Tooth powders have been used in India for thousands of years to purify and protect the gums and teeth. Even today the tradition persists throughout India with many famous preparations. The classical texts gave beautiful yogas (formulas) of toothpowders that can be used daily (twice) to cleanse the teeth, mouth, gums and subsequently clarify the senses and improve digestion and elimination.

Astanga Sangraha: (A.S. Su. 3/13-16)

The drugs which has kashaaya(astringent taste), katu(pungent), thikta(bitter) taste can be used for dantadhavana(brushing teeth).

The examples are:

Vata (Ficus bengalensis)
Sarja (Vateria indica) Asana (Pterocarpus marsupium)
Arimeda (Acacia farnesiana)
Arka (Calotropis gigantea)
Apaamaarga(Achyranthes aspera)
Khadira (Acacia catechu)
Maalati(Jasminum sambac) Karanja (Pongamia pinnata)
Kakubha
Karaveera (Nerium indicum)

After brushing the teeth with one of the above mentioned drug, the teeth should be gently rubbed with a powder made up of Vyaapya, Trivargatritaya(triphala, trikatu, trijaataka) mixed with honey.

Drugs contraindicated for brushing teeth:

Shleshmaataka
Arishta
Vibheetaka
Dhava
Dhanvaja
Bilwa Babbula
Nirgundi
Shigru
Tilwaka Tinduka
Kovidaara
Shamee
Peelu Pippali
Ingudi
Guggulu
Paaribhadra
Amleeka
Mochaka
Shaalmali
Shana

The drugs which have madhura(sweet), amla(sour), lavana(salt) taste should be avoided.

Charaka Samhita: (Ch. Su. 5/ 72)

One should brush teeth twice a day with drugs having kashaaya, katu and thikta taste. Few examples are-

Karanja
Karaveera
Arka
Maalati
Kakubha
Asana

or any drug which has similar properties can also be used.

Sushruta Samhita: (Su. Chi. 24/ 6)

One should brush the teeth with a drug which has kashaaya, katu, madhura(sweet) and tikta taste.

The best drug among bitter tasting drugs is Nimba(Azadirachata indica).
The best drug among asringent drugs is Khadira.
The best drug among sweet tasting drugs is Madooka(Madhuca indica).
The best drug among Pungent tasting drugs is Karanja.

After brushing the teeth, one should rub the teeth with Danta shodhana choorna to get rid of daurgandhya(foul smell of the oral cavity), upadeha(any coating on the tooth), sleshma(mucous ), etc. Care should be taken not to harm the gums while rubbing the teeth.

The powders of Trikatu, Trivarga(trisugandha), saindhava lavana, tejovati along with honey and oil. This is called as danta shodhana choornam.