I received a Neem powder-based tooth powder from a friend and after trying it for a couple of days I felt fresh, gums were happier. There was a sense of not putting chemicals in the mouth first thing in the morning. Traditionally people in India used to chew Neem twigs from the Neem tree to clean their teeth and mouth in general in the morning.
Neem Twigs (Daatun) to replace Toothpaste
Neem tree grows almost across the country and grows pretty fast. The best option would be if people could go to the nearest tree and pick a twig and use it, but given our densely populated urban centers that can not have trees or not enough trees for the population. So I think there can be a business case for packaging these and making them available at retail stores.
This may be a good idea for organic product manufacturers. But the idea is so simple that it can be picked up by anyone. As the idea exists in my mind today, it does not look like a high-investment option. But this needs to be thought through.
Innovation would be required in packaging and marketing it, getting people back.
Organic India and Neemfoundation share more information about this native and medicinal tree.
Updates
Daatun, also known as Neem twigs, are the branches of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). They have been used by our ancestors for decades in India for oral hygiene.
Naturally antibacterial and antifungal, they contain compounds such as Nimbin, Azadirachtin, and Salannin, which have been shown to kill harmful bacteria and fungi that can cause tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
You need a fresh twig from a neem tree. Break off a small piece of the twig, about 2-3 inches long. Chew on the end of the twig until it frays into bristles to brush your teeth and gums. Be gentle when brushing. Spit away the remaining twig and use a fresh one each day.
They are safe, effective, natural, and sustainable ways to brush your teeth.
