How to Make Your Own Toothpaste

Making your own toothpaste is an inexpensive and eco-friendly alternative to commercial toothpastes that are loaded with artificial sweeteners and other nasty, unnecessary chemicals. There are some great natural toothpastes available, which are excellent alternatives to the major brands, but some of these still have additional sweeteners and they cost even more than the big name brands - not to mention that the issue of packaging ending up in landfills is relevant to both major brands and natural alternatives.

You can make your own toothpaste with no added chemicals or sweeteners that will effectively clean your teeth, get rid of morning breath and leave your mouth feeling minty fresh all day long, all for a few dollars a year.

Starting with a baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) base, there are several recipes for homemade toothpaste that will leave your teeth feeling clean without the residue that is often left behind by commercial brands and that are just as flavorful without the added sweeteners. Baking soda has long been used as a dental cleaning agent and offers a mild abrasive, as well as anti-bacterial properties. It can be used alone or with sea salt or table salt for added abrasion.

Food grade peppermint and wintergreen flavorings offer an inexpensive way to flavor your homemade toothpaste, or, if you prefer an all natural toothpaste, peppermint essential oil is an excellent way to add flavor and antiseptic qualities to your homemade paste.

We've grown accustomed to mint-flavored toothpastes, but as you wean your family off of commercial toothpaste and get them used to your homemade version, you can experiment with different essential oils to achieve the flavor and health benefits that suit your needs. For example, for antiseptic toothpaste option (good for gum health or for folks with bad breath issues or canker sores) you might try tea tree essential oil, or for folks with sensitive teeth and gums or pain, clove oil may prove beneficial.

You may want to start with a toothpaste recipe that has a more commercial consistency and feel to it to help you and your family transition. If so, try adding about 3 teaspoons of glycerin for each ¼ cup of your baking soda base for your first few batches and then consider moving to a glycerin-free baking soda paste.

Basic DIY Toothpaste Recipe and Storage

Begin with this basic recipe and then experiment with different variations to find the texture, taste and health benefits that work best for your family.

½ cup baking soda

10 drops of flavoring or essential oil

2 teaspoons sea or table salt

Enough water to create the consistency and texture desired for your paste

Store your homemade toothpaste in a covered bowl or squeezable bottle. Travel size squeeze bottles work great for this. Unlike many homemade hygiene products, homemade toothpaste (using this recipe) does not have to be stored in the refrigerator.

Tips for DIY Toothpaste Recipe Variations

1. Add ¼ teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to the mix for teeth whitening and gum health.
2. Add 3 teaspoons of glycerin for each ¼ cup of your baking soda base for a more commercial texture.
3. Try flavoring your toothpaste with anise, peppermint, wintergreen, clove or cinnamon oil.