Chemistry research project “Which is better: paste or powder?”

And the first thing that daily oral hygiene is associated with today is brushing your teeth.

and, of course, toothpaste. Although quite recently our grandmothers used dental cleaning powder. With the advent of toothpaste, the powder was forgotten. And now supporters of the powder method of brushing teeth are again appearing.

And here is the dilemma: what is healthier, tooth powder or toothpaste

?

The debate between supporters of one and the other method has been going on for a long time. Everyone defends their opinion.

From TV we hear every day about effective toothpastes, but almost no advertising for tooth powder. And this does not mean that the powder is ineffective.

Tooth powder or toothpaste - the choice is yours. But be sure to consult your dentist.

Purpose

It should be noted that at that time the purpose of tooth powder was not to prevent caries or treat periodontitis. At that time they did not even know such words, did not understand the reasons for their occurrence, and therefore could not yet contain these diseases with hygienic means. The main and only goal was to cleanse the teeth of plaque and tartar. Please note: in the first half of the 20th century, dentists had not yet performed such a now widespread procedure as professional oral hygiene. Neither ultrasonic nor air-abrasive (Air-Flow) treatment had yet been invented. The only way to remove conspicuous plaque is to clean it yourself.

Which is better: toothpaste or tooth powder?

It is difficult to say unequivocally which product is best to use for whitening - each has its own characteristics. It is best to make a choice based on your own priorities:

• if you need a product that is inexpensive and can whiten crowns quickly, tooth powder will be an ideal option;
• if you need a product that whitens teeth for a relatively long time, but gently and with a longer-lasting effect, it is better to choose a special paste. You should also choose a paste with chemical active ingredients if you want to lighten your teeth to a white shade: the abrasive can whiten teeth only to their natural color, which is not white at all, but beige - due to dentin showing through the enamel (in people with thin enamel, the natural color teeth may even be light yellow). Therefore, it is possible to give teeth whiteness in the literal sense of the word only through chemical action.

Starting line-up

Therefore, a good century-old tooth powder is one that has excellent abrasive properties. Hence they added to it: pumice, sand, ground bones, eggshells, mollusk shells, broken bricks and God knows what else. It must be said that toothpastes of those times were in no way behind powders in terms of abrasiveness. Moreover, to help a good cause, individual inventors added acids and alkalis of varying degrees of aggressiveness to them. Well, of course - after all, tartar softened by acid is easier to remove (alkali has not proven its worth in this regard). In general, the evolution of hygiene products has moved towards clearly expressed aggressiveness.

Popular brands

Blend-a-med PRO-EXPERT effectively removes plaque, freshens breath, protects against caries and tartar, and reduces tooth sensitivity. Contains polyphosphates and stabilized tin, which have a beneficial effect on the condition of teeth and gums: strengthens and gently whitens the enamel.

To read: Fighting fungus in the mouth

The German paste Lacalut is recommended for adults and children, which prevents the deposition of tartar, strengthens gums, and freshens breath.

International offers Colgate paste with a different set of medicinal herbs, anti-inflammatory, whitening, enamel strengthening effect,

“Forest balm”, as well as rinses based on medicinal herbs, with aloe vera, for various purposes, depending on the composition of medicinal plant components, are recommended for oral care and the prevention of dental problems.

Popular among consumers:

• Aquafresh,
• Paradontax,
• New pearls
• Splat Professional Active (does not contain fluorine).

Harm

But in 1907, an outstanding article was published in The Dental Cosmos: Miller WD. Experiments and observations of the wasting of tooth tissue variously designated as erosion, abrasion, chemical abrasion, denudation, etc. It had about the same impact on dentists as Albert Einstein’s “On the Electrodynamics of Moving Bodies,” published two years earlier, had on physicists. Equipped with terrifying illustrations, it clearly demonstrated the monstrous abrasion of teeth (in vitro) with pastes and powders. Here's one example:

Quality improvement

Of course, not all dentists read this study. Consumers of the powder certainly had no idea about it. Therefore, it took decades before highly abrasive components began to be abandoned. Such useful indicators as RDA (relative dentin abrasivity) and REA (relative enamel abrasivity) were introduced. The lower they are, the less the teeth wear out. Today, manufacturers who respect their customers indicate digital RDA values ​​on each tube. Less than 70 – low abrasiveness, 71-100 – moderate, 101-150 – high, 151-200 – very high. Here is the RDA table for some modern pastes:

Which is safer?

Tooth powder still confuses some due to the presence of small particles that can be accidentally inhaled while brushing your teeth. Indeed, there is such a possibility. But only small children should be afraid of it. Curiosity may cause them to bring the container of powder closer to their nose, and then the risk of inhaling small particles will increase. Greenway powder is not prohibited for use by children, but the manufacturer recommends doing so only under adult supervision.

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Tooth powder is often accused of being unhygienic. They say that you need to dip a wet brush into it, which leads to the moistening of the granules and the proliferation of bacteria in the container with them. That's how it is. But it all depends on the composition of the product. If it contains components that kill harmful microorganisms, the risk is reduced to zero. In Greenway powder, sea salt plays the role of protection against bacteria.

Modern composition

So, coarse abrasives were disqualified from the contents of tooth powder. But what is there now? Soda, as can be seen from the table, has minimal harmful qualities. It is harmless, but its effectiveness is low. It weakly cleans plaque and does not “take away” tartar at all. Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 2.5. That's why the main ingredient in today's tooth powders is chalk (calcium carbonate). Its hardness on the Mohs scale is 3. It cleans teeth relatively gently and is more effective than soda. The rest is fragrances, flavor enhancers, dyes, etc.

What does tooth powder consist of?

The first model of the powder consisted of large chalk particles. They injured the enamel, leading to scratches and damage. New versions of the product also contain chalk, but its particles are reduced. It contains a chemically precipitated substance that prevents the thinning of the enamel.

Each product contains additional components. The performance of the tool’s functions depends on them:

• herbal extracts (relieving inflammation, destroying bacteria, reducing swelling in the eyes and other soft tissues);
• abrasive elements (increasing the strength of enamel, strengthening teeth);
• bleaches;
• sea ​​salt (whitens, enhances metabolic processes, eliminates swelling of the gums);
• clay (gently cleanses).

Note! Abrasive particles are smaller than in previous versions of the powder, so the new compositions are safe.

The final victory of toothpaste

Back in 1914, there were attempts to introduce fluoride into toothpaste. But only after large-scale research in the early 1950s, which proved the effectiveness of fluoride toothpastes, did active commercial production begin. The pioneer was Procter & Gamble with Crest toothpaste. Then the rest of the manufacturers picked up the baton. In addition to fluorides (to prevent caries), antiseptics and anti-inflammatory components (to fight gingivitis), and desensitizing substances (to reduce dental hyperesthesia) began to be added to the paste.

How to choose?

When choosing a toothpaste, pay attention to the addition to its name:

• Active – means that the product is recommended for periodontal disease,
• White – produces a whitening effect due to high abrasiveness and peroxide content (citric acid),
• Sensitive – designed to reduce excessive tooth sensitivity,
• Fito – contains medicinal herbs.

Then check: the integrity of the packaging (tube), the release date (expiration date - 3 years). Familiarize yourself with the composition of the components: fluoride concentration should not exceed 2%, abrasiveness should not exceed 100 according to the RDA standard.

Where in the world is it used?

In developed countries, tooth powder is not produced. The last known global leader in the hygiene industry, Arm & Hammer, ceased sales in 2000. In Russia, tooth powder is used by 23% of the population. A recent study was conducted in India in 2022: it was found that 31% of rural residents and 15% of urban respondents use tooth powder. A strong relationship has been found between the use of tooth powder and abrasion of tooth tissue, bleeding and gum recession. This is the “beauty” you get after consuming Indian tooth powder:

Recommendations for use

In order for the use of tooth powder to bring maximum benefits, you should follow some rules .

Storage

It is necessary, first of all, to ensure proper conditions for storing this product so that it retains its beneficial properties :

• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight;
• ensure an acceptable temperature in the room where the powder is stored: from 0 to 25°C;
• do not allow contact with water;
• ensure that the relative humidity does not exceed 70%.

General rules

The choice of a specific powder should be made using the advice of a dentist, who must take into account the individual characteristics of the patient - the condition of the soft tissues, the quality of the enamel, the presence of various problems or diseases in the oral cavity.

• Do not dip a wet brush directly into the product. You need to dilute a little product with water in a separate container and apply the resulting mixture onto a moistened brush.
• Use only a soft toothbrush to clean with powder . It can be distinguished by the “Soft” marking.
• Follow the recommendations for the duration of the procedure . The greatest cleaning effect is achieved in 3–5 minutes.
• In one procedure, you can do double brushing : first with full powder, and then with a soft and non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Use this product no more than once every three days.
• After the procedure, it is necessary to rinse the mouth very thoroughly to remove all remnants of the hygiene product, food particles and removed dental plaque.

How to brush your teeth correctly

Please note that despite the fact that most of the Indian tooth powder fan's own enamel has been erased, the black plaque has not been cleaned out everywhere. And this is on the front surface - you can imagine how much worse the situation is on the internal surfaces. This happens because brushing your teeth requires, first of all, not strength, but intelligence. Instead of violent movements, moderate but frequent movements are needed. Not horizontal, but vertical, sweeping. From the gum to the tooth: from bottom to top - on the lower jaw, from top to bottom - on the upper jaw. And, naturally, you need to brush your teeth not only on major holidays, but every day. Then the soft plaque will not yet have time to calcify and stick firmly to the enamel.

Composition of teeth cleaning powders

Each locality had its own recipe for tooth powder. Before people came to the idea that finely ground chalk could serve as its basis, the product was made from gypsum, corals and shells, animal horns or egg shells. And only later a chalk-based powder appeared, and various oils were used as a flavoring: anise, mint, cinnamon and clove flowers.

Later, with the development of the chemical industry, chalk began to be deposited chemically. As a result, it became even smaller. Then its composition was further enriched with magnesium carbonate, and the tooth powder stopped causing damage to the tooth coating. At the same time, it provided high-quality cleaning.

Modern tooth powder, the composition of which is much more complex than that of its ancestor, also has numerous additives that have preventive qualities. Chalk is not the main component. It can be replaced by white clay, and additional substances are, for example, volcanic tuff or sea minerals. Powders with this composition clean the teeth in a gentle manner and can act as an excellent prophylactic agent.

Features of use

For tooth powder, the instructions for use are a little more complicated than for toothpaste. The toothbrush should be moistened with water and the wet bristles should be dipped into a jar of powder. It is advisable to immediately collect a portion for the entire one-time cleaning. After all, when re-sampling, microorganisms will get into the powder. Bacteria, by the way, will still end up in the jar (unless you use disposable brushes), because they remain on the fibers from the previous cleaning. But in the 12 hours that have passed since the last hygiene procedure, most of the microbes have already died and do not pose any danger to the owner. The same cannot be said about other members of the family. Therefore, everyone should have a personal jar of tooth powder - otherwise there is a high risk of infecting close relatives. This is another inconvenience compared to toothpaste - the whole family can use a common tube.

Packaging of mi&ko and Phytocosmetics tooth powders

Fitokosmetik LLC tooth powder is packaged in a box made of type 5 plastic (PP). Everything is neatly labeled. Even the lid. Everywhere there is a sign that it is acceptable to use for food purposes.

Marking on the lid of the jar from Phytocosmetics

mi&co tooth powder is sold in dark glass packaging. The cover is plastic. Inside there is a standard absorbent backing. I was hoping to find the correct marking on the bottom of the lid under the gasket to ensure a tight seal. But there's nothing there. The cover is not marked. The guys from the store @bezupakovki_sochi said that the container is returnable. But I live in another city and was hoping to recycle the packaging when I no longer need it or breaks. Now I understand that I will have to go to Sochi to return the jar to the manufacturer.

The mi&co powder cap is not marked

One can argue about which is more environmentally friendly – ​​PP or glass. I would say that in modern conditions it is more environmentally friendly if you can recycle it in your city. Here, for example, you can pass glass, but you cannot pass the “plastic five.”

Still, I think that regular tooth powder packaging is more environmentally friendly since mi&co also uses plastic, but we have no way of knowing if this cap is even recyclable.

Also, the liner cap is inconvenient for me personally because I don't like dipping my wet toothbrush into the powder. I pour the dose I need into the lid. From there I collect the powder on a brush, blurring it a little along the way. After completing the procedure, I wash the lid and place it on top of the jar, which I first cover with foil.

This is how I use powder, but add more.

Reviews

Why then are there such a huge number of positive reviews about tooth powder on the Internet and among friends? It’s not surprising - there are also a lot of words of praise about homeopathy and osteopathy. Valerian, Actovegin, Linex and a hundred or two other ineffective drugs find no less devoted admirers. A person is such an amazing creature that, having convinced himself of the usefulness of a particular drug, he can actually achieve a positive effect, even if this drug is an absolute dummy. This is called the placebo effect. After persistent self-hypnosis, the transition to truly more effective therapeutic and prophylactic agents is often met with hostility. Plus, irreversible negative consequences do not occur immediately. They include, among other things, the absence of a positive impact (prevention of diseases), which few fans think about.

Cleaning teeth with powder

For high-quality teeth whitening, the product under discussion must be used with a certain regularity, and to ensure that the enamel is not damaged when using a hygienic product, certain rules must be followed. The most important thing is a consultation with a dentist. Only a specialist can determine the advisability of using a particular hygiene product. If your doctor allows you to brush your teeth with powder, then you should use the product as follows:

1. Distribute a little product onto the bristles of a toothbrush: electric or mechanical - it doesn’t matter.
2. Brush your teeth, trying to treat the entire oral cavity and tongue. The more serious and thoughtful the cleaning is, the better the enamel will whiten. The procedure time should not exceed 3 minutes.
3. When all teeth have been thoroughly brushed, rinse your mouth with mouthwash. Special products are sold in pharmacies and stores.

By following simple recommendations, you will soon notice that your teeth have become much whiter. The main thing is not to overdo it, otherwise instead of a beautiful smile you may end up with problems with the enamel.

Natural product

In addition to the low cost and supposedly better cleansing effect, many people are attracted to tooth powder by its environmental friendliness. Sodium lauryl sulfate, methylparaben, cocamidopropyl betaine and other horrors in toothpastes cause pronounced protest and rejection among many citizens. It’s difficult to argue with anything here - if you are a staunch opponent of “chemistry”, perhaps tooth powder is your choice. Only then be consistent - if your teeth suddenly hurt, do not treat them. After all, all modern fillings, crowns, dentures, and implants are also made of artificial materials. The natural behavior would be to remove the tooth, as our ancestors did (including those who used tooth powder a hundred years ago).

Streptococci

These include Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus sanguis, Streptococcus mitis, etc. These are acid-forming bacteria, which are characterized by anaerobic fermentation. The main causative agent of caries is Str. Mutans. Its content in dental plaque is about 90% of the total number of microorganisms.

A direct relationship between Streptococcus mutans and enamel destruction has been proven. The more of these bacteria, the more intense the carious process develops. In addition, scientists have found that Str. mutans does not belong to the normal (natural) microflora of the oral cavity; the pathogen is transmitted from person to person through saliva.

Lactobacilli

During their life, bacteria produce lactic acid, but they themselves are resistant to it. The number of lactobacilli in dental plaque is small. However, the concentration of these microbes increases significantly with the formation of a carious cavity.

Reviews from doctors

Why then do dentists recommend tooth powder? Well, not all dentists, but only some. And these latter are a minority. Of this minority, one half has never read a single book on their specialty in their lives (yes, don’t doubt it – such copies exist). I read the second half, but these were reprints of Soviet textbooks from the 30s (and toothpaste was not produced in the USSR until 1950). And the third half, although familiar with modern concepts, understood little about them. If you ask such scholars the question: “What randomized controlled studies are you willing to refer to to confirm your recommendation?”, you may encounter the most unexpected response.

How to replace toothpaste at home

Traditional (homemade) toothpaste substitutes include many substances and compositions. It is worth considering that it is not advisable to consider them as a long-term alternative, since their action is rather narrowly focused and in some cases their effectiveness does not have high indicators.

Activated carbon

Can be used both in pure form and with the addition of hydrogen peroxide. The latter has an antimicrobial effect, while the charcoal itself cleans and whitens tooth enamel. For one use, 1 tablet and 1-2 drops of peroxide are enough. Activated carbon does not require grinding, because upon contact with liquid it takes on a mushy state.

Charcoal has a good whitening effect. It should be noted that charcoal is a fairly active abrasive and, with prolonged use, can have a traumatic effect on tooth enamel.

Powder for teeth

You can prepare tooth powder at home by mixing: bentonite clay (30g), soda (30g), xylitol (15g), sea salt (7.5g), mint oil (5 drops), dried sage leaves (15g). The mixture is mixed with a wooden spatula and stored in a tightly closed container. This powder is a good replacement for toothpaste at home and in other conditions and is an almost exact analogue of the powder produced under industrial conditions. However, it is worth considering that any powder is an abrasive agent and requires short-term use to avoid damage to the enamel.

Salt

You can use either regular table salt or sea salt. Salt has a good anti-inflammatory effect, but it must be used carefully, mixed with water until it becomes pasty. Otherwise, hard particles with sharp edges can lead to microdamage to the enamel and cause increased tooth sensitivity.

Soda

It is another abrasive agent in the question of “ what to replace toothpaste with .” To create a cleaning mass, 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda must be mixed with 1/4 part of water. This mixture freshens breath and fights well against plaque on teeth, preventing the formation of tartar. To achieve a whitening effect, you can add 1-2 drops of lemon juice to the soda. Please note that after cleaning with soda, it is advisable to avoid drinking hot and cold drinks and food for 1-2 hours to prevent cracking of the enamel.

Herbal preparations

Mint, cloves, sage, thyme, anise and calamus root can be used as constituent units. Crushed roots of calamus can be mixed with an aqueous solution of propolis in almost arbitrary proportions.

The use of such mixtures has a beneficial effect on the gums and mucous membranes of the oral cavity. This type of hygiene products should be used with caution, taking into account the possibility of individual intolerance and the risk of developing allergic reactions.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree-based compositions have a good antibacterial and aromatizing effect. The composition is prepared by adding tea tree oil to warm water at the rate of 3-4 drops per glass of water. Such treatment has a particularly beneficial effect on the gums of people prone to developing periodontal disease and caries.

Banana peel

Few people know that banana peel has a good cleansing agent and whitening effect.

Powdered milk

Has a beneficial effect on the gums of people prone to bleeding. Produces gentle cleaning while neutralizing unpleasant odors.

Ash

You cannot use ash from resinous wood or recycled plywood. As a replacement for toothpaste, willow, birch, linden and oak are best suited for these purposes. Ash has a good bleaching effect and can serve as a good alternative to activated carbon due to its fineness, which allows for gentle cleaning.

White clay

It can be used both as an independent product and as part of a homemade combined tooth powder.

Laundry soap

Soap is a good antibacterial and antimicrobial agent. The main disadvantage of this method of cleaning teeth is the unpleasant taste in the mouth.

Lagerstroemia (Indian lilac)

A plant component with powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. Provides a good therapeutic effect in the treatment and prevention of gingivitis, caries and some other diseases of the oral cavity.

Oils

Coconut oil and tea tree oil are popular alternatives to toothpaste. Most are used as rinsing solutions and as a component of herbal mixtures.

Conspiracy of toothpaste manufacturers

But there are also completely unique opinions from dentists. One well-known Moscow orthodontist (a competent doctor, a supporter of evidence-based medicine) posted a publication on her own website: “How dangerous is tooth powder?” With 31 links to sources of information - to give due weight to your own words. The article contains a lot of reliable information, but the conclusions are paradoxical. From the thesis about the higher abrasiveness of certain toothpastes compared to some tooth powders, the author concludes that the superiority of toothpaste over tooth powder is a myth. Formed by advertising from greedy paste manufacturers. No analysis or explanation of why evil advertisers chose for promotion a powder that was not well-known to everyone at that time, but a new, unpromoted product (and, therefore, requiring greater campaign costs) is naturally not presented. This same characteristic mistake is also popular among patients. But you only have to think a little to realize that it is much easier to advertise a cheap, low-cost, and even much more popular product to increase its selling price - and the conspiracy theory will naturally dissolve.

Pros and cons of pasta

The paste product has the following positive aspects:

Pros:

• the presence of a large number of auxiliary components that largely eliminate inflammation, infection, plaque;
• the foam-like structure distributes the paste substance over the entire surface, ensuring cleansing in all departments;
• ease of use due to reliable sealed packaging;
• a large selection of products thanks to the medicinal component, which allows you to buy a paste for daily or course use.

Minuses:

• most products contain parabens, triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, which are harmful in any quantity;
• fewer abrasive particles, which does not always ensure plaque removal and stone prevention;
• quality products have great value.

Attention! The product is chosen together with the dentist. He will recommend it according to the condition of the teeth.