A Guide To DIY Toothpaste

For those of you who have a hard time deciding in the toothpaste aisle, or hate most of the ingredients present in most toothpaste’s, did you know that you can effectively make your own toothpaste? Even if you are tight with money and can’t afford that tube of toothpaste, there’s a good chance you can make a good replacement right in your kitchen with ingredients that may already be present! Here are some commonly used ingredients:

• The addition of coconut oil is highly beneficial, adds good consistency, and offers much benefit to your mouth as it is a great anti-fungal and anti-bacterial; coconut oil was mentioned in a previous article about the benefits of oil pulling.
• Baking soda aids in whiting the teeth as well as prevents tooth decay and gum disease.
• Sea salt is a gentle abrasive, fights against tooth decay and gum disease as it neutralized the acids in your mouth. Himalayan Pink salt is a great choice and is pretty looking too!
• Hydrogen peroxide is excellent at killing bad bacteria, but if using hydrogen peroxide do not swallow the toothpaste; to make a version that is safe to swallow you can use food-grade hydrogen peroxide.
• Peppermint (or any other mint) food-grade oil is a good way to make your toothpaste taste great!
• Stevia helps prevent gum disease and tooth decay by inhibiting the growth of bacteria.
• Cinnamon is a strong antibacterial, and offers pain relief to sensitive teeth!
• Xylitol is known to be excellent for teeth, as it helps re-mineralize your tooth enamel, keeps the PH balance neutral, and prevents bacteria from sticking to the teeth, preventing gum disease and tooth decay. (Warning Xylitol is harmful to animals)
• Bentonite Clay can be added to be used a gentle abrasive.
• Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Soap (any flavor) can be used, as it is a multipurpose cleaner that is safe to brush your teeth with!

Lastly, you can add or remove any ingredient that you like; there is no wrong way to do this, so get creative! To start, mix all ingredients into a small bowl, combining thoroughly until a thick paste is formed. Adjust to desired texture and taste, then scoop it onto your toothbrush and brush as usual! If using hydrogen peroxide, make sure to store toothpaste in an opaque container.

Coconut Oil/Sea Salt/Baking Soda Toothpaste ½ cup baking soda 1 tsp sea salt, finely ground 3 tsp xylitol or 1 tsp stevia (or to taste) ½ cup coconut oil, softened Optional: extract or other sweetener to taste Baking soda/Bentonite Clay/Coconut Oil Toothpaste ½ cup baking soda 1 tbsp bentonite clay 3 tsp xylitol or 1 tsp stevia (or to taste) ½ cup coconut oil, softened 20 drops essential oils or to taste Simple toothpaste 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground peppermint extract, or other sweetener (i.e cinnamon, stevia, etc) to taste A few drops of distilled water

Castile Soap/Coconut Oil Toothpaste 1 tbsp Dr. Bonner’s peppermint liquid castile soap ½ cup coconut oil, softened 3 tsp xylitol or 1 tsp stevia (or to taste) Bentonite Clay/Sea Salt/Coconut Oil Toothpaste 4 tbsp bentonite clay ¼ tsp sea salt, finely ground 3 tsp xylitol or 1 tsp stevia (or to taste) 1 tbsp filtered water (adjust to desired consistency) 2 tbsp coconut oil 20 drops of essential oils Coconut-based toothpaste 6 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon hydrogen peroxide 2 tablespoons coconut oil peppermint  extract to taste