If there is one things we’ve learned about living a natural lifestyle, it’s that folks seem to pick their battles. It’s impossible to have impeccable behavior in living sustainably, locally, waste-free, toxin-free and nutrition-rich. But we try, don’t we? And it matters! We’re not sure this DIY toothpaste qualifies as a green necessity – after all there are decent natural toothpaste brands doing all the hard work for you already. But, for those who want to really go there with oral care – or who want an amazing home experiment to teach kids about natural health – this old-fashioned, homemade toothpaste certainly fits the bill! It’s easy, simple and – for mint lovers – can get as minty you like.
Commercial toothpaste is a lot like lip balm: full of super strange ingredients that don’t need to be there that contribute to the problems it’s promising to solve! Skip the fake-colored, sweetened chemical stuff and make this low-cost, effective alternative from Adina, founder of Brookyln’s S.W. Basics instead. If you have sensitive gums leave the sea salt out of the equation, but it’s a nice abrasive that is full of minerals for everyone else. Coconut oil kills bacteria and peppermint oil will freshen your breath a trillion times longer than un-naturally fragranced toothpaste. Happy brushing…
Homemade Peppermint Toothpaste
Ingredients
2 Tbsp baking soda
2 Tbsp coconut oil
20 drops peppermint oil
1 tsp sea salt (optional)
Directions
Mix into a paste and use!
Store up to six months.
What I like about this recipe, in addition to it being easy to make, is that it requires no packaging. Toothpaste tubes are such a waste. One could put this toothpaste into a reusable container which would be easy to use and … no waste! Brilliant! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much – we’d love to see a pic of your results! Tweet us at @chalkboardmag or find us on Instagram at @thechalkboardmag
I haven’t tried this recipe, but I love how simple it sounds. My concern is that I’ve read with long-term use, baking soda can cause damage to the enamel of your teeth. Is this really safe to use as an everyday toothpaste?
Hello, while being very keen on finding green alternative , I am very thorough concerning oral care and having a conservative father always stressing the importance of having fluor ( 1400 ppm min ) I have to ask, does it really protects and mineralizes the tooth enamel ?
I tried this recipe and it worked fine. I ADDED MAYBE 5 MORE DROPS THAN THE RECIPE REQUIRED. Right after making it I rushed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and they feel soooo stinkin’ clean. The paste was not as thick as paste that you would buy but I know that is because it does not have glycerin but I love it !!! ALL NATURAL !!!
I also doubled the recipe