How to make homemade toothpaste

To diy toothpaste or not to diy toothpaste, that is the question.. 

From a practical standpoint, brushing your teeth with toothpaste is unnecessary. You can remove food debris and plaque from your teeth without using toothpaste. All you need is a soft toothbrush and good brushing techniques to remove plaque. (https://www.dentalplans.com/dental-information/dental-concerns/does-toothpaste-damage-my-teeth) There was even a study done that concluded brushing first without toothpaste leads to better plaque removal when compared with toothbrushing with toothpaste. Brushing without toothpaste, however, does not prevent cavities. I personally would like to have some sort of cleaning mixture to use when brushing, and I think most of us would. But to each their own on how they would like to approach the toothpaste question. Questions have also arose if making diy toothpaste is safe and effective. However, there has been more research and support to prove that it is safe, rather than it isn't. (Disclaimer: I am not a dentist, but I have done thorough research on this topic. If you find that the only method that works for you is to buy regular toothpaste in the plastic tube, or your dentist recommends that you do not use natural or homemade toothpaste, than please follow your dentist's advice. We do not want to force people to change or go against what is needed for their health. We just want to suggest alternatives to using plastic, and how to do so!)

With that being said, let us delve into the world of homemade/handmade toothpaste!

Benefits of homemade toothpaste:
1. No plastic! I think we are all happy about that one. I know I am.
2. Cost effective. In the world of going plastic-free, we also want to make the process as low cost as possible. You will surely save a lot making your own toothpaste. Those savings will add up. Good toothpaste can be very costly.
3. It's a fun, mindful activity that can be done together with family, friends and loved ones.

My easy recipe for homemade toothpaste:

What you will need:
1. A glass container/jar with lid
2. Organic, unrefined coconut oil
3. Baking Soda
4. Organic peppermint, (or any flavor), essential oil (optional)

Directions: 
1. Clean and prepare the container where you will be storing the toothpaste. I used a recycled jam jar that was a perfect size for toothpaste storage. But feel free to use a mason jar, or any other type of glass container with a lid. No plastic of course!
2. Depending on how much you are making, pour 1 part Organic, unrefined coconut oil with 1 part baking soda, into a bowl. If you use 1/2 cup of the coconut oil, than use about 1/2 cup of the baking soda as well. NOTE: If you find that the toothpaste is a little too liquidy, add more baking soda to the mixture. No matter what, homemade toothpaste will not have the same consistency as store bought toothpaste, because it doesn't have all the additives, preservatives and unhealthy ingredients!
3. Then drop 20-25 drops of essential oil into the mixture (optional).
4. Mix thoroughly with a wooden utensil. I used a wooden chopstick I had recycled.
5. Transfer to your jar of choice and seal with a lid until use!

There are definitely more complex and intricate recipes for diy toothpaste that contain ingredients such as bentonite clay and xylitol. I have seen a variety of recipes for this more complex toothpaste online, but probably one of the best is from this dentist in Spain. If you are feeling ambitious and have access to these ingredients, please do try the more complicated recipe! If not, try mine and let me know how it worked for you! In addition, if you have other tips/questions/comments to add, please do so!

And don't forget your bamboo toothbrush! One of the first things to go is that old dreaded plastic toothbrush that takes 400 years or never, to decompose!