This recipe will take less than 5 minutes to prepare.
Why do I make my own homemade products? It all started when I made my first batch of homemade laundry detergent a few weeks back… since then I’ve been hooked! Now I am on a mission to make as many household products as I can. It saves me money and gives me a sense of joy and accomplishment! Up this week… homemade toothpaste!
When I make products I FOCUS ON EASE OF PRODUCTION, EFFECTIVENESS, and COST SAVINGS.
I am not only making this homemade toothpaste for the benefit of me and my family… I am also doing it for your benefit. I am passionate about empowering readers with the means necessary to increase both frugality and self-sufficiency.
SIMPLE INGREDIENTS
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 4 tsp fine sea salt (optional – gives paste extra scrubbing power, but is okay to leave out if the taste is too salty)
- 1 – 2 tsp peppermint extract or 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil (or add your favorite flavor – spearmint, orange, etc.)
- water (add to desired consistency)
COST BREAKDOWN & SAVINGS
Here is the breakdown in cost analysis for 5.33oz of my homemade toothpaste (same amount as one tube of my old toothpaste):
- baking soda @ 16oz = $1.00 | 2/3 cup is 5.33oz which = $0.33
- fine sea salt @ 22oz = $2.00 | 4tsp is .66oz which = $0.06
- peppermint extract @ 1oz = $3.00 | 2tsp is .33oz which = $1.04 | Better yet, use 1tsp is .17oz which = $0.52
(**note** you can use as much or as little peppermint or other flavor as you wish, add the flavoring little by little until you reach an amount you enjoy.)
Prior to making our own, we were using Tom’s of Maine Spearmint Gel® costing an average of $5.00 for a 5.2oz tube. Based on the calculations above the same amount of my homemade toothpaste will cost me between $0.91 and $1.43 for 5.33oz, depending on how much flavoring I use.
The cost savings will be between $4.09 – $3.57 per tube!
Aside from cost, there are many other benefits of homemade products. By making this toothpaste not only are we cutting costs by upwards of 300%, we also know the exact ingredients and count time spent as fun, educational, and useful for all involved!
A SIMPLE RECIPE & MAKING OF A BATCH
Remember, each batch yields the equivalent of one 5.3oz tube of toothpaste which you can store in a small storage container somewhere close to your toothbrush. When you are ready to brush, simply wet your toothbrush, scoop or spread as much paste as you like, and begin brushing.
**Update** If you are grossed out by double-dipping with others but don’t want to make separate batches – do as DFA reader Lakita of Paneh Praise suggests – put the paste in a Ziploc bag and cut the corner off for a homemade squeezable tube. Thanks Lakita!
1. Start with these ingredients:
2. Mix together and add water until paste reaches desired consistency.
That’s it! You’re done. Now go get rid of that bad breath!
A few FAQ’s and answers:
- Where should we store the paste? In a container of your choosing close to your tooth brush. I use a small plastic ware container.
- Should we each have our own container, or can we share with others in our family/roommates? If cooties bother you then get your own container… if not then don’t worry about it. My wife and I share one.
- How do we get it onto our toothbrush? Simply wet your brush, scoop or spread on some paste, and brush away.
- Does this really work? Yes. I actually like it better than store bought and find it gets rid of onion and garlic breath better than any toothpaste I have ever used.
- Where do I get the ingredients? At pretty much any store, or you can buy them online through the links above.
- Is this toothpaste bad for me? No. But that is just my opinion since I am not a dentist, and because these claims have not been evaluated by the FDA. That said… all ingredients are commonly used products and otherwise regarded as utterly safe.
- What about fluoride, don’t we need it? Not in my opinion. Research I have done reveals fluoride as a toxic poison. Dentists typically say it is beneficial when applied to the teeth of children, but I encourage you to do a little research of your own… I’m guessing you’ll come out holding the same opinion as me.
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Thanks Matt!
The taste is a bit “off” but the price is perfect!
I’ve been “mixing up” home cleaning products “409″ and “Fantastik” using “Tri-Sodium-Phosphate” (and a few other ingredients) TSP from Home Depot
It works GREAT!
Ha ha, yeah… can’t argue with you there, but it works and like you said – the price is right.
A trick to try is to make it more palatable is to mix in some coconut oil and xylitol.
I was going to suggest coconut oil! Coconut oil has a natural whitener in it. It also gives the toothpaste a better consistency!
How do you know what to use and how much? I mean, some things are not safe to mix with others because they make chemical reactions? Do you have any guidelines?
I am really happy to find these easy to make recipes for my daily needs. It’s not only about saving money. Pretty much everything on the market today gets tested on animals, also it’s healthier. And when I think about how much less garbage I produce, I have a clearer conscience and feel more in harmony with my environment. Thank you!
I am going to try this. I think I am going to get a small squeeze bottle (like the ones they Ketchup and mustard are put in. Once prepared, does this recipe have an expiration date when to use it by?
As my “chemically laden” products run out I am replacing them with homemade recipes. I glad I found this site.
No, this should be good for years Melanie. I suggest putting some xylitol in it to sweeten it up. Xylitol is also good for your teeth – it’s a natural sweetner that is good for teeth, it’s in a lot of the new organic toothpastes… and makes the baking soda toothpaste much more palatable.
Thanks for the suggestion.
Just wanted to add that typical baking soda has aluminum in it. If you can find aluminum free, it’s that much better for you. (look up aluminum on the internet to find the hazards) I’m also leery of plastic containers (much of the plastic can release potentially harmful chemicals) and suggest glass for storing whenever possible and practical. Maybe it’s just nostalgia. . . I still long for Pepsi in a 16 oz. bottle!
You mentioned Glass bottled Pepsi and made my mouth water
…. Everything tastes so much better when put in glass.
Maybe if everyone quit purchasing plastic there would be more oil and gasoline would be cheaper……just a thought~
I doubt that plastic is going away anytime soon
I remember recently withthe BPA in bottles thing for a while ALL bottles were glass. I loved it(even though we don’t bottle feed)… But it was short lived as a year later glass bottles are NOWHERE too be found…
I wish it would it is so bad for you… Petrolium is also USED in food dyes and and additives
As well as a starter for many white vinegars including Hinz YUCH 
I like to use white vinegar for cleaning and I get a natural one if possible as i would rather avoid buying food products made with petrol products….
If people were more informed.
I didn’t KNOW white vinegar can be made with petroleum!!! (Am I understanding that right??) I have just started buying it in larger quantities as I’m using it in my cleaners and laundry soap, but didn’t know there was a more “natural” form of it; I’d just been buying Walmart’s brand. Thanks for enlightening! It would be great if people were more informed, yes…but speaking as a newbie to this, remember – there’s SO MUCH to KNOW!!! Hard to get every piece all at once.
Grateful to the bloggers who are spreading the word!
Actually after I seriously studied it I learned its a myth about the aluminum in baking soda, its an ingredient often added to baking POWDER but not soda. Read the box and it will say Sodium Bicarbonate which is Sodium, Hydrogen, Carbon, and Oxygen but not aluminum. The myth about aluminum found in baking soda first showed up when brands with aluminum-free baking powder started advertising it on the box, then Bob’s Red Mill seeing how well it work advertised it on their baking soda box too thus causing some people to think it meant ALL baking Soda had aluminum in it. (Its kind of like how you’ll often see grain-less products like syrup waving “Gluten-Free!” on their labels when everyone knows it never had it in the first place.) When I learned about this it was a huge relief to me cause Bob’s Red Mill is SO expensive! Now I buy 50lb bags of Arm and Hammer! So be at peace as you purchase your $0.98 1lb box of baking soda.
Sadly, some syrup does contain wheat or other ingredients that can include gluten. It is helpful when something is labeled that it is certified gluten free (even the strange items). However, it would be perfectly fine with me if it was just listed with the allergens.
I think I love you Matt! I’ve always hated buying toothpaste because of the fluoride, and the natural ones are just so expensive! Thank you for this recipe and your other ones. I’m hooked!
Would this be ok for kids? My 23 month old LOVES the flavored children’s toothpaste, but I worry about the amount of floride he ingests since no kids spit out the toothpaste. What would you do to make kinds/infants accept this form instead of the store-bought kind? Would it be ok to ingest?
I’m glad you asked Colette… I’m currently in the process of developing an updated recipe that will be more of a paste, have some sweetness (from Xylitol which is a natural sweetener shown to be beneficial to teeth), and be more suitable for children, and yummier for adults too! If you’re not already be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss the updated recipe.
I also HATE childrens tooth paste.
I don’t use floride due to its toxicity and I am thrilled that I confirmed that our city water is no longer floridated… There are still lots of nasties like antibiotics, and chemical byproducts, etc…
I am going to try experimenting with baking soda, xantol, and coconut oil..
Right now I am working on getting more water and milk kifir into the kids… then I am going to try frementing my own foods withthe whey from the milk kefir…. Not sure how that will go over though…
It seems to me your best option is to take time to teach and encourage your child to learn how to spit. Give him just baking soda (which wont harm him if he swallows) and work with him. Boys tend to enjoy spitting and if you can even push yourself to take it outside the bathroom and praise him for clearing feet in the yard you will soon have no trouble especially if he has a Dad or big brother who he can compare his skills to. I am from a family of champion spitters but I know for some mothers the idea is a little barbaric.
I didn’t read all the comments so I don’t know if others have said this. From the reading I have done about fluoride, the consensus is that fluoride in drinking water is a TERRIBLE idea, leading to many health issues, including weakening teeth and bones.
However, the original studies which led to the recommendations for fluoride were actually based on local fluoride on teeth, which showed it strengthened the teeth and reduced cavities. Overall I have heard even holistic dentists say that fluoride in toothpaste or mouthwash is fine and possibly helpful, but is a definite no-no in drinking water or for kids who might swallow the toothpaste.
On the other hand, I don’t think it is absolutely necessary to have it in toothpaste since there are a multitude of factors that lead to healthy teeth, including diet, mineral deficiencies, eating habits, flossing etc.
However, I was concerned about the possibility that using the baking soda everyday could be too abrasive for teeth. At least on a toothbrush. From what I read, it is good to use baking soda and salt as a rub on your gums, using your finger but as a scrub on your teeth it might be too harsh for daily use.
I saw where you mentioned using clay as a replacement for the baking soda and I don’t know if that would make it less abrasive but I would probably try that one myself.
In any case, my one holistic dentist said that he doesn’t use toothpaste at all, just a soft toothbrush on its own. The toothpaste is unnecessary since it is just the action of physically removing the built up bacteria that is needed. He also said it is more important to brush before eating rather than after so that you reduce the amount of bacteria that is stuck on your teeth before you add potential food sources for them to your mouth.
Thanks for your site though, I have been using homemade natural detergent for about 3 years now, having saved tons of money (since I would have only used natural detergent which is more expensive at the store) already.
My holistic dentist said the same thing about toothpaste Rhesa… that you just plain don’t need it. Go figure right.
I have read that soap works better than tooth paste… But I am not ready to try it…
I have tried the Tooth Soap and love the feel after brushing, if you can get past the soap taste in your mouth..LOL
But the flavored is not that bad and you do get used to it. But now I will be doing this paste and save some money…thanks.
I’m a cake decorator, and in the candy making section of the store where I buy my supplies, there are DOZENS of concentrated flavoring oils that could be used. The possibilities are endless. I’m going to try this after my next trip to buy cake supplies!
Awesome tip Jessica, thanks! Be sure to come back and tell us how it goes.
Jessica, you bought these at a candy making store?
Did you check/research the ingredients? I hope so…
We are a flouride-free family! As children we got quite ill after flouridation treatments at the dentist and our parents had worse side-effects from the treatments even causing other long-term medical conditions. None were life-threatening, but none-the-less they were damaging to their health and well-being. Myself (having on ly one cavity in my life) and my family fo 5 other members are still all cavity free with stellar dental check-ups and health in general. I definitely support that each person should do their own research (include as many different sources as possible to get the full picture, and try to see both sides clearly), then make an educated decision on what you believe is right for your family. Contrary to popular belief it is not only sugars that deteriorate tooth enamel. For me it was acidic foods, as we eat a lot of citrus fruits, tomatoes, and even sugar-free kool-aid that are all full of citric acid. In every choice we make regardig the precious health of ourselves and those we love it is best to be as informed as possible about the pros and cons.
Have you thought about using an old toothpaste tube? I have been thinking about it for a while now. And it seems to quite possible. Just cutting open the flat end and washing it out and either leaving it open or closing it with a hot iron. I have as read that you could use hydrogen peroxide instead of water , it has the same texture.
Don’t know if anyone thought about this, but try using a large piston syringe with a cap. Like these…. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004FKFFRE
Re-usable, has a cap, precise application ^_^
Thanks for the tip Shawn. Instead we’re using an old lemon juice bottle… it works great and was free.
Instead Of Buying A Tube Of Toothpaste For $5.00,I Just Buy 1 Or 2 Travel Size Tubes.At Wal-mart They Are 97 Cents Depending On Where You Go,I Guess.
I believe that may kids dentist said that most city water had fluoride added to it. So even if you don’t add any you may still be getting some if you have city water.
Great point Tricia, it’s always best to use water you know is free of fluoride, not just for this toothpaste, but for everything. Betsy and I have city water and are constantly refilling out 2.5 gallon containers with pure water.
The kids weren’t too fond of it , so next time i will leave out the salt for thier batch and maybe add a lil vanilla with the mint. That might make it more appealing for their tastes
All around tho I found it too work better than my reg toothpaste…i didnt get any lingering taste from the soda, just minty 
Yeah, I leave the salt out now too… just too much salt for me. Good idea to add vanilla, let me know how it turns out. We’re working on another toothpaste containing Xylitol.
I have stopped using any fluoride toothpaste. I actually switched to a childrens toothpaste Orajel Training Toothpaste. I use this and then I brush with Natural Baking Soda, which I bought in a health food store that has no aluminum in it. Between the two, my gums have stopped bleeding and receding which has been happening all my life. The last time I went to the dentist, which was in 2008, I went in for a cleaning and was only in the chair for about 5 minutes. He told me that I did not have to come back for about 10 yrs. He said that my teeth and gums were so healthy and he was very pleased. I told him what I was doing and he was going to research it. I will look into what you said, that you really don’t need toothpaste at all. I am going to start brushing with just baking soda and water and see what happens. Even tho natural baking soda is much more expensive than regular store bought, a one pound bag has lasted me for almost nine months. Yes it is very salty tasting, but you do get used to it. It took me about a week of regular brushing to get used to the taste. Thank you so much for all that you do. It is so beneficial for all to use natural products that won’t harm us.
For the homemade toothpaste walmart sell a plastic tube that is squeezable with the mini travel goods back in health and beauty. Cost is 97 cents.. small easu to clean and u can shake it up…no double dipping ot squirts out like toothpaste
Awesome, thanks for the tip AJ! God bless.
Yeah, and it’s awesome! It’s also easy to fill.
I have made toothpaste similar with added pumice (food grade) powder and I mixed and stored it in an empty bottle sold for putting ketchup or mustard in for serving (a plastic squeeze bottle with a tip and cap) and just wash it well with soap and warm water between batches.
Great advice Lori. People should avoid using Hydrogen Peroxide if they plan to store the toothpaste because the acidity of it can eat through plastic storage containers… use water instead.
Love this website. I make my own toothpaste and now laundry detergent and dishwasher detergent as well. As I have been researching natural ways to take care of my teeth, I found out a few things – Xylitol is an excellent addition to making a tooth powder as it is antibacterial, stops plaque from forming and significantly reduces tooth decay! I store my mixture in a bottle, shake into the palm of my hand and press a rinsed toothbrush into the mixture and pack it in. I do not scrub my teeth, I use a messaging motion along the gum line with a soft bristle brush. I use 2 parts baking soda, 1 part salt, 1 part xylitol, and peppermint oil. I purchase pink himalayan salt that I use in cooking so I use it for my tooth powder as well. I am not concerned about the cost as this salt is full of minerals, and highly benificial. I am susceptible to gum disease. My last terrible dentist visit led me on my search. Now my gums are healthier than ever, no more bleeding and my teeth are cleaner than any toothpaste could ever get them. Thanks for this wonderful website by the way!
Glad you like the website Leila, thanks for stopping by and adding to the conversation. Yeah, Xylitol is awesome stuff.
A note about fluoride!!! Every pediatrician in my area is recommending that parents do NOT use “nursery water” because it contains fluoride & they are saying it is potentially toxic to the child’s system.
If they are saying this about water then how would toothpaste be any different considering children swallow more than they spit out?
Just a thought!
Simply put, it wouldn’t be any different. It’s amazing the information being successfully sold to our culture. I figure the simpler the better.
Great Idea for toothpaste, however 2 important ingredients were left out here. TEA TREE OIL and CALCIUM. Tea tree oil is a natural antiseptic that clings to your teeth long after you are done brushing, helping to repel bacteria, including plaque, and the damages caused by eating sugary foods. Do not use too much of it though, as it’s very pungent. I’ve been able to find tea tree oil easily at Kmart. Trader Joe’s used to have it. I don’t know if they stock it anymore. CALCIUM can be found at any place that sells vitamins. Just crush the vitamin up to turn it into powder form. Then you can mix it in.
And please stop using fluoride. You’ve been scammed. it’s not good for your teeth or your body.
ooooh, double whammy, I am going to use the recipe for homemade vanilla extract to flavor my homemade toothpaste and make vanilla toothpaste!
I’m concerned that several of the commenters have said that baking soda contains aluminum, which is untrue. Baking soda is just sodium bicarbonate. The commenters are confusing baking SODA with baking POWDER, which is a totally different thing. I started wondering about this when one person said that baking soda foams in his mouth, which it should not, but baking powder will, because that is what is used to leaven baked goods. Some baking powder does in fact contain aluminum, but the Rumford brand does not.
Pipe homemade toothepaste into an empty toothpaste tube using a ziplock bag and an icing tip!
You forgot to mention a MAJOR reason for why one would want to make their own toothpaste – avoiding plastic waste from toothpaste tubes!!!! If there are 10 million people in Los Angeles, let’s say that 3 million of those people (1 toothpaste tube/3 people?) have toothpaste tubes in any given month. Let’s say that it takes 2 months to use up their tube. And let’s round down from there. Let’s say that every 2 months 2 million toothpaste plastic tubes end up in a landfill. I think that is enough waste to fill someone’s home!!!!! If everyone started making their own paste, a huge amount of waste would be eliminated. Plus, the health effects on the environment and human health of baking soda, salt and peppermint oil are probably very minimal in comparison to whatever is in store bought paste.
Hi, I live in S.E. Asia and when I went out to look for the essential oils, nobody could tell me for sure if the peppermint essential oil was food-grade or not. I remember as a kid we had a toothpaste that had clove oil in it. I went to my kitchen and pulled out 2 cloves and crushed them and added them to the baking soda and salt mixture and I also had some crushed cinnamon that I added. The taste was still salty but I was wondering if these ‘spicy’ additions were ok??? Also, what is the shelf life of your homemade toothpaste? Thanks
I’ve been using baking soda alone for the past year and my last visit (a week ago) to the dentist revealed no new cavities and a praise that I had very little tarter. This recipe might get my children to make the switch, it is definitely worth the try!
I am going to be conducting a bunch of experiments using homemade recipes for teeth, hair, skin and cleaning. I would love you to join me and report your findings too. It’s about time we took back our money and our health from these big companies don’t you think?
Here is some info at http://kingsdaughters21.blogspot.com/2012/01/natures-way.html
So, I’m a dentist. I have no problem with homemade toothpaste, largely to avoid detergents and preservatives, or oxide salts that are too abrasive to the gums. That being said, avoiding fluoride — not so fast. An adult in the United States, ya, you’ll probably be fine. When we originally fluoridated water, it was a brilliant move — it reduced cavities in kids by 36% nationally and is largely the reason people have all their teeth as adults now. Losing teeth means a considerably hit to your quality of life and systemic health (poor nutrition). Furthermore, cavities are an infection which can spread to the venous plexus of the head and kill you — yes, you can die from a tooth ache, it happens. Logically, fluoride in the water saved lives.
However, it’s plenty now, and since so many drinks, foods, and items are prepared with public water, there is fluoride in everything these days — we call that the “halo effect.” Nevertheless, children still need TOPICAL fluoride on their teeth to promote a specific crystal formulation in the enamel, which is still crystallizing at their age, which is more resistant to acid erosion and cavities. Avoiding fluoride in children all together is reckless and dumb.
Little to no research has backed toxicity in topical dental fluorides and toothpaste or water. The only real research that has ever come out was a study about increased osteosarcoma rates in males on fluoridated water, but later studies found no connection. All 56 or so dental schools in the US back fluoride, as does the CDC, which has re-investigated it several times.
To put things in perspective, fluoride is ALL NATURAL. It’s the 9th most common element on the earth — you don’t get more natural than that. Fluoride STRENGTHENS bones and teeth, this has been proven time and time again in university research. Wikipedia it for yourself, and check the citations, then check the theories on pubmed. Any dentist against fluoride is trying to profit off the holistic movement, and is ethically unsound, in my opinion.
But, I wouldn’t argue that adults these days probably get too much fluoride. Buuuuut, if you still get cavities, then you should stay on fluoridated toothpaste.
Now, the paste recipe. I’d be careful with making it too abrasive or you’ll rub off your gums, basically. When you see toothbrush abrasion on teeth and gums, it’s not actually the brush, but the salts found in the pastes, usually serving as whitening agents.
I would DEFINITELY add xylitol, which is an amazing anti-cavity agent.
I would probably mix spearmint and peppermint extract, as they both have some anti-microbial activity. You could also look in olive leaf extract and oregano for the same reason. I would vary the extracts for the sake of promoting a diversified anti-biotic mechanism.
Lastly, the “you don’t actually need toothpaste” comment some dentist make is…………100% true. We all learned this in D school. It’s the mechanism of the brush bristles and floss. IF YOU FLOSS, you don’t really need toothpaste, but I’d still use some fluoridates paste in children.
If you’re still skeptical about fluoride, then just do this for me, please: avoid it, but make sure your child has a treatment performed by a dentist, which will minimize consumption, every 6 months or so.
Thanks Ryan, I totally disagree but still respect your opinion. God bless.
I sent an e-mail to one of the main guys in the dental ecology department at my dental school, and his two cents were to avoid baking soda and salt, as both are far too abrasive in the long run. He also said that w/o fluoride, there’s not much point, and you should just brush with water in that case. You can apparently look up abrasive ratings of all the chemicals and salts used in studies on pubmed, if you’re interested, that would be a great place to kind of get your bearings. I can tell you from clinical experience that people’s overuse of whitening toothpaste is already really reducing gums over the years, and the table salt is enough to abrade enamel.
If you’re dead set on avoiding fluoride, which from a medical perspective I simply do not agree with (I have to add that), try plain old glycerin with extract from peppermint, spearmint, and/or thyme. You might still add xylitol, or rinse with it, but again, you should look up it’s abrasive rating if available. It might be best left as a rinse ingredient.
Good luck, hope this helps
I understand, you have a lot of confidence in the healthcare position. I encourage you to research the differences between what you refer to simply as “fluoride”; specifically naturally occurring vs. what is put into the water supply. Further, medication (fluoride or otherwise) should not be added to the water supply, but rather administered on an individual basis like all other medication.
I have read about the theories of the F- source being that which is industrial byproduct and thus contains cross contaminants. I have no doubt there’s at least some level of truth to that, as it makes economic sense and the govt/lowest bidder setup. Nevertheless, F is the most electronegative element, and is going to ionize into free form in solution and react readily in a constant equilibrium. I’m not going to delve into the conspiracy theories.
In some perspective, I actually agree with you — adding F- to the water is arguably unconstitutional. But when I put on my dentist hat, I see millions of kids who do not receive dental care because their parents do not value it, or choose not to for financial/other reasons. For a large percentage of them, F in the drinking water means teeth in function they wouldn’t otherwise have as adults, less tooth ache in class, better nutrition, etc. People who are more well off have options to avoid the F in water, much like you apparently do. You could also argue that due the halo effect, that’s become increasingly difficult, and you’d be very correct.
At the end of the day, it’s a tough situation and I don’t have a right answer for you. I do not doubt for one second that we can and probably should lower the ppm found in tap — the increase in fluorosis in teeth is well documented these days from over exposure.
However, I still stand that the F- you find in dental products is not that industrial byproduct. If you want extra security, you can use a source such as Stannous fluoride, which is a F- ion linked to tin (i believe), and is patented by crest (if the concept of it being patented gives you mental security).
We use very specific topical fluorides in dental practices as well, and work very hard to minimize ingestion, which is especially true with the varnishes which are largely replacing the old gels of our childhood/teens. That of course have BPA, which is one thing I’m not fond of.
At the end of the day, every medication, EVERY ONE, is toxic. You need to weigh the pros and cons. You can use that same argument to argue against it in the water supply. You could add to it by saying times are different and decay isn’t the epidemic it was then, and some people could argue against that. I think of the poor kids and the negligent parents (increasingly important issue in so many things), as sappy as that is.
BUT THIS ABOUT HOMEMADE PASTE, which is something I think is really cool. The article actually inspired me to try out some homemade rinses of my own – I’ve got extracts of spearmint, peppermint, thyme, and oregano on the way, as well as a half pound of xylitol.
So I guess, my biggest takeaway I’d like to get across is watch out for the abrasive agents. You’re going to put a hurting on yourself with the salt, and it sounds like it with so much baking soda, too. I have no doubt you feel clean after brushing with this stuff, probably super slick like after a hygienist polish — but that’s become you’ve taken off a couple microns of enamel. Also, recession is not fun/pretty once the root surfaces get sensitive, nor is thin enamel. I think you can go without abrasion and use some natural antimicrobial/cleaning agents out there.
I gather you believe fluoride intake needs to be supplemented. I believe otherwise. On all levels the intake of fluoride or anything else needs to be an individual decision, not a mass decision of a medical body or municipality.
Oh, and do you like tea? There’s more fluoride in tea than fluoridates water
again, just putting it in perspective — plenty of great things shows about cultures who consume 6+ cups of tea a day
Thank you for lending us your knowledge and advise without an appointment. I have been wondering about these things for a while and am putting toothpaste down as my next step towards a self-sufficient lifestyle for me and my family.
Teeth feel SO much cleaner using this stuff! It is amazing how great the salt is about scrubbing teeth without scratching them. Thanks!!!
I mixed baking soda and xylitol and used this to brush my teeth. My face and throat began to feel like it was swelling and my breathing harder. The xylitol I am using is from Kal Xylitol and it is derived from corn, though I have no corn allergies. Could it have been the Xylitol that swelled my face or the baking soda? Though I do use a xylitol floss and before making the toothpaste I was flossing with the xyltol floss and notice alittle swelling in my face after flossing. So now I guess I have to keep brushing with Listerine, I just don’t want my liver to suffer in the future. Does anyone get this as well?
Lisa, are you CERTAIN you don’t have a corn allergy? This certainly sounds like an allergic reaction. I do have a corn allergy, and absolutely cannot use xylitol. Even if allergy tests show no allergy, that does not mean you are not allergic.
It’s rare to be allergic to baking soda, but it can happen. Seems, though, that the common factor is the xylitol.
if the corn is a problem, you can easily get xylitol extracted from another substances, such as birch tree
What if instead of Salt you used Xylotil? Might just maintain the scrubby feeling and make it sweet instead of salty. Just a thought.
Yep, we dig xylitol.
is this recipe safe to use with electric toothbrushes? i’m always concerned that we might somehow over exfoliate or damage our teeth with both the baking soda and the vibration of the sonicare combined. thanks for your help!
I added a TBS of Corn Starch and a tiny tiny bit of lemon curd. It tastes great and I saw an improvement in just a few days. My son(5) likes it more than his Crest soooo take it for what it’s worth.
Cool, thanks for the tip Sam. Where did you find the lemon curd?
In my local Walmart. It should be with either jelly/jam or dessert isle.
fluoride is great for strengthening teeth, because fluoride (F) has a very high affinity to the calcium (Ca) in teeth. a CaF bond is formed which is very strong.
(Chemistry bachelor here..)
so if you know that you don’t abuse your teeth it’s better to avoid F in toothpaste, as it can be poisonous in high concentrations.
Agreed, it should be avoided – especially in drinking water where fluorosilicic acid is used rather than naturally occurring fluoride.
here is a link of a 100% xylitol product, if any do not know where to buy some
http://www.gnc.com/product/index.jsp?productId=10982154
Here’s another one – this one’s on amazon.com and comes out to 5.67/pound.
http://www.amazon.com/Xlear-lbs-2268-Xylosweet-5-Pound/dp/B000ORSIJ4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336395102&sr=8-1
Anyone know if Trader Joe’s carries it? (Rumor has it we’re getting one within a half hour of us sometime this year.)
Can you use stevia in place of the xylitol? I already have that on hand.
Great web site, by the way!
I went to school to be a dental assistant, and almost everything in the business is controversial. Some doctors believe one thing and others will completely disagree. Its scary, because people learn to grow and trust one from a certain profession. In reality, in dentistry (and other practice, I am sure), what patients don’t know and are never told, is there are different outlooks on what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ for oral care. The fact that dentistry is so unsure about many things is truly scary. I also know a few people who have only used baking soda to brush their teeth for many years and have beautiful, bright, clean smiles! That being said, I would love to try this recipe! Thank you!
http://www.xylitol.org/how-to-use-xylitol
This website explains all uses for Xylitol. Dental, Medical and Nutritional. The link I gave, states that “If used only occasionally or even as often as once a day, xylitol may NOT be effective, regardless of the amount. Use xylitol at least three, and preferably 5 times every day.” Just a little tip =). The site also has different options for when and how to use Xylitol so that it is not limited to toothpaste or gum.
This site is full of smart people. Fluoride is debated as contributing to the dumbing down of the population and calcifying the pineal gland.
Don’t bother with Tom’s of Maine either. I read the label recently at Trader Joe’s and it contains Sodium Laurel Sulfate which is as bad for you as parabens. I will be trying this toothpaste soon. Thanks for the great article.
Thanks for this!!! I figured Tom’s of Maine was just as good, but this homemade one was preferable just for cost. Good to know!
Is it safe for children?? I mean can it be swallowed??
Hi Maria. Because everyone has their own level of concern, I recommend doing your own research with the ingredients of ALL products, commercial and homemade. Here are a few links to start with:
http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/search
http://householdproducts.nlm.nih.gov/index.htm
God bless.
Has anyone experimented with ratios using coconut oil or xylitol with the baking soda? I backed way down on the salt, but still don’t like the taste. I would be willing to do baking soda with coconut oil or glycerin (I have some) and maybe some xylitol instead of the salt. Would rather have a creamy toothpaste rather than a powder. Anyone have any experience with this or suggestions?
I have an instant gag reflex to baking soda and my son nor I like it. However, I found a homemade toothpaste recipe here: http://lusaorganics.typepad.com/clean/2010/02/natural-toothpaste-tutorial.html. No baking soda or salt. It’s coconut oil based and tastes great. She also provides additional information on teeth-care.
I make my own toothpaste and use old empty hand sanitizer bottles as a pump dispenser.
Add Xylitol & it’ll taste A LOT better. Xylitol is SUPER healthy for your teeth too!!! And make sure your baking soda is *aluminum free!* Try Essential Oils for flavoring instead of extracts & flavors. Much healthier, & more effective. Cinnamon, clove, peppermint, spearmint, orange, vanilla, etc…
When I mixed mine (and it’s lasted a WHILE), it’s started separating over time. I just scrape my brush in it quickly to mix it a bit and it’s fine…but does using a pump eliminate that problem? Or does it separating mean I have too much of something?
Anyone used stevia to sweeten it instead of xylitol? Posted this earlier, and no one responded.
I also heard glycerin is bad for teeth, as it prevents “remineralizing of the enamel”…whatever that is. Anyone else heard this?
All the peppermint essential oil I have found has said not to digest it. Am I looking for a certain type of peppermint essential oil?
Hi Constance, there is a lot of debate and personal opinion about essential oils so we encourage people to do their own research, but we use these essential oils – http://www.newdirectionsaromatics.com/diy-natural-starter-kit-p-2084.html
I’m excited to try your recipe, but also wanted to remind folks that xylitol, while ok for people, is toxic to dogs. See the ASPCA poison control site for the full story. Since my two labs will try to eat anything that is not nailed down, and some things that ARE nailed down, I make sure xylitol sweetened goodies are kept in a high cabinet.
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