The average person does not think twice when purchasing toothpaste from the local market. However, more and more people are considering the merits of making their own toothpaste. Aside from saving money, taking the DIY (do it yourself) route is also healthier. As long as you take the time to learn how to make toothpaste and master the process, your homemade toothpaste will clean your teeth just as well if not better than store-bought toothpaste. The icing on the cake is the fact that you and only you decide what ingredients are used to make your DIY toothpaste.
The best homemade toothpastes contain all-natural ingredients rather than the chemicals and other potentially harmful substances used in conventional toothpastes sold in the store.
As an example, mainstream toothpaste brands typically have toxic ingredients ranging from titanium dioxide to triclosan, artificial colors, fluoride and abrasive ingredients. Such chemicals and sulfates are terrible for your mouth and the rest of your body. The moral of this story is you should sweat the small stuff; take a look at toothpaste ingredients before forking over your hard-earned money. Ideally, you will learn all about toothpaste ingredients and eventually make your own toothpaste.
Best Natural Toothpaste: 3 Homemade Toothpaste Recipes
Natural toothpaste recipes do not contain the harmful ingredients listed above. Rather, these toothpastes contain coconut oil, baking soda, xylitol, crushed cacao nibs, mineral drops and other body-friendly ingredients. In particular, baking soda toothpaste, coconut oil toothpaste and xylitol toothpaste have emerged as three of the most popular homemade toothpaste recipes.
1. Baking Soda Toothpaste
Baking soda toothpaste has the potential to reach a mainstream tipping point in the future as more and more people take the DIY route rather than fill the corporate coffers with even more cash in exchange for chemical-laden toothpaste. The mouth and teeth are constantly attacked by acid simply because the foods and beverages we consume are acidic. Baking soda is used for DIY toothpaste as it has a pH between 9 and 11, meaning it can neutralize those harmful acids without damaging the teeth. Baking soda is perfectly safe to use to clean your teeth. This is a non-toxic substance that boosts mouth alkalinity, neutralizes acids and cleans away bacteria, food particles and plaque.
'All You Need is Baking Soda and Water'
Making your own baking soda toothpaste is easier than you think. In fact, it will only take minutes to make this DIY all-natural toothpaste. All you need is baking soda and water. Measure out two-thirds of a cup of baking soda. If desired, start out with a single tablespoon of baking soda to give it a test run. Stir the baking soda with water to achieve your desired consistency. The resulting DIY toothpaste will not be as smooth as traditional toothpaste but instead have the consistency of paste.
2. Coconut Oil Toothpaste
Coconut oil toothpaste enhances the microbiome in the gut. In fact coconut oil can even serve as a natural means of preventing candida within the mouth. There is even some evidence coconut oil can reduce the bacteria that causes cavities. For this recipe, you will need:
- Four tablespoons of coconut oil.
- Two tablespoons of baking soda.
- Half a teaspoon of natural green stevia.
- Two tablespoons of bentonite clay to make your own coconut oil toothpaste.
Combine these toothpaste ingredients so they form a smooth texture. Some use their food processor to mix the ingredients. If you would like your coconut oil toothpaste to taste fresh and minty, add 10 drops of peppermint essential oil for added taste.
3. Xylitol Toothpaste
Xylitol toothpaste might ring a bell as xylitol is often referenced as an ingredient used in chewing gum to clean the teeth. Xylitol is a natural cavity-fighter. According to the American Dental Association, studies show xylitol really does significantly decrease tooth decay. Though xylitol is difficult to spell and pronounce, you can obtain it with surprising ease and use it to create your own toothpaste. Here’s how to make your own toothpaste with xylitol:
- Fill the sink with warm water.
- Put a jar of coconut oil in the water for five minutes or until it melts.
- Add four tablespoons of the warm coconut oil to a bowl.
- Mix in six tablespoons of baking soda.
- Stir this combination of ingredients until it forms a paste.
- Add a teaspoon of xylitol along with a couple drops of peppermint oil.
- Stir the mixture once again until it regains its paste texture.
How To Make Organic Toothpaste?
Organic toothpaste is toothpaste made with ingredients that do not contain chemicals. There is not a difference between organic and natural toothpaste. Natural toothpaste is another way of saying organic toothpaste; both have all-natural ingredients without any harmful additives, chemicals or other substances. In fact, some dentists are starting to make their own DIY all-natural toothpaste laden with body-friendly minerals. Dentists, dental hygienists and others who keep their finger on the pulse of the industry are well aware of the fact that conventional store-bought toothpastes contain sweeteners such as sodium saccharin and sorbitol that have no proven benefits. In fact, some question whether these ingredients are safe. Plenty of store-bought toothpastes also contain surfactants such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). Surfactants are used so the toothpaste becomes foamy. Unfortunately, research indicates these ingredients have the potential to cause canker sores and mouth ulcers.
Store-bought toothpastes contain fluoride. Though fluoride was once revered throughout the medical community, opinions about fluoridated toothpaste are quickly changing. Fluoride has the potential to interfere with the thyroid’s hormone uptake and even compromise the all-important pineal gland within your brain. However, it must be noted those on the other side of the fluoride argument are adamant this mineral remineralizes teeth. In fact, those in the pro-fluoride camp recommend leaving fluoridated toothpaste on the teeth after brushing instead of rinsing it off with mouthwash or water. It might be a few years or even a few decades until the scientific community can reach a true consensus as to whether fluoride is good or bad for human health.
Making matters worse is the fact that some of the toothpastes you purchase in the store also contain triclosan. This chemical is commonly used in antibacterial soaps. A University of California Davis study recently proved triclosan alters heart functionality. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently conducting studies to determine if triclosan is safe for human consumption.
The highly controversial ingredient of glycerin is used in traditional toothpastes found in local stores as well as some of the toothpastes labeled as natural. Glycerin is problematic as it coats the teeth to the point that oral health cannot benefit from minerals found in saliva. However, initial research shows mixed results as to whether glycerin is good or bad for human health.
It’s very important for people with MCS (Multiple Chemical Sensitivities) to avoid commercial toothpaste. Especially when I have a flare-up caused by some chemical exposure, I can actually taste how muddy and soapy regular toothpaste is and how full of toxins. Nauseating for people with chemical sensitivities.
i tried this recipe . very nice and informtive
Are these recipes safe for dentures?
Hi, Jan:
We don’t recommend these recipes for dentures, better buy an over-the-counter toothpaste made especially for dentures if you are looking for an affordable option.
Best,
Wouldn’t this toothpaste with coconut oil in it clog drains?
Could you use fractionated coconut oil instead?
Thanks
Hi, Doreen!
Yes, coconut oil can sometimes clog drains, but if you use a lot of it. Regarding using fractionated coconut oil: yes, you can use it instead.
I have used coconut oil and baking soda toothpaste for several years (about 5 I think), and I loved it, and it did a fantastic job on my teeth (said my dentist!). And over those 5 years, I never really thought about the fact that the water in my bathroom sink was pouring out with more and more difficulties. I kept blaming hair, and bad plumbing… until the sink became completely blocked, to such an extend that even the toughest chemicals couldn’t relieve it.
So we had to dismantle the pipework under the sink to find the problem. The problem was very obvious: the pipes were completely blocked with rock solid coconut oil mixed with baking soda. We removed about a kilo of gunk.
My other half has banned me from using that kind of toothpaste ever again… I did suggest using a spittoon in the bathroom but he was not amused…
I am now trying to find an alternative, but I really miss my toothpaste…
Isabelle…What about spitting the toothpaste/saliva out onto a tissue and placing it in the bin
Every month, I pour a boiling pot of water down my drains, then I put baking soda and vinegar, and when that is done fizzing, I then pour another boiling pot of water down. This usually keeps the drains clear. Hope that helps.
Hi can you use olive oil instead so that it doesn’t block the sink?
Hi, Lynette!
We recommend coconut oil instead due to its flavor, as it will taste better. But, if you prefer olive oil, you can use it, sure.
Hi all. FYI, virtually ANY oil or fat that goes down a sink is not good for it. Oil tends to remain by either floating in the sink trap and/or hardening. Quickest way to remedy this is spitting in paper towel and disposing. Alternatively, a good hot (not boiling) water down the sink with plenty of Dawn dish soap will mitigate issues as well. I learned the hard way. Now that I’ve had to rebuild/install several sinks on my own, I do things a little differently ^_: SAME can happen w the clay. If you MUST spit in the sink. Do yourself a favor and run plenty of hot water afterwards to ensure residue doesn’t collect in your home plumbing.