My Homemade Toothpaste Recipe
Numerous toothpastes are available on the market today and most of them are full of ingredients we do not want on or in our bodies. For the sake of your health, it is important to make wise choices. Below is a partial list of some of the “questionable” ingredients found in toothpaste:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)
- Artificial Sweeteners
- Fluoride
- Propylene Glycol
- Diethanolamine (DEA)
- Microbeads
These are just a few of the chemicals you are better off avoiding!
You might not think much about the ingredients in your toothpaste compared to the ingredients in your food or even other personal care products, but those pea-sized dollops on your toothbrush twice a day add up.
Over the course of a lifetime, the average American uses about 20 gallons of toothpaste and even if you spit most of it out, some of the chemicals it contains make their way into your bloodstream.
Your mouth is actually one of the most absorbent places in your entire body. This is why some medications are administered sublingually, or under your tongue.
While you’re dutifully brushing and swishing, the ingredients in your toothpaste enter your mouth and gums, which are the gateway to every system in your body. -Dr. Mercola
After getting rid of my toxic-laden toothpaste, I tried a number of natural toothpaste brands from my local store. I was disappointed with the way some of them cleaned my teeth and others I had a reaction to something in the toothpaste. That is when I decided to make my own!
I know! Something else I need to make myself instead of buying from the store. Where does it end? Trust me, I understand your frustration and feel your pain.
Both of us Green Livin’ Girls have jobs outside of the home so when we decide to make something ourselves, it has to work with our schedules. With this in mind, I researched a number of online recipes for toothpaste. Some sounded really complicated and some others, had one (or more) ingredients I did not like. Keeping in mind the benefits of the ingredients as well as the total number of ingredients needed, I choose to create my own recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 TBSP Coconut Oil
- 1 TBSP Baking Soda
- 1/2 tsp Turmeric
- 1 TBSP Hydrogen Peroxide
- 1 or 2 Drops essential oil (peppermint and/or thieves oil)
1) The first ingredient I chose to use was Coconut Oil (I used Carrington Farms). It is antibacterial, which makes it perfect for fighting the bacteria that tends to grow in the mouth. It also reduces inflammation!
Coconut Oil has been tested against strains of Streptococcus bacteria, which are common inhabitants of your mouth. Research has found that enzyme-modified coconut oil (treated with enzymes in a process similar to digestion) strongly inhibits the growth of most strains of Streptococcus bacteria, including symptoms of Streptococcus, an acid-producing bacterium that is a major cause of tooth decay (articles.mercola.com)
2) The second ingredient I chose to use was Baking Soda.
Baking soda has a mild abrasive action that helps to remove plaque and polish, clean, and deodorize your teeth. One review of data from five controlled clinical studies found that toothpaste containing baking soda “enhanced plaque removal effectiveness of tooth brushing to a significantly greater extent” than brushing with a non-baking soda toothpaste.
Baking soda also has antibacterial activity and has been found to kill Streptococcus mutans bacteria – a significant contributor to tooth decay. — Ref: articles.mercola.com
3) The third ingredient I chose to use was Ground Turmeric.Turmeric is an anti-inflammatory, contains antioxidants and is antimicrobial.
Former sufferers of dental and gum problems recommend brushing teeth with turmeric powder as it has cured their problems of bleeding gums, periodontitis and bad breath.
–Ref: www.turmericforhealth.com
4) My fourth ingredient was Hydrogen Peroxide. This to help with whitening.
Hydrogen peroxide gently penetrates your tooth’s enamel, altering the tooth’s color beyond its natural shade by affecting the dentin layer of your teeth.
5) My fifth and final ingredient was an Essential Oils. Make sure to pick an oil that not only freshens your breath but also has “fighting” properties. Peppermint Oil and Thieves Oil are great options because they are both bacteria fighters.
Peppermint oil is great at killing anaerobic bacteria; the type of bacteria that thrive in a low oxygen environment, such as the mouth, and can cause gum-disease (bodyunburdened.com).
Thieves oil is a blend of antiviral, antiseptic, antibacterial and anti-infectious Essential Oils: Clove, lemon, cinnamon, Eucalyptus and rosemary. Use it to enhance the health of teeth and gums.
Ref: www.maryvancenc.com
Directions
In a bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients together
Transfer into a small jar.
Leave some room in the jar as the mix will expand.
This recipe will make enough for one person, using it 2x a day, for approximately 4 months. Double the recipe to make it less often.
