My family has finally, fully switched over to homemade toothpaste. I have been using it for a while now, but my husband has been hanging onto his last, empty tube, somehow squeezing out a little more each time, for what seems to be a couple of months now. Once he had no other options (because I wouldn’t buy anymore), he decided to try my “hippie toothpaste”– I think he was pleasantly surprised. See ya later Colgate–we’re out!
It’s really simple to make homemade toothpaste, and you most likely have the ingredients for this recipe already. It actually reminds me of my Homemade Deodorant Recipe because it uses coconut oil and baking soda too. I need to start a new slogan: “Coconut Oil: You can put that s**t on everything!” Or, “Baking Soda: You can put that s**t on everything!” You get the point–there are so many uses for these two ingredients, which is why my pantry is constantly stocked up…incase of a zombie apocalypse of something. Side note: I secretly fantasize about a zombie apocalypse because I’d love a chance to test out my survival skills…I can’t be alone on this…???
Anyways, back on track. Toothpaste. So before I found this toothpaste recipe, I decided to give theOil Pulling Method a try. I’d heard incredible things about it, including it’s ability to HEAL cavities! The Oil Pulling Method is performed instead of brushing, and in short, involves swishing oil, usually coconut oil, around your mouth for about 10-20 minutes. I’m sure this method is fantastic for some people, and I love the concept, but without going into detail, I’ll just say that it isn’t for me. Nonetheless, check it out, you may love it!
On my search to find a flouride-free, glycerin-free toothpaste alternative, I stumbled across the recipe that I now use, which was created by a Holistic Dentist, Dr. Vinograd. He has named his toothpaste “the best toothpaste,” and in my opinion, it is! This toothpaste contains…
- Coconut oil, which naturally contains antibacterial/antimicrobial properties due to its high lauric acid content (1).
- Baking soda, which neutralizes acid-loving bacteria in your mouth, responsible for causing cavities. Baking soda also helps to whiten teeth, remove plaque, and maintains healthy gums.
- Xylitol, a natural sweetener, sweetens the toothpaste, and has cavity-fighting properties of its own! According to this article, “Xylitol not only rids the mouth of sticky harmful bacteria, it actually promotes the growth of tooth-protective, non-acidic bacteria. Xylitol also raises mouth pH and encourages mineral-rich saliva to flow into the mouth. This can protect and remineralize teeth by repairing the deep layers of enamel.” You can buy xylitol {here}.
- Essential oils, commonly peppermint, cinnamon or citrus essential oils, all haveantibacterial properties of their own.
As with many homemade alternatives, this homemade toothpaste takes a little getting used too–as did homemade laundry soap, dish soap, and deodorant. Okay, so I do have to admit; this toothpaste a bit…salty (baking soda ain’t called SODIUM bicarbonate for nothing.) But, once you stop comparing, and trust your new toothpaste, you’ll soon reap the reward of impressive oral health.
Is it cheaper to make your own toothpaste?
The answer is definitely, yes! I’ve done the math, this Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste, 5.5oz = $1.81. Compare that to the toothpaste I was previously buying, Spry, 40z = $5. Ounce to ounce you’re saving about $0.89. It all adds up!
Big, white, smiles to everyone, and good luck with your toothpaste! Follow up and let me know which “flavor” you went with!
*I’ve changed the original recipe slightly to suit my preferences.
Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste: An Oil-Pulling Alternative
- ½ Cup Coconut Oil
- 2-3 Tbsp Baking Soda
- 1 Tbsp Xylitol, blended into a fine powder (plus more to taste)
- 10 drops of Essential Oils (peppermint, cinnamon and orange are the yummiest)
Instructions
- Melt the coconut oil on a low heat. I used a double-boiler method by putting the coconut oil in the glass jar that I use to store my toothpaste, and then placing the jar into a pan of lightly, simmering water.
- Remove from heat once melted, and stir in baking soda.
- In a coffee grinder or blender, blend the xylitol into a fine powder so that it easily dissolves.
- Add the xylitol–Feel free to add more if you’d like it sweeter.
- Add Essential oils.
- Once the mixture has solidified, give it another good stir (the baking soda may be settled on the bottom.)
To brush, wet your toothbrush, and dip it in the paste, or scoop a small amount on with a spoon if you want to avoid “double-dipping.”