After much research, I finally made the decision to step away from these harmful ingredients, and factory-made toothpastes. I did a lot of testing, and studying to come up with this easy, homemade gem. This 6-ingredient DIY toothpaste will protect and heal your teeth like no toothpaste ever has, and keep your mouth feeling fresher than ever!
To make this toothpaste:
1/2 cup distilled water (to help prevent bacterial growth)
1/2 cup Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – order here
1/4 cup Bentonite clay – order here
3 tbsp Coconut Oil – order here
20 drops peppermint essential oil (optional; for taste) – order here
3 tbsp Xylitol – order here
Diatomaceous Earth
There has been a lot of talk about remineralizing your teeth by naturally supporting them, and DE is at the top of quite a few lists. Another interesting feature of DE is the fact that it has a strong negative charge. This unique factor causes things like chemicals, viruses, bacteria, and heavy metals to be drawn to it. You can see why drawing these toxins out, and then spitting them into the sink with the toothpaste could be greatly beneficial for oral (and overall) health[7].
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite Clay is a huge name when it comes to drawing out toxins, maintaining pH, and addressing gastrointestinal concerns. It’s pretty obvious that clay attracts toxins, because it is so popular for face and body masks.
The incredible properties of bentonite clay can be seen the moment it is mixed with the water[8]. Bentonite clay is actually aged and weathered volcanic ash, and it changes right down to the molecule when moisture is added. Once it becomes wet, bentonite clay becomes somewhat of a sponge, soaking up every bit of moisture, and multiplying in size. This “soaking up” action continues when you brush your teeth with it. Bentonite clay is super porous and once the toxins are sucked in, because of the magnetic attraction, they remain within the clay. Bentonite clay has shown ability to fight toxins generated through food consumption, as well as decreasing the number of cavity-causing microorganisms[9].
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a potent natural antibacterial. There are certain types of bacteria specifically related to biofilm (plaque) formation on the teeth, and coconut oil helps in breaking these down and decreasing their count in the mouth[10]. Coconut oil on the teeth helps reduce plaque, lower the chances of developing gingivitis, while also inhibiting tooth decay[11,12].
Xylitol
Like the peppermint oil, the xylitol is mostly for taste – but it also possesses many oral health benefits. Xylitol is a natural sweetener that is made from the fibrous material of many different fruits and vegetables. Traditional refined sugar basically feeds the bacteria on your teeth. The sugar throws them into overdrive, causing them to multiply even more rapidly. That’s why more sugar = more cavities[13].
This rapid growth of bacteria causes your body to respond by making your saliva more acidic, resulting in the downfall of oral health. Thankfully, though xylitol as a sweet, pleasant taste, it does not react with your body in the same way as sugar. Instead, because xylitol does not ferment by oral bacteria, it helps counteract low-pH levels, reduce the number of plaque-forming bacteria as well as inflammation, and benefits can last for years, and years, after cessation of the sweetener[14,15] The fact that microorganisms are unable to process xylitol helps, in and of itself, because it disrupts the production process and leads to cell death.
Peppermint Oil
Though peppermint was chosen purely for taste, I was pleasantly surprised to find that a little research yielded some interesting information about the oral use of peppermint oil. In regards to oral bacteria, peppermint oil exhibits “significant inhibitory effect” on harmful microbes in the oral cavity. It’s an excellent antiseptic, and can help reduce bad breath[16].
Conclusion
Personally, I keep my toothpaste in a container on the bathroom sink, and use a little dipping stick (or sometimes my finger when I’m feeling lazy – ha) to transfer to the toothbrush head.
The mint and xylitol really help with the strong earthy flavor from the clay or DE. The first time I brushed, a little of the clay did begin to coat my tongue, but once I got some saliva and water working in there, it quickly washed away. When switching from conventional toothpaste, it can be an adjustment, but stick with it and it will become normal for you quickly!
This toothpaste left my teeth feeling smooth and clean for hours. Even after I ate lunch (and a cookie), I found myself running my tongue over my teeth because they felt so smooth.
I hope you love it as much as I do!
Until next time,
Savannah
Interesting! I don't think I've ever heard of homemade toothpaste before #KCACOLS
Oh, it's sooo good, you should totally give it a try!! It really leaves my mouth feeling fresh for hours and hours. Thanks for reading <3
This is something that I have been thinking about a lot. We have a fennel one at the moment and sometimes the doTERRA toothpaste. A minty one sounds good, though #KCACOLS
I'm not sure I've got time to do it – will mark for later! #KCACOLS (Rainbowsaretoobeautiful)
Fantastic post, thank you! I've read of the benefits of these ingredients before but I've never had an actual recipe. I'm definitely going to give this a try. I've been using Uncle Harry's products for years but the shipping costs to the UK are crazy.
Interesting. How much does this DIY toothpaste usually run you? What size do the ingredients come in? (Like, oz or whatever…)
Like Ann, I'm not sure I'll get to this soon, but will definitely bookmark it for later as making my own natural alternatives is definitely something our household is giving more thought to.
Oh yeah, it's super tasty!!! I hope you get a chance to try it out <3
Yeah, there are quite a few ingredients to run through. Take your time! <3
Yeah!!! Totally give it a shot when you have the chance! <3
Thanks so much for reading! Yesss, all of the ingredients have so many incredible benefits-homemade is always easier on the wallet! Let me know what you think <3
This is fab!! Come pay day I am going to do this!!
Question – do you store it in an open lid container or a closed lid container?
#KCACOLS
Total, for all the ingredients, you're looking at at about a $70 purchase. But, I use the ingredients for other purposes as well. DE is in my everyday smoothie, Bentonite clay for baths and things, coconut oil for cooking and like, everything else, but the peppermint and xylitol are mostly for teeth stuff.
However, if you spent the $70 or so on these ingredients and used them for ONLY toothpaste, you'd be looking at not having to buy toothpaste (or any ingredients) for YEARS. Seriously. <3
Yay!! Tell me how it works out for sure!!
Closed lid <3 Don't want any dust or whatever to fall into it (: Thanks so much for reading <3
That's really interesting! I've heard of the beneficial properties of coconu oil, DE and betonite clay, but never thought to make a toothpaste out of them. Thanks so much for linking up at #KCACOLS. Hope you come back again next Sunday x
Oooh I never knew you could make your own toothpaste! Amazing x #KCACOLS
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