3 simple ways to make your own toothpaste

Toothpaste is something most of us use daily. But did you know that most conventional brands contain at least one harmful ingredient? Ingesting a small amount of these ingredients twice a day, adds up.

It’s worse for small children who swallow most of their toothpaste. Some ingredients in toothpaste include aluminum oxide, sodium lauryl sulfate, calcium carbonate, fluoride, triclosan, glycerin, and a sweetener such as aspartame or sorbitol.

What’s the purpose of all these ingredients? Sodium lauryl sulfate makes your toothpaste foamy and we usually equate foam with “clean”.

However, this ingredient is registered as an insecticide and may cause skin irritation. Triclosan which help fight plaque and gingivitis, is linked to cancer. Fluoride which strengthens tooth enamel, can be a poison when taken in excess.

It suppresses the immune system, may cause vomiting, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal issues. Glycerin keeps the toothpaste smooth and holds it together, while creating a strong coating on the teeth that makes remineralisation difficult.

Here are some natural recipes that you can make at home:

1. Sea salt

Real sea salt helps to gently scrub your teeth leaving them really clean. Just dip a wet toothbrush in some salt and brush as usual. Sea salt should not be used more than once a week as it is quite abrasive and may wear out your enamel.

2. Bicarbonate of soda

Like sea salt, dip your brush in bicarbonate and clean as usual. Bicarbonate should not be used frequently as it is also abrasive.

3. Coconut-Bentonite toothpaste

For this toothpaste you will need coconut oil, bentonite clay, filtered water, an essential oil such as peppermint or spearmint, and sea salt. Coconut oil is a natural anti-bacterial that helps keep your mouth clean while also acting as a binding agent for the other ingredients. Bentonite clay helps remineralise your teeth while absorbing toxins and impurities. Filtered water and spring water do not contain fluoride. Essential oil adds a nice minty flavour which refreshes your mouth.

To make the toothpaste, mix two tablespoons of coconut, two tablespoons of bentonite, one to two tablespoons of water and a quarter teaspoon of sea salt.

Mix well, adding water as needed. Add five to seven drops of essential oil, mix, and store in an airtight container. Remember to avoid metal when working with bentonite clay.

Use a small amount of toothpaste as needed, and it is safe even for small children. You may also add a small amount of calcium and magnesium powder which provides a good source of minerals.

You can experiment with various other ingredients such as diatomaceous earth, orange or lemon essential oil, and cinnamon powder. Remember that your mouth is one of the most absorbent places in your entire body therefore be careful when choosing toothpaste. A bright smile is your best accessory.