Believe it or not, 4 of the 30 most common diseases are related to oral health. That’s why it’s important to take care of your teeth, and part of that is using good dental products. No need to shell out tons of cash or endure harsh chemicals, though. You can make your own toothpaste at home with just a few ingredients.
With some basic ingredients, you can make toothpaste that will keep your breath fresh and your gums and teeth healthy.
If you’re concerned about oral hygiene and want a natural option for cleaning your teeth and gums, this article has you covered.
DIY Toothpaste Recipes
Firstly, you’ll need to gather the right ingredients and container to hold your toothpaste. Luckily, there are several options for people who have never made toothpaste and want to try something a little different.
The basic recipe for toothpaste is straightforward, and most of the ingredients you can already find in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet.
1. Basic Toothpaste
Before making this toothpaste, find the right container. Many people store toothpaste in a small bowl or jar with a lid to keep it fresh. Then, you can pop your toothbrush in the bowl and scoop out some paste. You can also buy refillable tubes.
The basic ingredients for this recipe are as follows:
- 2/3 cup baking soda
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- Filtered water
- 1-2 tsp organic arrowroot powder
The last item on the list is an option, as the arrowroot powder is a thickener.
Method
To begin with, you need to combine the salt and soda. Then, you can add small amounts of water until the ingredients create a thick paste. The consistency of the paste will depend on your taste.
Some people like chunky, thick toothpaste, whereas others prefer a thin, liquid texture. So, once you’ve reached the consistency you’re happy with, you can stop mixing.
You can always add the arrowroot powder if you want to make the toothpaste thicker, but it’s totally up to you.
After reaching the toothpaste consistency, you can store it in a cool, dark place for 1-2 weeks. And you can start enjoying your homemade toothpaste!
It’s that simple.
2. Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste
Compared to the basic toothpaste, the coconut oil option has a longer shelf life.
You’ll need the same sea salt and baking soda ingredients, but the quantity will be slightly different for this recipe. To help you get it perfect, here is a list of the essential ingredients:
- 2-3 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
- 1-2 tsp organic arrowroot powder
Method
Start the mixing process the same as the basic recipe by combining the sea salt and baking soda. Then, you should mix the coconut oil into the paste and blend it together with a fork.
Again, you can add arrowroot powder if you want the toothpaste to be thicker. But if you’re happy with the ingredients and consistency, you can leave it after a few minutes of mixing.
Store the toothpaste somewhere cool and dry for up to 3 weeks.
Note that homemade toothpaste with oil-based ingredients can quickly become runny and watery when the weather gets warmers. Keep the toothpaste away from sunny, warm locations during the summer. In fact, it’s always better to keep it somewhere cool.
Limit the number of times you place the toothbrush into the toothpaste. Instead of dipping the brush into the containers, you can use a teaspoon or scoop to lift a small amount out and place it on the toothbrush.
This will keep the toothpaste fresh for longer and will limit the pathogens getting into the solution and making it go bad.
3. Herbal Toothpaste
Even though herbs may not be the first thing you think of when making toothpaste, they can add flavor and health benefits to your dental routine. In fact, studies have shown that sage has the potential to reduce mouth ulcers and gingivitis.
The best results come when you use a combination of herbal toothpaste and herbal mouthwash to clean your entire mouth.
All you need for herbal mouthwash is a cup of herbs and a cup of vodka. Combine the vodka and herbs into a jar and seal it. Place it in a cool, dark place for up to a month. Strain the leaves.
To make the toothpaste, gather up:
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 2 tsp baking soda
- 2 tsp dried herbs or 4 tsp fresh herbs
Herbs you can use include sage, fennel, mint, or calendula.
Mix and put it in your chosen container. Just remember to keep it in a cool, dry place.
You don’t have to stop there when mixing up your own toothpaste. You can sprinkle a couple of drops of peppermint or clove oil for extra flavor and freshness in any of these recipes.
Or, add 1 tbsp of powdered orange peel.
Benefits of Making Homemade Toothpaste
When you visit the supermarket, there are always many choices in the oral hygiene section. You can find different toothpaste for sensitive gums, whitening, and gum health. So, why should you choose to make homemade toothpaste over buying it?
Above all else, making your own toothpaste gives you complete control over the ingredients and what goes into your body. The best way to know what’s in your products is to make them yourself.
Plus, making your own toothpaste also helps limit the amount of environmental waste produced through plastic packaging in stores. You don’t need to pile up plastic anymore; you can reuse the same container for your homemade paste.
Having a large family can save you a lot of money as you no longer have to buy new toothpaste seemingly every second week. You can whip up a large quantity and safely store it in the refrigerator to extend the shelf life.
Another reason homemade toothpaste is better than the store-bought stuff is that you can also control the consistency and texture of the solution. Some people like thicker paste and others prefer something a bit more liquid.
If you have little children, this will encourage them to brush their teeth more if they like the texture. So, it’s a positive way to motivate you and your family to stick to an oral hygiene routine.
Natural Toothpaste for Clean Gums
These toothpaste recipes are excellent for keeping your gums healthy without exposing your teeth to unknown ingredients or spending a ton of money.
And if you want to experiment with different ingredients, you can! Find a flavor that you and your whole family will love.
These recipes are just to give you a jumpstart. The rest you can figure out by experimenting!
