Easy DIY Toothpaste - Paste & Powder Options
When we decided to go clean (removing toxic chemicals from our lives), toothpaste was one of the first things we made at home. When we first started transitioning, we actually did try a few of the more natural alternatives on the market, but after a little research, I realised we could make our own toothpaste and it is just as effective.
I am not sure if any of you have ever looked at the ingredients in a tube of big brand toothpaste, but some of the nasties you will find will be Flouride, Sulfates, Propylene Glycol and Glycerine. All which we believe don't need to be there to keep your teeth clean, help with remineralisation or protect from cavities. Now we know we are not scientists, or dentists, but if you can take a few ingredients which clean your teeth effectively, and promote healthy gums and a general mouth environment, why wouldn't you make the switch?
Tooth Paste
The 2 main ingredients to this recipe I am sure you would already have in your cupboard already. I actually love these 2 ingredients so much, because we use them for sooo many things, both in and on our body.
Here is the list of what we will be putting into this DIY recipe, with the low down on why they are good for the teeth!
- Coconut oil - Antimicrobial and antibacterial, which says it all really.
- Baking Soda - Helps to whiten teeth and remove stains, mild abrasive to help remove plaque, and it is alkaline.
- Xylitol - Contains cavity fighting properties, and helps to sweeten the toothpaste
- Essential Oils - flavour the toothpaste while providing antibacterial properties. We have played around with using Peppermint, Spearmint, Clove, Cinnamon and Orange, but you can really create your own favourite flavour.
Now before we move onto the recipe, I do want to make note that this DIY toothpaste will not foam up like your well known brands, and will be on the more salty side of things (because of the Sodium Bicarbonate - aka Baking Soda). But with the addition of Xylitol, and the Essential Oils, we think it is pretty tasty.
This little recipe is so flexible so you can add more or less as you go.
Directions
1. Combine 3 tablespoons of Baking Soda with 1 teaspoon of Xylitol in a small bowl. Or I have a jar I reuse and will do all the mixing straight in the jar. If you can't get your hands on some Xylitol, don't wait to make this recipe. Omit this, or replace with Stevia to keep this recipe sugar free. The Xylitol I have is a little granular, so I just put a little in a mortar and pestle to make a power before adding to Baking Soda.
2. Add 15-20 drops of Essential Oils. Like I mentioned above, you can have a play here with what oils you have on hand. I have made a pure Peppermint and Spearmint Toothpaste, and then I have mixed Peppermint with Clove and Orange.
3. Start adding your melted or softened Coconut Oil. The consistency of your toothpaste is completely up to you. Being in QLD, our Coconut Oil is completely melted at the moment so I don't put as much in during summer, as this can make the toothpaste runny. Again play with how you think you want it to be.
4. To use, apply a small amount to your toothbrush, and brush your teeth thoroughly (And remember to floss hehe).
ecotoothbrush with charcoal bristles!
Tooth Powder
The above recipe is great for the newly converted, it is easy to put together, and it resembles a paste like consistency. But if you want to take your DIY tooth care up a notch, then this tooth powder is for you.
Along with Baking Soda and Xylitol, there will be a new ingredient to this powder recipe you may not of heard of when it comes to oral care. It is activated charcoal! Say what?! But yes, charcoal is where it's at for a great natural way to whiten and removes stains, balances pH and draw out and binds to toxins (bacteria and plaque). Super awesome right?! Also as this is a powder recipe, I am opting to add powdered herbs (eg. cloves, cinnamon, peppermint). Lastly a little salt as it contains trace minerals to aid in remineralisation and because it is highly antiseptic.
Again this recipe is very flexible, add more or less of what you like to suit your tastes. Below is the quantities to get you started.
Directions
Measure 4 tablespoons of Baking Soda, 1/2 - 1 teaspoon Activated Charcoal, 2 teaspoons of Xylitol, 2 teaspoons of Salt (we heart Himalayan salt), 1 teaspoon clove powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon powder, 1 teaspoons of other dried herb like peppermint (or 5 drops of essential oil). Also if you find it needs a little more sweetness, add 1/2 teaspoon of unrefined stevia powder. Mix all dry ingredients together and store in cute glass jar.
To use, simply dip a slightly wet toothbrush in the powder and happy scrubbing! Though don't be surprised when your mouth turns a little black due to the charcoal, it will rinse completely clean, and your teeth will feel amazing!!
This tooth powder is a little out there, but give it a go and see what you think.
We love our bamboo environmental toothbrush. It is biodegradable and the bamboo sustainable