All-Natural Homemade Toothpaste: A Guide to Healthier Teeth and Fresher Breath
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My gums were bleeding when I brushed, and I was told I had the beginning stages of gingivitis.
I’m not a flosser. I know I should be. But that doesn’t mean I actually do. And then it happened. The dentist said I had some of the beginning stages of gingivitis. My gums would bleed every time I brushed. Scrolling Instagram, one of my friends had posted a similar story and shared her toothpaste. I happened to have all the ingredients, so I went ahead and made it. There has been some trial and error with figuring out what ingredients and measurements work for me. But now, it’s super easy to whip up, and my dentist visits have been uneventful in the best way!
About the ingredients
Coconut oil is an excellent base for homemade toothpaste as it has antibacterial properties that can help fight off harmful bacteria in your mouth (if you are allergic to coconut oil, avocado oil or olive oil can substitute. However, the texture will be runnier and not a paste, like with the coconut).
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, is a common household ingredient that has been shown to have several oral health benefits. Baking soda has a mild abrasive action that can help to remove surface stains on teeth and promote a brighter smile. Other benefits, it can help neutralize acids in the mouth, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Baking soda also has antibacterial properties, which can help to reduce the number of bacteria in the mouth that can cause bad breath.
Stevia Extract Stevia is a natural sweetener derived from the Stevia rebaudiana plant. In addition to being a low-calorie alternative to sugar, stevia has also been found to have oral health benefits. Stevia extract contains compounds called steviol glycosides, which have been shown to inhibit the growth of bacteria in the mouth that can cause tooth decay and gum disease. Studies have also suggested that stevia may have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the mouth. Additionally, since stevia does not contribute to the formation of dental plaque, it may be a good option for those looking to maintain good oral health.
* Xylitol could be an excellent substitute if you're allergic to stevia. However, it is very toxic for dogs and cats, so keep that in mind!
Bentonite Clay is a natural clay that has been used for centuries for its medicinal properties. When used in toothpaste, bentonite clay can help to remove toxins and impurities from the mouth, including heavy metals and harmful bacteria. Bentonite clay is also alkaline, which can help to neutralize acids in the mouth and promote a healthy pH balance. Its gentle abrasive action can also help to remove surface stains from teeth and promote a brighter, healthier smile. Finally, bentonite clay has been shown to help strengthen tooth enamel, which can help to prevent tooth decay and cavities. To be safe, check that you’re purchasing “food grade” bentonite clay.
Essential Oil is optional and is just used for flavor. Peppermint or spearmint essential oil are popular choices. If you use an extract, make sure that it is pure. Extracts often have sugar in them and that would be harmful for your teeth. **Double-check your oil before using it. Some oils are not for oral use and can be unfit for children.
Now, let's talk about the containers you can use. Which, pretty much anything! I like to have a bigger container for the bulk of it, and then a smaller jar for on the counter to keep things fresh.
Glass jars are a great option as they are non-toxic and reusable. You can use a small facial spatula to scoop the product out and put on your toothbrush to help keep bacteria down. You can also use a small silicone squeeze tube (just be mindful that essential oil can eat through plastic) or a small plastic container with a flip-top lid. Be sure to store your homemade toothpaste in a cool, dry place and replace it every three months (if you haven’t gone through it already!).
Another thing
It is important to note that coconut oil could cause pipe blockages, so it is recommended that you spit the toothpaste out in the trash instead of the sink. This will help prevent any plumbing issues. Now, with me having kids..do I make a big deal about it? No, has anything backed up so far? Also no. So I’m not terribly worried about it. Be advised that the consistency of homemade toothpaste may differ from store-bought toothpaste. It may be slightly grainy due to the baking soda and clay, but this should not affect its effectiveness.
Now that we have covered the ingredients and storage. Let's discuss the benefits of using homemade toothpaste. Firstly, you know exactly what ingredients are going into it, and you can avoid any harmful chemicals often found in commercial toothpaste. Secondly, it is cost-effective as you can make a large batch that will last several months. Lastly, it is eco-friendly as you reduce the amount of plastic waste often associated with store-bought toothpaste.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup coconut oil
1 tablespoon aluminum-free baking soda
1 tablespoon food-grade bentonite clay
1 tablespoon stevia extract (or 1 tablespoon xylitol)
10 drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil (optional)
Instructions:
Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler over low heat. If you don't have a double boiler, you can use a heat-proof bowl over a pot of boiling water.
Once melted, remove the coconut oil from the heat and add in the baking soda, bentonite clay, stevia extract, and essential oil (if using). Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Note: Do not mix with metal or use anything with metal as that will mess with the bentonite clay!
Let the mixture cool and solidify for 15-20 minutes. You can also leave it overnight. Or throw it in the fridge for a couple of minutes. But not long! It solidifies quickly! Another option is an ice bath.
**To create an ice bath, first fill a large bowl with ice and then add enough water to cover the ice. Next, you would place a smaller bowl inside the ice water, ensuring that the smaller bowl's bottom is in direct contact with the ice.
The coconut oil toothpaste mixture would then be poured into the smaller bowl, which would be stirred continuously until it cools down and starts to solidify. The ice bath helps to rapidly lower the temperature of the mixture, causing the coconut oil to solidify more quickly and uniformly.**
Once solidified, use a spoon or spatula to transfer the toothpaste to a glass jar or other airtight container.
Store the toothpaste in a cool, dry place.
Click for Organic Unrefined Coconut Oil
Click for Aluminum-free Baking Soda
Click for Food-Grade Bentonite Clay
Click for Peppermint Essential Oil
Click for Xylitol (Stevia Substitute)
disclaimer - I am not a dentist, doctor, or expert. This is just what worked for me! Please do your research and do what works best for you!
