User login
Making homemade toothpaste
Tags:
We made our own toothpaste!!! It was fun, easy, frugal, and tasty! I'm totally hooked.
I have been wanting to make some more natural toothpaste, but all of the recipes I had seen online called for glycerin or other ingredients that I didn't have on hand. When I came across Julie's post about making toothpaste, I was excited!
Here is how I made my homemade toothpaste:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons baking soda
1/2 small packet of stevia powder
20-25 drops of peppermint oil*
1. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl, using a fork.
*Add about half of the amount of peppermint oil to start, and test the toothpaste to see how much you want/like. I used NOW brand peppermint oil, and ended up stopping at 25 drops which is still not as strong as I am used to, though it does taste nice and minty! Julie noted in her instructions that using part spearmint oil will make the toothpaste not as "hot" as using all peppermint oil.
I also made a cinnamon variation. Instead of using peppermint oil, I added a teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a few drops of clove oil. This did turn out a little bit hot for the children, and I'm not sure if I like the ground cinnamon the paste -- cinnamon oil might be a better choice, but I don't own any. :)
This toothpaste recipe is very easy to experiment with as far as flavoring, and I'm thinking of making up some with cayenne pepper in it, which is supposed to be good for the gums!
This is what the finished toothpaste looks like:
The peppermint one is snowy-white! It looks and feels (to the fingers) just like store-bought toothpaste. The coconut oil is really a fabulous base for the toothpaste.
It tastes good, too. The stevia gives a sweet taste (which most toothpastes have). The baking soda taste isn't over-powering, but it is there -- and the toothpaste definitely works well! It doesn't foam, of course, but I actually like it that way.
Since coconut oil melts at 76 degrees, the toothpaste becomes liquid when you brush, and coats the teeth well. The oil is very runny, though, and doesn't leave the mouth feeling greasy in the least. It will, however, stick to your bathroom sink if you use cold water to rinse. I definitely recommend using warm water with this toothpaste! (It was only when I used the cinnamon one that I saw where the toothpaste actually ended up/stayed!)
Our bathroom toothpastes: Containers of homemade, and a half-tube of fluoride-free Nature's Gate. The Nature's Gate is rather hot-tasting, so I may finish that one for the children. ;) And, I won't be buying more! :)
Since the homemade toothpaste was so inexpensive to make, I won't have to watch quite so closely when they brush, to make sure they only use a small amount. (I usually brush their teeth at night, and they brush themselves during the day.)
And what's even better? This homemade toothpaste made me decide to just toss the rest my free-after-rebate tube from Rite-Aid which I had been using for myself. I never had been comfortable with the ingredients, but it was free and it was what I had...
I welcome comments on the toothpaste topic, but I won't publish comments seeking to debate fluoride use. Thanks. :)
Disclaimer: I have not used this toothpaste extensively. (I will update here when I have!) I am fairly certain that this toothpaste is safe and will not harm your teeth. There are no studies or statistics comparing it to commercial toothpaste, so I am not out to "prove" its effectiveness in any way. This recipe and information is provided for those who want it and I make no claims about its long-term use. I'm still studying and learning about dental care! :)
Using our Amazon.com search boxes when making purchases helps support this site. Thanks for your support!
Using our Amazon.com search boxes when making purchases helps support this site. Thanks for your support!
New Recipes
Poll
New Recipe Reviews
Recent comments
- Websites are always helpful in one way or the other
10 hours 45 min ago - My Mom would always shred
1 day 19 hours ago - My recipes
1 day 21 hours ago - Beet cake
1 day 22 hours ago - lox
1 day 23 hours ago - This is cool!
2 days 2 hours ago - I love beets!
2 days 2 hours ago - I have just recently tried beets...
2 days 3 hours ago - Apple Slices
2 days 3 hours ago - Roasted Beet Salad
2 days 8 hours ago
I recommend SwagBucks as a simple way to earn money while doing your normal Google Searches. Read my full review -- Tammy
Who's online
There are currently 0 users and 37 guests online.
Organic bulk ingredients at excellent prices! -- Tammy
To add a link to Tammy's Recipes copy and paste the below HTML into your website:
Comments
Shelf-life and stability
This looks awesome! I am using Tom's natural toothpaste now, with an electric Oral-B toothbrush, but it's rather expensive and the metal tube drives me crazy. How long is your homemade toothpaste safe to last? Also, do you keep it in the bathroom or the fridge?
Storage of homemade toothpaste
It's kept in the bathroom, not in the fridge -- I'm guessing that if the coconut oil were refrigerated it would make the toothpaste rock-hard! :)
I'm not sure about shelf-life. My guess is "a long time" (maybe several months?). I guess I can update if mine goes bad or something!
It is very simple to make (takes about 5 minutes, seriously!) so I will probably not keep more than a few months' supply on hand, though I am curious as to just how long it will last! :)
Hey, that is cool! I might
Hey, that is cool! I might try that only I might see if I can use xylitol since that is supposed to be good for teeth.
toothpaste
I guess Ill stick with what I always use, but that peppermint variety you made actually sound good enough to eat. now, if you figured out a recipie for homeade cocnut toothpaste Id give it a go!(I love coconut) cayenne pepper in toothpaste YOWEEEE!! I dont even cook with that.
Coconut toothpaste
Well, you could add coconut extract and leave out the peppermint oil! :D
Baking soda amount
Hi there,
I am a regular reader of your blog and find it very inspiring, God bless you Tammy!
I find this home made toothpaste idea really interesting but I am a bit concerned about the amount of baking soda you put into it. I've heard that baking soda may damage enamel as it works as a scrub to take the plaque off the teeth. Therefore companies producing pastes only put a small amount of it in their pastes plus foaming substance to lessen that scrubing effect even more. I hope you don't mind me asking...
~Emily.
Baking soda in tooth pastes
I have done some reading on the use of baking soda in tooth paste/powder and couldn't find substantial evidence that it is too abrasive to be used. I always thought the Sodium Laural Sulfate, which makes things foam, was there just because people "expect" foam... although SLS isn't supposedly very good for you, either... However, I happen to be going to the dentist in 2 days and I can ask him about baking soda on teeth! :D
Let me know what you find
Let me know what you find out about the baking soda. Mom said she's read the same thing. I thought the important thing was to make sure the baking soda was completely rinsed out of your mouth. Whatever the case, I think the homemade toothpaste would be better. :)
A fun experiment!
Thanks for posting that, Tammy! I'd followed the link you posted the other day and told all my family about the homemade toothpaste recipe. :) Now I just need to pick up some essential oils so that I can make my own as well! I will be searching garage sales or the dollar store for some small containers to put it in, too.
Thanks!! :)
Essential oils
Vicky, I especially like peppermint oil as it is SO versatile and is my most-used oil -- so if you buy some, there are many more uses than just this tooth paste! :D
Toothpaste
That looks really good. I don't use any toothpaste at all, but I may make this for my husband, who buys whatever is on sale and I really don't like what he is putting in his mouth. Do you dip the toothbrush in or put it on the toothbrush with your finger? I would think that the toothpaste would get contaminated after a while of dipping the toothbrush in it. Or maybe it could be put in very, very small containers, so that you have to use a new one every week or something... hmmm... Well, thanks a lot for the link and recipe.
:-D
For the lady, above, who wanted coconut toothpaste: if you use virgin coconut oil, it will taste like coconut. If you use refined coconut oil, it will not. Also, virgin coconut oil is VERY good for you. Refined coconut oil is good for you, too, but virgin is better and it has that coconut smell and flavor.
:-D
Now to get my husband off head and shoulders shampoo. YUCK! ;-)
Coconut oil
I have read that coconut oil is naturally anti-bacterial and anti-fungal, so dipping a toothbrush in it shouldn't be a problem. I did put my toothpaste in small containers, though -- about 2 ounces.
P.S.
P.S. What does half a packet of stevia equal in sugar. I have liquid stevia and if I know what the equivalent is to sugar, I can figure out how much liquid to use. Thanks!
Stevia and sugar equivalents
Oh, I don't know... I used Sweet Leaf stevia which has inulin added (since that was all I had on hand right now) and the box doesn't tell the equivalents... you may have to do some taste-testing with your liquid stevia...
stevia conversions
Stevia conversions
another thing to add to my list!
Alright Tammy, I make my own detergent, shampoo, and now I so need to do this!
But now the question is where in the world can I get coconut oil? I've been looking everywhere in most basic stores, but I can't find it. Where did you get yours? You live kinda near me, so maybe I can get it at the same place. Spill the beans! ;)
Coconut oil source
Wal-mart, in the oil section, top shelf. I'm still on my first tub, so I haven't looked for other sources... :)
CO
I've heard on Super Wal*mart's have CO.
I have those same little containers Tammy! Mine have a darker blue top tho. So useful for so many things. I didn't think so at the time I bought them.
~Jules (yes, eventually I'll sign in lol)
use VCO, its better
Normal cheapo coconut oil is bleached and fragranced with chemically thingybobs, which drains a lot of it's goodness.
Virgin Coconut Oil though is simply seperated out from the coconut milk (which is not the sweet watery stuff, it is squeezed from grated coconut flesh) and it is one hundred percent natural. If it has anything else in the ingredients list it isn't VCO.
However don't be fooled by the phrase "Extra Virgin Coconut oil" because that doesn't exist. Extra virgin is a term applied to olive oil only. It is sometimes used for coconut oil because it sounds better, but it is no better and worth no more of your money.
The oil I buy locally is from elfoods. it is a good price.
I found virgin coconut oil
I found virgin coconut oil at whole foods they have several brands I paid $7. I use it in my hair and on my skin.
Homemade toothpaste
Tammy, I enjoy reading your blog for ideas. . . making hm toothpaste-how much did it cost to make and how much did each batch make? (example: $1 to make 6 oz). I buy toothpaste at the discount grocer, and use $1 off cpns, often it is free or close to it for me, certainly less than $1/tube. With 6 people here, we go thru a considerable amount. I was surprised that you chose to toss the remainder of the Rite Aid (?) toothpaste; your blog shows that you are a resourceful, thrifty person-waste not want not, no? While I understand your preferences surrounding toothpaste, I would have used the remainder of the RZ toothpaste up first. JMO
Cost of making toothpaste
My batch of toothpaste made about 2 ounces and cost... pennies. I'm guessing maybe 10 cents or so? :)
We are usually able to get toothpaste for free (after rebate, so we just pay tax) from Rite Aid here, but often the toothpastes contain ingredients that I really don't like putting in my mouth -- like Triclosan, for example! If I hadn't already used from that tube, I would have given it away rather than throwing it away. :)
ahhh....
Maybe that's my problem...I didn't look UP at Walmart. hehe...well, next trip, I will see! Thanks Tammy!
stevia
Stevia has also been shown to be an anticavity agent. Just in case someone wasn't aware
toothpaste
That is so AWESOME. I love it. I will have to try.
I haven't studied up on
I haven't studied up on this, but to the commenter who wanted to use xylitol instead of stevia, I will caution you too research it more because I've heard that it's poisonous to dogs. Makes you wonder if you really want to be putting that in your mouth! ;-)
Poisonous to dogs
So is chocolate... ;)
I have no intention of
I have no intention of brushing any dog's teeth, thank goodness.:-P
(FYI, I have read about it. The danger for dog's, if I remember correctly, is that it causes a fast release of insulin. Whereas for humans xylitol is an insulin stabilizer. So pretty much the opposite effect.)
Toothpaste for dogs
I have no intention of brushing any dog's teeth, thank goodness. :-P
LOL!! :)
Just wondering...
Tammy,
I was just wondering if you would mind if I reprinted this recipe in my newsletter, the Rosebud Newsletter? I have a small column in it for future keepers-at-home and I thought this might be a good addition. :)
Please let me know!
Catherine Perrine
GodsRosebud_1989 at yahoo.com
I saw this recipe last week
I saw this recipe last week at Old Paths and vowed then and there to make it. Now seeing your try at it makes me want to make it more! I love the idea of adding different "flavors"! I want to try the mint one and the cinnamon, but wouldn't it be fun to do some sort of berry flavor or something for the kids! I'm going to make it this weekend...you've made up my mind! LOL!
Stevia and dental health
This is an interesting idea- stevia as a sweetner in Toothpaste... So as the dental hygienist I had to look into it...
http://www.raintreenutrition.com/stevia.htm
That is what I found...
I was just wondering of the cavity factor- and it turns out stevia is non-cariogenic ( not cavity causing) probably because it has a high content of fluoride.
Xylitol ( another sweetner) is actually anti-cariogenic and can prevent cavities. It can be easily found in gum these days, they advertise it largely if it is an ingredient. I doubt it can be purchased alone though.
Heather, RDH
Very Interesting!
Thanks for your input Heather!
I didn't know that Stevia had flouride in it. I'm going to do a little more research on that.
Xylitol can be purchased by the pound in granules (like regular sugar) in a health food store. They also sell single serving packets.
-Gwen
If evolution really works, how come mothers only have two hands? –Milton Berle
Yes, you can purchase
Yes, you can purchase xylitol as is.
Safety of baking soda use for teeth
Okay, I was able to ask both a dentist (in OH) and a dental hygienist (in WI) about the use of baking soda on teeth. The same answer I got from both:
Baking soda is NOT too abrasive to be used on teeth. However, brushing too vigorously, particularly brushing horizontally is too harsh on the teeth and gums. So whether you're brushing with baking soda or regular toothpaste, the important thing is to brush in little circles and not just horizontally.
Check this out too...
I was surfing for a different recipe for toothpaste and this one looks great.
In reading your comments, I really thought your 'community' would like knowing about westonaprice.org. I'm feel like I'm just at the beginning of learning and applying so much, and really want to share this great new source of knowledge! It gives such complete information on so many areas of nutrition that I felt was lacking or contradictory.
Weston A Price was actually a Dentist in the 1930s when his curiosity sent him off to learn more.
And by the way a great source for coconut oil is Tropical Traditions; regardless of source, expeller pressed is a great type to look for.
I am wondering how your
I am wondering how your toothpaste has worked out thus far :D
~~~~
http://lilirishlass.blogspot.com
Homemade toothpaste
Let's see... it's been over a month now... my first batch is almost gone and I'm going to make more peppermint toothpaste this week. :)
I really like the toothpaste, and use it for the children too (that way it's not dangerous if they swallow a little bit... as toddlers do!).
I'm still doing some study about dental care, and may in the future add some beneficial ingredients to the homemade toothpaste. :)
Inexpensive Essential Oils?
I'm enjoying your blog. I've been wanting to try my hand at making homemade toothpaste.
We do not have a Super Walmart in our area. Do you think it would be cost effective to purchase coconut oil from the health food store?
Also, I'm needing to find an inexpensive resource for essential oils. I have a bottle of eucalyptus I use in my floor cleaner and one bottle of lavendar that I use in my skin lotion. I'll be needing to replace them soon.
I made a skin lotion last year and my husband loves it. I have a great book called The Complete book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. I hope to make a face lotion someday.
Blessings,
Georgene
http://awomanthatfearsthelord.com
http://www.xanga.com/georgene
Inexpensive Essential Oils?
I've enjoyed your blog.
I was wondering if you knew of an inexpensive essential oil resource?
We do not have a Super Walmart nearby so I wondered if it would be cost effective if I purchased my coconut oil from a local health food store?
I made a skin lotion last year and my husband loves it. I have a great book called The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy. I hope to make a face lotion someday. Toothpaste is next on my list. :-)
Blessings,
Georgene
http://awomanthatfearsthelord.com
http://www.xanga.com/georgene
Thanks, Georgene! :) I think
Thanks, Georgene! :)
I think a gallon of coconut oil (128 oz, cold pressed virgin oil) runs about $36-40 or so. The toothpaste goes pretty far... I haven't really figured the costs to the penny, since I was just using small amounts of ingredients I already had on hand!
I have in the past bought NOW brand essential oils at a health food store. Some natural food co-ops offer them, as well. And perhaps bulk food stores? :) I haven't looked online for good prices...
Coconut Oil
The best price for coconut oil that I've been able to find is www.mountainroseherbs.com
Even with shipping I can't find it cheaper anywhere else!
Love your blog, Tammy, and thanks for the toothpaste recipe! Going to make it right now : )
Shelley R.
Apologies
I am SO sorry for the multiple posts! It didn't look like they were showing up so I'd try again AND again! I was shocked to see all my posts when I came back to visit today!
Again, I apologize! :(
Thanks for the info. I'm hoping to try this recipe soon!
Blessings,
Georgene
http://awomanthatfearsthelord.com
http://www.xanga.com/georgene
storeage container for toothpaste
Hi,
I have made homemade toothpaste and love it though I found for children getting it out of the container more difficult.
To solve the problem, I put the toothpaste in a zip lock baggie and pricked a small hole in one corner and zipped up the bag. Now the children can squeeze the toothpaste on their brushes just like frosting. It works great and no mess!
Ruhamah
storing toothpaste in ziploc
I like your idea, but what do you do with the pricked end to close that back up? Do you also make sure your toothpaste isn't too runny to come out too quickly? I have 4 & 6 year olds so I'm trying to come up with an easy way to apply it.
Thanks,
Cindy
Toothpaste Delivery System
For all those wondering about getting the toothpaste onto the brush, how about these: http://store.everestgear.com/159204.html
You can get them from any camping store!
toothpaste
Dear Tammy,
Though I enjoyed your post about toothpaste, and will likely make this myself, I wanted to let you know that toothpaste is actually not even necessary for brushing teeth properly. All you need is a good soft bristled brush, water and lots of gentle scrubbing action. I used to work for a dentist who told me toothpaste is entirely psychological (people like the clean feel of mint). We prefer to use it here, but just as f.y.i. since you are a fan of the simple life as we are.
Kendra
Runny tooth paste and zip lock bags
We never had a problem with homemade toothpaste coming out of the end, just add more baking soda to it while in the zip lock bag and squish until well mixed.
Ruhamah
stevia leaves
as far as using stevia in h.m. tothpaste, what about using ground stevia leaves? i have a stevia plant in my garden that i'm constantly on the lookout for using. i'm just wondering how much you'd use to give it a little sweetness, nothing too much though.
Toothpaste
Love this recipe for toothpaste .... I think I'm going to love to try it.....
Also love ordering from mountainroseherbs...... I had some all natural toothpaste and in the ingredience it had astragulas root powder, myrrh powder, stevia.... burbock root powder.... I think I'm going to try to make it and add some herbs too......
thanks.... love this recipe.... Anyone tried making Whipped shea body butter.... or facial scrubs using shea butter? Also salt scrubs?.....
God Bless
Debbie
SO salty!
Hi! I made this toothpaste and it is wonderful for making your mouth feel clean and refreshed, but WOW is it ever salty!!! How do you get your kids to brush with it? I followed the recipe and the saltiness was overwhelming. So I added more peppermint oil and more sweetener. It was a little better, but still super salty. My husband tried it once and made an aweful face. Any advice? Did I do something wrong? Do you just have to get used to the saltiness?
What a Great Idea!
I LOVE this idea! My grandmother used to use a baking soda and salt combo. When my sister and I were young, my mom did the same thing for us. We would dip our wet toothbrushes in a custard cup of the mixture and it would stick right on the bristles. We didn't mind, although it did have a "chalky" taste/texture.(by the way, neither my sister or I have ever had a cavity)
This recipe sounds great though. It sounds like it makes "store-bought" quality toothpaste! I'll definately try it when I get an essential oil-I've got every thing else in the cupboards. Sure beats paying the money for "healthy" toothpaste, when I can make it at home with stuff I've got!
Toothpaste container
I am going to make some of this for my 6 yo and use a different flavoring because he does not like 'hot' toothpaste...i.e. peppermint or spearamint. I am going to store them in the small decorater icing containers. They look like the small version of the ketchup picnic bottles.
http://www.pamspride.blogspot.com
Making homemade toothpaste
Does this actually work. I mean, is it as good as other toothpastes? Also, is it "hot" because I really hate "hot" toothpastes?
toothpaste recipe
Hi!!
Great recipe!! This will be on our "to do" list this year, as we continue to cut our expenses. Ive never made toothpaste before, I think the kids will love this great science experiment.
I am on the Guaifenesin Protocol (heard of it?) and need to stay away from alot stuff so my meds work correctly, not an easy task. Toothpaste alone cost me $7.99 a tube, plus shipping (Im in HI)
Thanks again for the recipe!!
brushing your dog teeth
I think homemade tooth paste is a good idea, I make it for my dogs, because it's hard to find here in MX and expensive. I seen the comment someone put about not brushing any dogs teeth and it made me sad to think they wouldn't cosder thier dog health. If your dog has Bad Doggis Breath and/or stained teeth you need to brush them 1 to 2 times a week, if you don't it could lead to major health problems and LARGE VET BILLS.If a dog is taken to a vet for teeth cleaning they have to be put to sleep,etc. and this also adds stress to your pet. For good homemade Dog toothpaste mix------------- 6 tsp.Baking soda,1/3 tsp.salt, 4 tsp. glycerin and 2tsp.low-sodium beef broth or peppemint extract. my dogs love the beef flavor, keep in frig.
receipe for dog toothpaste
I was surfing the internet and found your receipe for dog toothpaste.I am anxious to try it.My question: How long can the toothpaste be stored in the fridge? Thanking you.
On the container idea.Has
On the container idea.Has anyone thought of using a large syringe like for horses?My girlfriend uses these at work to store medicines for animals.Just dont use needles and they suck up and dispense paste really well.
http://www.tractorsupply.com/wcsstore/ConsumerDirectStorefrontAssetStore/images/products/150/2281327.jpg
even better one here
http://plaspakinc.com/veterinary_medical_syringes.htm
How much powder is 1/2 a packet of stevia?
I have a container of powdered stevia, not packets. How many teaspoons is one packet, do you think?
hello
do u have 2 use the coconut oil as a base? my email is cheryl2212001@yahoo.com thanx :)
Post new comment