FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tooth powder?
Humans have cared about oral health for a very long time. Used as far back as 5000 years ago, tooth powder is the ancestor of modern-day toothpaste. Ancient Egyptian formulas contained ingredients like rock salt, eggshells, and mint, while Greece and Rome used charcoal and pumice. Though these formulas were often very rough–they were on to something.
Our modern, gentler version contains mild polishing and enamel-building minerals, natural essential oil for flavor, and plant-based xylitol for a touch of sweetness.

How do I use it?
Use the same way as toothpaste:

• Wet your toothbrush and shake off excess water, then dip your brush lightly into the powder.
• Brush as usual with the powder that sticks to the toothbrush. (If you wish to keep moisture out of your tin, sprinkle a good pinch of powder onto the wet toothbrush instead.)
• Swish and rinse with water when you’re finished.

Can children use this tooth powder? 
Yes! Some kids even prefer it to toothpaste. All ingredients are edible, food-grade and safe if small amounts are accidentally swallowed.
That said, do not allow children to ingest tooth powder--and always supervise children’s use of any oral health products. Please keep out of reach of children under 6. This stuff smells good, and they may be tempted to “eat” the powder! This product does not contain fluoride.

How long does it last?
A little bit goes a long way. A 1.7 oz tin will last at minimum 250 brushings, or at least 4 months if you brush twice daily (even longer if you use only water for one of those brushings). When you remove fillers, surfactants and liquids, you’re left with the “nitty gritty”: only the essential ingredients to do the job well. 
Unopened powder should last much longer than the best-by date due to the preserving effects of the ingredients. However, it’s best to use within 18-24 months for optimal flavor and potency.

Can you travel with tooth powder?
Yes! Regular toothpaste is considered a "liquid" by the TSA, which means it must be packed in a separate bag with shampoos/lotions and counts toward your quart-size liquids limit. Since tooth powder is not a liquid, it does not have to be in this bag and can be included in your carry-on in amounts less than 12 oz. 

What's in this stuff?
Our seven synergistic ingredients:

• Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) 
  
• Natural aluminum-free alkalizing agent for balancing oral PH, plaque and stain removal.
• Calcium bentonite clay
• Highest pharmaceutical-grade clay sourced from the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Contains calcium, magnesium and iron for remineralizing enamel, and binding to toxins and bacteria. 
• Xylitol
• Non-GMO natural sweetener, also for reducing cavity-causing bacteria and relieving dry mouth. Xylitol does not contain sugar and is safe for diabetics.
• Calcium carbonate
• Natural chalk derived from limestone, for remineralizing, polishing and stain-removal.
• Himalayan salt
• Antibacterial mineral containing trace elements of calcium, magnesium and potassium, for removing stains and reducing gum inflammation. 
• Salvia Officinalis (Sage)
• Antioxidant-rich non-irradiated herb–with antimicrobial properties effective against tooth decay bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and candida albicans
• Essential oil
• Natural food-grade flavor with antibacterial properties.

Want to learn more about these ingredients? Visit the studies at the bottom of the page detailing their benefits. 

Can this product heal my tooth/gum condition?
We believe our tooth powder supports and promotes a clean, healthy smile! Please note that it does not replace regular visits to your dentist or oral health professional. See safety information and our legal disclosure below:

Legal Statement:
None of the health topics and products sold and presented at Cave State Herbal have been evaluated or approved by the FDA and are not intended to treat, cure, diagnose or prevent any health condition. Always consult a doctor for medical advice. Ask your dental professional before using tooth powder with oral hardware or braces. Keep out of reach of small children and pets. For brushing only, do not consume.
We cannot be responsible for allergic reactions. Although this product contains only natural ingredients, on rare occasions, hypersensitivity and allergic reactions can occur for some people from even the safest ingredient(s) and/or herb(s). Some herbs and natural ingredients can cause interactions with pharmaceutical drugs. Please check the label for any ingredients you are allergic to before use, and immediately discontinue use if any negative reaction occurs.

.... What's with the Toad?
We simply couldn't think of a more down-to-earth, endearing and enduring mascot to represent us than the humble toad.
Amphibians are "indicator species" -- natural barometers for ecological pressure and changes. Like the coal-mine canary, when something happens in our environment, they are often the first creatures to show it. We can look to our amphibian friends to show us where we can be better stewards of our planet.

All About Ingredients
_____________________________________________________________
How did we choose what goes into our products?
Here at CSH, we're sticklers for research and evidence. We don't like to make claims that we can't back up with solid science. So, we've compiled a few resources for folks who would like to learn more about our ingredients and the wonderful benefits they are known for. (Links will open in new window)

On the Benefits of Tooth Powder
•Evaluating the Clinical Efficacy of Tooth Powder on Plaque-Induced Gingivitis....PubMed (nih.gov)
•Comparison of the plaque-removing efficacy of toothpaste and toothpowder - PubMed (nih.gov)
•Extrinsic stain removal with a toothpowder: A randomized controlled trial - PMC (nih.gov)

Bentonite:
•Bentonite Clay as a Natural Remedy: A Brief Review - PMC (nih.gov)
•11 benefits of bentonite clay: How to use it and side effects (medicalnewstoday.com)

Calcium Carbonate:
•Effects of Toothpaste Containing Granular Calcium Carbonate on Oral Health....J Int Oral Health (jioh.org)
•Effect of a Calcium Carbonate-Based Dentifrice on in situ Enamel Remineralization - Abstract - Caries Research 2005, Vol. 39, No. 3 - Karger Publishers

Sage:
•The antibacterial effect of sage extract (Salvia officinalis) mouthwash against Streptococcus mutans in dental plaque...PubMed (nih.gov)
•In vitro effects of Salvia officinalis L. essential oil on Candida albicans - PubMed (nih.gov)
•(PDF) Evaluating The Effect of Some Medicinal Plants (Mentha piperita, Ocimum basilicum, Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis) on Whitening of the Permanent Teeth (researchgate.net)

Sea Salt , Xylitol:
•Efficacy of Sea Salt-Based Mouthwash and Xylitol in Improving Oral Hygiene among Adolescent Population...PMC (nih.gov)
•(PDF) Gingiva, teeth and sea salt (researchgate.net)
•Xylitol – Benefits on Plaque and Saliva and Safety (diabetes.co.uk)

Peppermint Oil:
•Physical and Antimicrobial Properties of Peppermint Oil Nanoemulsions | Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (acs.org)
Tangerine , Lemon Oils:
•Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of essential oils from tangerine ( Citrus reticulata L.)...lemon ( Citrus lemon L.)...
•(PDF) Citric acid compounds of tangerines peel extract ( Citrus reticulata ) as potential materials teeth whitening (researchgate.net)
Rosemary Oil:
•Antioxidant and Antimicrobial Properties of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis, L.)...PMC (nih.gov)
Ginger:
•Active ingredients of ginger as potential candidates in the prevention and treatment of diseases...PMC (nih.gov)

Ingredients to Avoid
While many people have used conventional toothpastes for years with minimal negative effect, many products in daily use contain chemicals with a cumulative effect over time, or their effects are simply not well-studied enough for the FDA to confidently claim their safety. That's why we have chosen to go with what we know: time-tested, natural ingredients.
If you are curious about what's lurking in conventional toothpaste, check out the links below. 

triclosan (a potential thyroid disruptor)
• 5 Things to Know About Triclosan | FDA 
Sodium lauryl sulfate (a potential irritant)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate and recurrent aphthous ulcers. A preliminary study - PubMed (nih.gov)
propylene glycol (potential damage of the CNS & heart, found in antifreeze)
• Propylene Glycol Toxicity in Children - PMC (nih.gov)
DEA (potential irritant)
• Diethanolamine Hazard Study.pdf (epa.gov)
parabens (linked to hormone disruption)
• Disconnecting the Estrogen Receptor Binding Properties and Antimicrobial Properties of Parabens ...PubMed (nih.gov)
artificial sweeteners (neurotoxin, alters gut bacteria)
• Aspartame—True or False? Narrative Review of Safety Analysis of General Use in Products - PMC (nih.gov)
titanium dioxide (may damage DNA)
• Titanium dioxide: E171 no longer considered safe when used as a food additive | EFSA (europa.eu)

•Cytotoxicity of the Ingredients of Commonly Used Toothpastes and Mouthwashes on Human Gingival Fibroblasts - PMC (nih.gov)
• Are all additives of toothpastes rational? Mani A, Thawani V - J Mahatma Gandhi Inst Med Sci (jmgims.co.in)

Questions? Concerns? Reach out to us through our "Contact Us" page. Our customer service team is available 9-5, Mon-Sat and will respond as soon as possible. Contact Us here.