I started making my own toothpaste about a year ago. All my friends and family thought I was totally off my rocker! But in reality making your own toothpaste is not only easy, fun, and cheaper but actually more effective than fluoridated toothpaste.. not to mention less toxic.
That’s right the fluoride in your toothpaste in recent hype and research has been labeled not only ineffective but poisonous. Oh and by the way, fluoride is also being dumped into the American water supply! I won’t go on and on about this subject, this video says it all. Its brought to you by The Fluoride Action Network, a non profit organization that provides the most up to date information and research on the health concerns involving fluoride. Everyone in America is affected by the common exposures to fluoride; so this video is a must see.
I also just want to add, my teeth have always been prone to plaque build up. But after using my homemade toothpaste for six months my dentist noticed a tremendous difference in the lack of plaque my teeth had. She was shocked to find out I was making my own toothpaste, yet had no negative concerns. The whiteness and hardness of my teeth has not been compromised, its actually improved. I have had absolutely no cavities and my breath stays fresh all day. This stuff works!
If this is your first time not using conventional toothpaste and you’re going out on a limb making this recipe, this toothpaste does take some getting used to. The texture, taste, and the way it feels in your mouth is completely different. Expect the toothpaste to melt once you start brushing, expect an odd salty taste (from the baking soda), and don’t expect it to foam up like regular toothpaste does. After about a week you will fall in love.
My Recipe for Natural Toothpaste:
Makes about one small salsa jar (that’s what I store mine in!)
This lasts me about 3-4 months.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons of Virgin Coconut Oil- I like Nutiva brand
- 6 tablespoons of Baking soda
- 15 packets of Stevia in the Raw- you can also use liquid stevia
- The baking soda causes this mixture to have a odd salty flavor, some may not be able to bare. I use the stevia to cut the salty taste and instead make it sweeter tasting.
- 25 drops of Essential Oils of your choice- I love to use peppermint, tea tree, orange, neem, and rosemary.
- Water to desired consistency
How to Prepare
- Start by adding the coconut oil and baking soda in a medium bowl. It helps if the coconut oil is a bit warmer just so stirring is easier.
- Stir together and add the stevia to sweeten. You can add less or more depending on your preference.
- Then add the oils; depending on your flavor preferences. I would definitely go with some type of antibacterial essential oil though such as: peppermint, tea tree, neem, or cinnamon. And add some additional flavors for added good taste!
- Water may be the part you have to play around with. If your coconut oil is semi melted or very soft when making this, you may not think to add water. But once it gets cold it will harden up and if you don’t add enough water it may not be the most spreadable thing in the world.
- I play the water part by ear; if I find out later its too hard I just add some hot water and stir it in, until I get the perfect consistency.
- When brushing I stick my toothbrush right in the jar and get about the same amount of toothpaste I would with a conventional toothpaste. If you are expecting to share this toothpaste and don’t want to double dip, try using a popsicle stick or butter knife to scoop out the paste onto your brush.
WARNING: if you live in a warm climate and your storing temperature becomes higher than about 70 degrees, your toothpaste can melt! Don’t worry though you can still use it; it just seems like a liquid toothpaste until the temperature decreases. Still just as good though!
Plenty of Options
If you’re not feeling creative and want a ready made toothpaste there are a lot of awesome natural fluoride free toothpastes on the market.
- Tom’s of Maine makes fluoridated and non fluoridated toothpastes that are pretty good. Double check your packaging before; making sure to buy the Fluoride Free Toothpaste.
- Natures Gate has a Star Anise flavored toothpaste that I really like too. The anise flavor is different, intense, and refreshing.
- Check out your local health food store, Whole Foods, or Coop. They should have a ton of different fluoride free toothpastes in many flavors to choose from.
- Or you can research and order online!
- Natural toothpastes usually range from $4-$8.
- Having a spare tube of natural toothpaste is always handy when traveling; since lugging around a glass jar filled with oil may not be the smartest thing in the world.
Happy Brushing!
