Do We Really Need to Brush Our Teeth?

The Ancient History of Teeth Cleaning

History tells us that ancient people didn't suffer as much as we do from cavities or dental problems.

They also never brushed their teeth with a modern toothbrush and toothpaste.

Seven thousand years ago, the ancient people of India, Africa and the Middle East kept their teeth clean by chewing Miswak or Neem-tree twigs.

The twigs were used as natural toothbrushes for teeth cleaning.

They promoted antibacterial activity and controlled the formation and activity of dental plaque. The twigs are still used in India today because they're effective, inexpensive, and offer many therapeutic properties.

Tooth powder was invented in Egypt around the same time (5000 BC) and contained antibacterial agents, abrasives (for plaque removal) and calcium.

Fast forward to the 21st century, and the typical modern toothpaste consists of 20%-42% water, plus three main ingredients: abrasives, fluoride, and detergents.

Why Modern Oral Health Is Getting Worse

And oral health? It's never been so bad. Young kids today suffer from many dental problems despite all the modern ways of maintaining oral hygiene.

So what are we doing so wrong?

If you'd like to avoid dental problems as much as possible, let us introduce you to the well-known dentist Dr Weston A. Price.

What Dr Weston A. Price Discovered About Teeth and Diet

Dr Price, a Canadian dentist, travelled the world and met indigenous groups who maintained their traditional diets (but not so much dental hygiene), yet had teeth that were perfectly straight and free of decay.

Dr Price discovered that the secret to healthy teeth was the food these traditional groups consumed - non-processed foods extremely rich in minerals and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K.

He found that the modern way of eating (particularly flour, sugar, and modern processed vegetable fats) promotes nutritional deficiencies and is the cause of many dental and health issues.

The dental issues he observed included poor development of the facial structure (leading to overcrowded teeth) as well as dental caries.

So, Do We Really Need to Brush Our Teeth?

To answer the question, a nutrient-dense diet rich in minerals and fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K, and high in vitamin C, will help you maintain great health and teeth (vitamin C helps when your diet contains carbs).

And yes - we do need to brush our teeth to remove food from our mouths.

If you'd like to avoid the artificial ingredients commonly found in regular toothpaste, It's All Good has two natural, New Zealand-made ways to clean your teeth without the nasties, from our Oral Care range: BreathLess Tooth Powder and our Mineral Toothpaste.

Natural Teeth Cleaning Options From It's All Good

BreathLess Tooth Powder

BreathLess is a mild-tasting, non-fluoride tooth powder for teeth cleaning and gum protection, suitable for the whole family. With regular use, it:

●      Helps freshen breath and whiten teeth

●      Encourages mouth health, helping combat plaque and tartar

●      Uses a high-alkalinity formula designed to keep harmful bacteria out of your mouth for longer

●      Helps remineralise teeth with calcium, silica, boron and more

It's made with bentonite clay, diatomaceous earth, sodium bicarbonate, NZ unrefined sea salt, Indian gooseberry (emblica officinalis) fruit powder, turmeric, hydroxyapatite, calcium carbonate, and a touch of organic spearmint essential oil for a naturally mild flavour.

BreathLess is also:

●      Organic

●      Made with 100% sustainably sourced natural ingredients

●      Gluten and dairy free

●      Sugar and sweetener free

●      Vegan

●      NZ made

●      Zero waste - packed in a reusable glass shaker

●      Long-lasting and cost-effective - a 60gm shaker typically lasts up to 7 months of regular use for one person

Shop BreathLess Tooth Powder here.

Mineral Toothpaste - Salicylate-Free

For those who prefer a traditional toothpaste texture, our Mineral Toothpaste is NZ's only naturally salicylate-free and low-oxalate toothpaste, making it a great option for anyone sensitive to salicylates.

Made with 10% micro-hydroxyapatite (non-nano), NZ unrefined sea salt, and other minerals, it's designed to gently clean and help whiten and strengthen teeth for the whole family — with no foaming agents, colours, sweeteners, artificial flavours, SLS, fluoride, gluten, or dairy.

It has a naturally salty taste from the unrefined sea salt, which stimulates saliva production to help cleanse the whole mouth. The minerals and oils promote oral health, help reduce bleeding gums, fight plaque and tartar, and support remineralisation with regular use.

Key ingredients include MCT oil, micro-hydroxyapatite, bentonite clay, zeolite, calcium carbonate, organic mango butter, organic cocoa butter, and organic NZ unrefined sea salt. It's unflavoured and packed in a recyclable, reusable amber glass jar.

Shop the Mineral Toothpaste here.

Whichever you choose, both are gentle, natural, Kiwi-made ways to look after your teeth and gums - and both pair beautifully with a nutrient-dense, whole-food diet for a genuinely healthier smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is BreathLess or the Mineral Toothpaste better for sensitive teeth?

Both are gentle, fluoride-free formulas. If you're sensitive to salicylates specifically, the Mineral Toothpaste is NZ's only naturally salicylate-free and low-oxalate option.

Are these products safe for kids?

Yes, both BreathLess and the Mineral Toothpaste are formulated to be suitable for the whole family.

Do natural tooth powders and toothpastes actually clean as well as fluoride toothpaste?

With regular use, both products are designed to clean teeth, help reduce plaque and tartar buildup, and support remineralisation - without fluoride, SLS, or artificial ingredients.