How to Make Natural Toothpaste

After yesterday’s post about phytic acid and tooth decay, I thought a post about healthy toothpaste options would be appropriate. Why natural toothpaste? Most brands contain Fluoride, a toxic chemical that has not actually been shown to reduce tooth decay, and certainly not at the rate that a diet low in phytic acid can. Fluoride also has been linked to thyroid damage and hosts of other problems.

Even store bought natural toothpastes often contain sulfites or sulfates (especially sodium lauryl suphate) or glycerin, which some claim coats teeth and keeps them from remineralizing.

There are a few good natural toothpastes out there, but after looking at the ingredients, I realized I could make a similar concoction at home… and the toothpaste experiment was born.

I admit, I had several failed attempts before I figured this one out. I originally tried mixing coconut oil and baking soda in equal proportions which makes coconut tasting salt. I also tried using pure ground stevia leaf, which is the only sweetener I use, but my husband and kids couldn’t get past the green color.

I finally made a concession to use stevia powder (the most natural one I could find) though I would like to try xylitol too, as it has some supposed benefits in dental health.

I finally found one recipe that tastes pretty good and that the kids don’t spit out!

Natural Homemade Toothpaste Ingredients

• About 1/2 cup coconut oil
• 2-3 Tablespoons of baking soda
• 2 small packets of stevia powder
• 15-20 drops of peppermint or cinnamon essential oil
• 10 drops Grapefruit Seed Extract (optional)
• 10 drops myrhh extract (optional)

How to Make Natural Homemade Toothpaste

1. Melt or slightly soften coconut oil.
2. Mix in other ingredients and stir well. If using semi-hard coconut oil, use a fork, if not, use a spoon. If you are using completely melted coconut oil, you will need to stir several times while the mixture cools to keep the baking soda incorporated.
3. Put mixture into small glass jar (I make different ones for each family member)
4. Let cool completely.
5. To use: dip toothbrush in and scrape small amount onto bristles. Could also use a small spoon to put on toothbrush.

Does it Work?

We have been using this natural toothpaste for a while now, and it seems to work great. I’ve actually noticed less plaque on the kids and I when brushing our teeth, and my teeth feel smoother. I will keep you updated after our next dental checkups, but I have several friends who have used similar concoctions for years and never get cavities.

What do you think? Up for making your own toothpaste, or is it too much? Tell me about it below!

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