Hey there, mama (or wellness warrior — whoever you are!) Have you ever turned a toothpaste box over and actually read the ingredients list? If you have, you probably noticed a lot of big, hard-to-pronounce words.
Sodium lauryl sulfate… Triclosan… Fluoride… Artificial sweeteners and dyes…And you might’ve thought: “Is all that really necessary to clean my teeth?”
Short answer: Nope.
Long answer: Let’s break it down. And then I’ll show you how to make your own simple, safe, and powerful natural toothpaste using stuff you probably already have in your kitchen.
What’s Actually in Commercial Toothpaste (and Why You Might Want to Rethink It)
Before we get to the good stuff, let’s talk about why so many people are switching to DIY toothpaste. Here are a few common commercial ingredients and their not-so-fun side effects:
Fluoride: It’s praised for preventing cavities, but too much fluoride can lead to fluorosis (white spots on teeth), thyroid issues, and even lower IQ levels in children (yep, there are studies).Plus, if you look closely, most toothpaste tubes have a warning: “Call poison control if swallowed.” That’s a red flag if you ask me.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS):This is a foaming agent that can cause mouth ulcers, irritation, and can strip your gums. It’s basically a detergent. No thanks.
Triclosan: A chemical with antibacterial properties — sounds good until you learn it’s linked to hormone disruption and increased antibiotic resistance.
Artificial Sweeteners (like Saccharin): Added to make toothpaste taste good, but they can mess with your gut health and have controversial links to various health issues.
Artificial Colors: Do we really need bright blue toothpaste? (The answer is no.) These dyes are linked to hyperactivity in kids and allergies.Now — does any of that actually help clean your teeth?
Again: Nope.
Let’s Make the Switch: Natural Toothpaste Recipe
Alright, now that you’re motivated to toss the toxic paste, let’s make our own!
Here’s a simple, safe, and effective homemade toothpaste that even your kids will get excited about:
Ingredients:
2 tablespoons Bentonite Clay
2 tablespoons Coconut Oil
½ teaspoon Fine Sea Salt (or Himalayan salt)
2-4 tablespoons Filtered Water (adjust for consistency)
Optional: ½ teaspoon Xylitol (for sweetness and extra cavity protection)
A few drops Essential Oils (peppermint, spearmint, clove, or cinnamon. My little enjoys the sweet orange.
Let’s make it Step-by-Step:
1. Mix the clay and salt in a small glass or ceramic bowl. (Avoid metal bowls or utensils — they can mess with the clay’s properties!)
2. Slowly add the water a little at a time, stirring until you reach your desired paste consistency. Do not add the coconut oil first as you’ll end up with lumps.
3. Optional: Stir in xylitol if you want a sweeter taste, if the granules are big dissolve in a tiny bit of warm water first.
4. Add a few drops of essential oil for flavor and extra benefits into your coconut oil before mixing it into your clay.
5. Store your paste in a small glass jar with a tight lid. (Use a little wooden spoon or clean your toothbrush before dipping in.)
Why Each Ingredient Matters:
Bentonite Clay: This is the star of the show! It gently polishes teeth, removes toxins (it’s negatively charged and binds to bad stuff), and is packed with minerals that actually remineralize your enamel.
Coconut Oil: Nature’s antibacterial wonder. It fights harmful bacteria in the mouth (like the ones that cause cavities and gum disease) and helps keep your mouth balanced and healthy.
Salt: Rich in minerals and naturally antiseptic, salt helps cleanse the mouth, promote healthy gums, and neutralize acids that wear down enamel.
Water: Helps blend everything into a smooth, easy-to-use paste.
Xylitol (Optional): Not just for sweetness! Xylitol has been shown to reduce cavity-causing bacteria and promote healthier oral flora.
Essential Oils (Optional):Peppermint and spearmint freshen breath. Clove has natural antibacterial and pain-relieving properties. Cinnamon can fight bacteria and promote gum health. Sweet orange or natural strawberry gives it a pleasant taste for the Littles.
Tips for Using Homemade Toothpaste:
Use a pea-sized amount like you would regular toothpaste.
If it hardens (thanks to the coconut oil), just run your jar under warm water for a few seconds.
Don’t eat it by the spoonful — even though it’s technically safe if you accidentally swallow a bit.
Introduce it slowly to kids (some might take time adjusting to the different taste and texture although my kid prefers my toothpaste, yay!).
So there you have it mama!
Switching to homemade toothpaste is one small (but mighty!) step toward cutting out unnecessary chemicals from your daily life.
It’s not only safer — it’s more empowering to know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
Plus, you might be surprised how much healthier your mouth feels after just a few weeks of using this natural alternative!
So grab a bowl, mix up some magic, and smile wide — the natural way.
Till next time..
Lots of love
