Make your own natural toothpaste

I have been avoiding traditional toothpastes for a while (check out our article, “Is your toothpaste safe?”).  There are some good natural toothpaste options on the market, but lately I haven’t been wowed with them or their hefty price tag, so I decided to make my own.  After a lot of experimenting, tinkering and tooth brushing, I came up with this simple recipe that is a tooth powder, rather than a paste.  I store it in a small glass bell jar with a lid. 

I wish I could say that my whole family uses this but my family is very particular.  I use it and I have to say that I love it!  Converting to this tooth powder takes a week or so to get used to.  The chemicals in toothpaste make it creamy, foamy and palatable... and omitting those agents takes a little adjusting.  Natural toothpastes are not the same, but after several days, you will notice instant results and not miss the other kind.  Here are four great reasons to go home-made with toothpaste:

• You know exactly what you are getting!  It seems like more and more companies are sneaking unwanted ingredients like preservatives and additives into their products without noting them on the box.
• You most likely have all of the ingredients in your house right now!  Simple tried-and-true ingredients that your grandparents used to use make up this simple recipe that can be made in less than two minutes.
• These ingredients are cheap, making this recipe significantly less expensive than your favorite toothpaste brand. I previously used Desert Essence and it retailed for $6.99 for a 6.25 ounce tube.  I estimate that my homemade version costs approximately 35¢ for the same amount. 
• Compared to my old brand, I know that every ingredient is 100% natural!  Baking soda acts as the base and is a mild (but safe) abrasive that provides a gentle cleansing.  It is also alkaline and helps to neutralize acids and reduce odors in the mouth.  Cinnamon, stevia and clove essential oil are the flavoring and sweetening agents.       

I like to make this frequently to keep it fresh (since it literally comes together in a minute), but feel free to double or triple this recipe! 

1 Tablespoon baking soda

1/8 teaspoon organic cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon salt

1-2 drops clove essential oil

30 drops of stevia

Thoroughly combine all ingredients (I mix it in the glass container with a fork).  Store in an air-tight container.  One thing to note:  I rinse out my mouth and the toothbrush prior to brushing.  There are no foaming ingredients in this recipe so the water helps lubricate the mouth.  Happy brushing!

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