Homemade Toothpaste Recipes: Make Your Teeth Sparkle on a Dime

Generic store-bought toothpaste gets the job done. But it’s the same old boring flavors every time. Yawn. And it often contains undesirable chemicals, detergents, sweeteners, colorings, and preservatives that aren’t optimal for health.

By comparison, homemade toothpaste is like a DIY project for your mouth that’s customizable, eco-friendly, and super effective. With homemade toothpaste, you’re a mixologist. You get to choose the ingredients and flavors that work for you and whip them up into a tasty and powerful concoction that’ll leave your teeth sparkling.

Big bonus: You’ll save money! The ingredients in natural toothpaste cost very little, but they’re packed with value.

Here are some other benefits of homemade toothpaste:

• Control: You’re in the driving seat! You have complete control over each ingredient in your natural toothpaste and can avoid added nasties by choosing powerful plant-based ingredients instead.
• Choice: Don’t like mint? Not a problem. Grab some ginger, orange, grapefruit, or lemon essential oil and create whatever flavored toothpaste you want!
• Cost: Homemade toothpaste is cost-effective. Many of the ingredients can be bought in bulk and used to make multiple batches of toothpaste. That means you can save money in the long run and have a fresh supply of toothpaste whenever you need it.
• Eco-conscious: When you make your DIY toothpaste, you can use reusable containers and avoid all the plastic tubes that end up in landfills. You’ll also feel good knowing you’re not contributing to the environmental damage caused by energy-intense manufacturing processes.

But it’s not just about saving money and caring for the world. Making homemade toothpaste is a fun and creative way to take control of your oral health. So if your teeth are more yellow than Sponge Bob, let’s take a look at some recipes for natural whitening toothpaste.

Your toothpaste must be effective, and homemade toothpaste ticks that box. But, there are some potential pitfalls to all-natural toothpaste.

Firstly, unless you’re a dental expert, it can be tough to get the balance of ingredients just right unless you’re a dental expert. Sure, you might think you’re being all fancy by adding a pinch of turmeric or a drop of tea tree oil, but too much of a good thing can be a bad thing. You could end up with toothpaste that’s too abrasive or too acidic, which can damage your enamel or irritate your gums.

Then there’s the matter of fluoride. Many experts consider this mineral essential for dental health and the prevention of tooth decay, but you can’t incorporate it into a DIY recipe. So, you might be leaving yourself at an increased risk of developing cavities.

And finally, let’s not forget about the risk of contamination. Homemade toothpaste doesn’t have the same safety protocols as store-bought toothpaste, which means there’s a greater chance of introducing bacteria or other nasties into your DIY mixture either as you make it or use it.

So, unless you’re making your toothpaste in a sterile lab and keeping it in super-sanitary conditions, there’s a chance your toothpaste could become a breeding ground for germs. Gross!

P.S. Homemade products have a shorter shelf life than store-bought products, so be sure to keep an eye on your toothpaste and toss it if it starts to look or smell funky.

If you’re ready to step up your toothpaste game, let’s begin with everyone’s favorite kitchen staple and turn it into a powerful oral hygiene tool. Of course, baking soda is the superstar ingredient in this DIY toothpaste recipe, but feel free to add in whatever essential oils you like for flavor and scent.

Psst. Baking soda can be a bit abrasive on your teeth. So, proceed with caution if you have sensitive teeth or gums.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup baking soda
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1-2 drops of peppermint or other essential oil (optional)
• 1-2 drops of stevia (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and water oil in a small bowl until it forms a thick paste. If the mixture is too dry, you can add a little more water until you get the desired consistency.
2. Add in the essential oil and stevia (if using) and mix until well combined. The oil will give your toothpaste a tasty hint of flavor, while the stevia will provide a natural sweetener that can help fight cavities.
3. Transfer the toothpaste to a small container with a lid, such as a jar or a tube, and store it in a cool, dry place.

Homemade coconut oil toothpaste is like a tropical vacation for your teeth — it’s moisturizing, refreshing, and oh-so-easy to make. Folks have used coconut oil for centuries as an effective oral hygiene tool as it may kill bacteria, reduce plaque, and fight gum disease.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup organic coconut oil
• 2-3 teaspoons of baking soda
• 1-2 teaspoons of organic arrowroot powder (optional)
• 1-2 drops of peppermint or other essential oil (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the coconut oil and baking soda in a small bowl until well combined. You may need to melt the coconut oil if it’s solid. The mixture should be smooth and creamy.
2. Add a few drops of peppermint or other essential oil if you like the flavor, and mix until well combined.
3. Add the arrowroot powder to thicken the mixture if you prefer it to be less runny. Start with a small amount, and add more until desired thickness is reached.
4. Transfer the toothpaste to a small container and store it in a cool, dry place.

Homemade charcoal toothpaste is like the rockstar of dental hygiene — it’s dark, gritty, and powerful. It’s popular as a toothpaste ingredient as it can remove surface stains and brighten teeth.

Charcoal is a dark, porous substance that’s madeby heating wood to high temperatures in the absence of oxygen. But don’t panic. You don’t have to start a fire! Instead, you can buy activated charcoal in ready-made powdered form.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon activated charcoal
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1–2 drops of essential oil (optional)
• 1-2 drops of stevia (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix the baking soda and activated charcoal powder in a small bowl until well combined.
2. Add in the coconut oil and mix until a smooth paste forms. You may need to melt the coconut oil if it’s solid.
3. Add in the essential oil of your choice and stevia if you’re using them, and mix until well combined.
4. Transfer the toothpaste to a small container with a lid and store in a cool, dry place.

Some peeps swear by charcoal toothpaste for its alleged ability to whiten teeth and improve oral health. But there are some potential drawbacks to this dark and gritty toothpaste. The main issue is that it’s highly abrasive. Meaning it could actually damage rather than clean your teeth if used too frequently or with too much pressure.

So it’s a good idea to limit its use rather than use it regularly. It’s a wise move to save it for special occasions and choose a more gentle toothpaste for your everyday oral health routine.

You can make homemade toothpaste with stuff you have hanging around at home or easily sourced from the store. Natural toothpastes made with baking soda, coconut oil, or charcoal are effective, eco-friendly, and customizable to your needs and preferences.

By creating rather than buying toothpaste, you can avoid the sketchy chemicals and additives often found in store-bought toothpaste and reduce waste by using reusable containers. And if that’s not reason enough to give it a whirl already, making your own toothpaste is a fun and creative way to take control of your oral health. So get ready to mix it up — your teeth and taste buds will thank you for it!

Just keep in mind, although natural toothpaste is a great alternative to clean plaque, it may not be the most effective at preventing cavities.