down on emissions from transportation.[1][2]


Then there's packaging. While most pastes come in plastic tubes that are difficult to recycle, many tooth powder brands use recyclable glass jars or plastic-free containers. Less waste ending up in landfills and oceans? We'll brush to that! Of course, it's no secret that toothpaste is more familiar and comfortable for many users. We've been using it for years, and old habits die hard. There's also a possibility that manufacturers prefer selling toothpaste because it is more profitable. Think about it: no matter the size of the toothpaste tube's hole, users tend to apply ¾ of the brush, often more than needed, ensuring they go through it faster. This is not an issue with tooth powder, where a little goes a long way.[3]


Making the switch is easy too. Just dip a wet toothbrush into the powder, give it a gentle tap, and start brushing like normal. You may need to add a touch more water than you would with a paste to get the perfect, spreadable consistency. But overall, it's a super straightforward, familiar routine.


So next time you're stocking up on oral care supplies, don't just grab the same old toothpaste out of habit. Give an eco-friendly tooth powder a try instead. Your teeth - and the planet - will thank you! Every action counts, so why not try it at least once and see the difference?


And a call to action for supermarkets and manufacturers: let's make tooth powders more available in shops and step up the advertisements for tooth powder. Why should toothpaste have all the shelf space and marketing? It's time for a change! References:-

  1. The Dirty Truth: How Much Toothpaste Really Contributes to Pollution (2024) by SWOP

  2. How a dramatic win in plastic waste case may curb ocean by Beth Gardiner

  3. American Academy of Periodontology ,October 11, 2023 "New Clinical Study Suggests Effectiveness of New Toothpaste in Combating Gingivitis and Plaque – Two Precursors of Periodontitis"



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