I know it is a bit weird in concept. But research if you like. My wife is in the dental field. Has decades in it. Her employer is a big advocate. She was interested but skeptical I would say. Me, no thanks. Now I actually like it. You get used to it. My wife is more on board I would say. I do not know a lot about the specifics of it. One of my questions/issue's was how to get it on the brush? Well now I use a recycled spice jar with all the holes taped off except one and just shake it directly in my mouth. Makes you salivate right away. Teeth feel very clean. Yes there is a salty residue. I kind of like it. There are benefits. Read up. ask your dentist or hygienist. Some Toothpaste has ground up glass in it I am told.

I am pretty sure it is not a new thing. Just passing it on.

There are several brand of toothpaste with baking soda as an ingredient.
There’s also a homemade recipe.

“Instructions
Measure 1/2 cup of baking soda and add to mixing bowl.
Add 2 tbsp. water or to desired consistency.
Mix together the baking soda and water until you get a paste consistency you are happy with.
Give your teeth a good brush with your new batch of homemade toothpaste.
https://thehomemadeexperiment.com › ...


https://thehomemadeexperiment....ing-soda-toothpaste/

if you're looking at ingredient abrasiveness, you can't beat baking soda:

What is the Relative Dentin Abrasivity RDA of your toothpaste?

i stopped using processed tooth paste more than a year ago. stopped mouthwatch also, which kills helpful bacteria - the oral microbiome exists.

i use a 50 / 50 baking soda coconut oil mix. don't let it get down your sink as it'll clog faster than you can say jack robinson.

Have done it for years, I just put a small amount in my left hand then wet my toothbrush press it in the soda in my hand and brush, repeat till all is used.

quote:

I know it is a bit weird in concept

Common when I was a child in the 50's. All households had baking soda & when you ran out of toothpaste that was what was used.

The product you apply to the brush is MUCH less significant than the brushing technique. Using a soft bristled brush and getting the angles right to clean every surface is the key whether using plain water, baking soda or toothpaste.

DDS since 1990.

Not to hijack, but what do you think about electric toothbrushes, like Oral-B?

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Shugart:
Not to hijack, but what do you think about electric toothbrushes, like Oral-B?

I recently got into a discussion with my dentist about them; he said the Philips Sonicare seems to provide the best results of all the electric toothbrush styles he discusses with patients. In fact, he asked me if I was using one before I even broached the subject. He said teeth are smoother, and there is much less tartar than with regular brushing or with other types of electric brushes.

I agree that Sonicare seems to be about the best. I use one myself.

Some toothpaste is more abrasive then others and will wear the enamel off your teeth.

Your health starts in your mouth and one of the best toothpastes is made by Nutribiotics which contains grapefruit seed extract.

https://www.vitacost.com/nutri...ental-gel-peppermint

My grandmother had us use baking soda when we visited her, back in the 60's.
A little peroxide around the gums as you get older seems to work too.

Baking soda is what we used when I was growing up back in the 40's & 50's.

A downside of this is that you miss out on fluoride in the toothpaste. I live on a well system, so I have no added fluoride, therefore my only sources of this important cavity fighting element is the fluoride in my toothpaste and the semi-annual treatments I get from my dentist at cleaning time.

Something to consider if you don't live on a municipal water system.

Arm & Hammer baking soda toothpaste has been my go-to for many years.

I will occasionally try other kinds, then always come right back to the baking soda stuff.

quote:

Originally posted by ArtieS:
A downside of this is that you miss out on fluoride in the toothpaste. I live on a well system, so I have no added fluoride, therefore my only sources of this important cavity fighting element is the fluoride in my toothpaste and the semi-annual treatments I get from my dentist at cleaning time.

Something to consider if you don't live on a municipal water system.

The effect of topical vs systemic (water system) fluoride are not exactly the same. Topical can help with remineralization of early lesions, where systemic is more important in enamel formation in children. The concentration in municipal water is not high enough to make a difference topically.

Having fluoride in your toothpaste is a good thing, but independent of your water source. Still, a patient doing a fantastic job brushing and flossing is unlikely to be the one who needs the fluoride in the first place. Using fluoride toothpaste also won't do much to help the crappy brusher.

Easiest way is to use some cheap Flouride toothpaste (yes you still need flouride to keep your teeth strong over time) on your toothbrush, then press it into the baking soda. The baking soda will stick to flouride toothpaste. THe toothpaste also makes the baking soda, not taste like crap.. or at least, lessen the crap taste! :-)

^^^^^^^

Why? Just buy Arm and Hammer toothpaste if you want fluoride and baking soda.

I have a little tupperware container with baking soda on my bathroom counter. I moisten the bristles and dunk it to get it on the brush. It works, whitens, and polishes.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Shugart:
Not to hijack, but what do you think about electric toothbrushes, like Oral-B?

I recently got into a discussion with my dentist about them; he said the Philips Sonicare seems to provide the best results of all the electric toothbrush styles he discusses with patients. In fact, he asked me if I was using one before I even broached the subject. He said teeth are smoother, and there is much less tartar than with regular brushing or with other types of electric brushes.

I switched to a Sonic Pro after my visit 7 months ago. The cleaning at my visit last month was way less invasive. Sonic Care works.

quote:

Originally posted by Jim Shugart:
Not to hijack, but what do you think about electric toothbrushes, like Oral-B?

Since switching many years ago I haven't had any cavities and when I go in for my semi-annual 6 month visits they barely have to scrape.