Both the Dirt Toothpaste and Tooth powders are available in a range of sizes and flavors and this article will help you decide which of these might be appropriate to your oral health needs.
In brief we will:
- summarize what makes the Dirt Toothpaste and Tooth powder unique;
- outline the various size and flavor options;
- discuss the relative merits of paste vs powder;
- review both products in more detail;
- and provide a bottom line summary.
What makes the Dirt toothpaste and tooth powder unique?
The answer lies in the philosophy behind the product. The Dirt founder, Shannon Drake, is a devotee of the Paleo lifestyle. A lifestyle committed to eating the same sorts of unprocessed whole food that our ancestors would have eaten.
However, Shannon found that many so-called ‘natural’ health and beauty products contained processed, potentially damaging ingredients. So she founded the Dirt brand to craft truly natural oral health products that would not only be effective, but would transform the whole oral health routine into such a pleasurable experience that people would want to devote time to it, rather than seeing it as a chore.
In short, The Dirt want us to take care of ourselves like someone we really care about. And enjoy doing it.
To this end The Dirt products contain only safe, unprocessed natural ingredients that are both effective and scrumptious.
What are my options?
The Dirt Coconut Oil toothpaste
The Dirt Tooth Powder
Paste or Powder?
It’s mostly a matter of personal taste, but here are one or two things to consider.
Toothpastes are more familiar to most of us and we already know how to use them. The texture of the paste is smoother and it’s easier to apply to the toothbrush neatly.
To use the powder you dip a damp brush into the powder which then sticks to the brush. It can take a couple of goes to get the right amount without spilling any so there is slightly more effort involved.
You may also worry about repeatedly dipping your toothbrush into the powder, especially if you’re sharing the product with someone else. It’s not very hygienic! Transferring the powder to a clean teaspoon and applying that to your toothbrush may be a better idea.
The tooth powders are available in glass jars/tubs so if you want to be ecologically friendly and avoid plastic packaging tooth powder is definitely more green from that perspective.
The large packs represent the best value for money, but if you’re trying Dirt Toothpowder for the first time you could go for the travel size initially.
The Dirt coconut oil toothpaste review
As with the Dirt Toothpowder, the main ingredient in the Dirt Toothpaste is mineral rich bentonite clay which is abrasive enough to effectively remove plaque and lift stains without damaging tooth enamel.
However, in the Dirt toothpaste MCT oil (fractionated coconut oil) is also used to form the paste texture. Studies show this has antibacterial properties which help to reduce plaque and gingivitis.
The MCT oil replaces the glycerin used in conventional toothpastes. Glycerin coats the teeth with a film that acts as a barrier to the teeth being able to replenish themselves with the minerals found in toothpaste. The bentonite clay in the Dirt contains calcium and phosphate but as the paste does not contain glycerin, the Dirt is formulated in away that lets your teeth freely strengthen themselves
A possible downside, depending on your point of view, is that the Dirt products are fluoride free, and the American Dental Association recommends using fluoride dental products to protect teeth from cavities as it remineralizes tooth enamel. However, the Dirt would argue that the using Dirt Toothpaste bathes your teeth in natural minerals that can be more readily absorbed as there is no glycerin barrier to remineralization.
Pros
- No glycerin, Xylitol, Gluten, Soy or Corn
- All-natural non-GMO ingredients
- Low abrasivity
- Safe enough to swallow
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Cost
- Does tint your toothbrush – though not your teeth
- Contains Stevia which can have an unpleasant back taste
The Dirt toothpaste flavor and size options
The Dirt All-Natural Coconut Oil Toothpaste – Cacao Mint
The Dirt All-Natural Coconut Oil Toothpaste – Rose Cacao Mint
The Dirt All-Natural Coconut Oil Toothpaste – Super Mint
The Dirt All-Natural Coconut Oil Toothpaste – Sweet Cinnamon
The most popular flavor and size is the 72g, 10-week supply in Rose Cacao Mint flavor.
The Dirt toothpaste ingredients
Extra Fine Bentonite Clay, MCT/Fractionated Coconut Oil (Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides), Organically Extracted Hexane Free Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana), Sustainable Bees Wax. Essential Oils of: Mint, Cacao, Rose and Cinnamon depending on flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this toothpaste suitable for users with sensitivity?
Yes, it is very gentle.
How is it different from regular toothpaste?
It does not contain glycerin, xylitol or fluoride. Glycerin acts as a barrier to remineralization of tooth enamel so this toothpaste is formulated to allow your teeth to naturally strengthen themselves. The flavorings are organic and chemical free so the flavors are not overwhelming.
Bentonite clay absorbs metal, is the tube metal?
the tubes are epoxy lined so that the clay never comes in contact with any metals.
Is the product vegan?
No, it contains beeswax.
- ???? ORGANIC COCONUT OIL: Our toothpaste harnesses the cleansing and nourishing properties of organic coconut...
- ???? CACAO MINT FLAVOR: Experience the invigorating sensation of cacao mint as you brush. Our toothpaste...
- ???? NATURAL INGREDIENTS: Our all-natural toothpaste combines the antibacterial properties of MCT oil...
The Dirt toothpowder review
The main ingredients in Dirt Toothpowder are bentonite clay, baking soda and essential oils. These ingredients have been used in traditional oral hygiene products for centuries.
Bentonite Clay is a mineral rich clay that acts as an abrasive to remove plaque and lift stains without damaging tooth enamel. It scores only 2/10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale – whereas silica, commonly used as an abrasive in toothpaste, scores a high 7/10.
Your teeth lose minerals daily and must replenish (remineralize) themselves from minerals contained in your saliva and toothpaste. What makes Dirt different is that it does not contain glycerin. Glycerin is commonly used in toothpastes to improve texture. However, it also coats teeth and prevents them from taking up the minerals they need to restore themselves.
So using Dirt Toothpowder bathes your teeth in natural minerals that can be readily absorbed as there is no barrier to remineralization.
A possible downside is that the Dirt products are fluoride free – the American Dental Association recommends using fluoride dental products to protect teeth from cavities as it remineralizes tooth enamel. However, the more effective take up of calcium and phosphate in the bentonite clay (due to the absence of glycerin) may compensate for this.
Pros
- No glycerin, Xylitol, Gluten, Soy or Corn.
- All natural non-GMO ingredients
- Low abrasivity
- Safe enough to swallow
- A little goes a long way
Cons
- Cost
- Requires a little more effort than paste – especially if sharing the product.
- Does tint your toothbrush – though not your teeth
- Contains Stevia which though it is organically extracted and hexane free, can have an unpleasant back taste
The Dirt tooth powder flavor and size options
The Dirt All-Natural Cinna Mint Tooth Brushing Powder
The Dirt All-Natural Super Mint Tooth Brushing Powder
The Dirt All-Natural Sweet Spice Tooth Brushing Powder
The most popular size and flavor is the 3 month supply in Sweet Spice flavor.
The Dirt toothpowder ingredients
Sweet Spice
Extra Fine Bentonite Clay, Organic Saigon Cinnamon (Cinnamomum Loureiroi), Natural Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Organic Myrrh Gum Powder, Organic Nutmeg Powder (Myristica Fragrans), Sweet Orange Essential Oil (Citrus Sinensis) & Organic Cardamom Essential Oil (Elettaria Cardamomum).
Super Mint
Extra Fine Bentonite Clay, Natural Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate), Green Tea Extract, Wasabi Extract, Organically Extracted Hexane Free Stevia (Stevia Rebaudiana), Proprietary Blend of Mint Essential Oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Dirt remove plaque and tartar?
Yes. Some users claim even tartar begins to loosen after a few weeks of use.
Can you use the Dirt Toothpowder with an electric toothbrush?
Yes. Remember, white bristles may be tinted by the Toothpowder.
Which ingredient tints toothbrush bristles – and will it tint teeth too?
The clay and essential oils discolor tooth bristles but not teeth.
How minty is the Supermint? My teeth are very sensitive
It has a mild mint taste and none of the ingredients should cause sensitivity.
- ???? THE DIRT MINERAL TOOTH POWDER : Our vital tooth brushing powder is an authentic and fun alternative to...
- ???? CLEANS TEETH & FRESHENS BREATH: Elevate your oral hygiene routine with The Dirt’s refreshing tooth...
- ???? TEETH WHITENING FORMULA: Crafted with essential ingredients like bentonite clay, baking soda, and...
Conclusion
The key ingredient in both the Dirt Toothpaste and Tooth Powder is mineral rich bentonite clay. It is an all-natural substance that has been referred to as a healing clay in many cultures over the centuries.
All the other ingredients (in both the paste and the powder) are 100% natural and organic and the essential oils that both products contain also have a centuries long reputation for healing.
The Dirt brand demonstrates a good understanding of some of the problems resulting from the use of modern chemicals in toothpaste – such as the use of glycerine which prevents teeth from being able to absorb minerals and the high abrasivity of silica which strips minerals from tooth enamel. The result is a product that is fun, effective and safe enough to swallow.
Last update on 2024-04-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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