How to Make Natural Toothpaste
When I made the decision to switch to non-toxic personal care products, some things were easier to switch over, like using bar soap instead of drugstore-brand body wash, and others were harder, like switching to non-toxic deodorant. Toothpaste was also one of those things that was hard to switch over. We tend to take what we're used to as the status quo, like having minty-fresh breath. This is why, when I started using non-toxic toothpaste, my mouth definitely had a reaction. But we accept what we're used to. Once I got used to a different taste and consistency of toothpaste in my mouth, I hardly noticed a difference. In fact, I really began to not like the almost burning-freshness of the standard Crest or Colgate. Another thing I noticed when I switched over was no more morning breath. This I attribute to the baking soda in the non-toxic version, as well as the absence of chemicals which disrupt the biome of your mouth.
So the first step to me switching over was buying non-toxic toothpaste. The next step was making my own. I believe that the first step was necessary. I had to make a leap from drugstore-brand toothpaste from a tube to non-toxic paste from a jar. This helped my tastebuds adjust, as well as giving me a glass jar to use for my own homemade toothpaste. You don't need to go the route that I did, but I do suggest that you do, as it helps with the transition.
Following is my own "recipe" for non-toxic toothpaste. The recipe fills about a 60ml jar. You can use any vessel to hold the toothpaste, as long as your toothbrush has room to dip in and scoop up the paste.
Note: I have gone back and forth with using essential oils. It is up to you whether you want to add them, but there is some concerns with disrupting the healthy bacteria in your mouth. It's totally up to you.
Non Toxic Toothpaste
Fills 60ml jar
You will need:
5 tablespoons coconut oil
2.5 tablespoons of baking soda
2 tablespoons of bentonite clay
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/8 teaspoon xylitol
1 drop essential oil (optional)
Melt the coconut oil until liquified. Stir in the baking soda until completely combined. Stir in the bentonite clay until completely combined. If the mixture is too liquidy, add more bentonite clay or baking soda. Add in the sea salt, xylitol and optional essential oil. Pour into vessel. To use, dip your toothpaste into the vessel to "scoop" up the toothpaste and brush as usual!