DIY toothpaste

We learn as children that teeth need brushing every day. Shop shelves keep filling with new toothpastes, yet many of them contain sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens or triclosan. If you would like more control over what goes into your mouth, try making toothpaste at home. It also saves money.

The first batch may feel unusual, so the main rule is simple: choose good natural ingredients, and the result will be pleasant.

Homemade toothpaste recipe

You will need 4 tbsp of coconut oil, 1 finely grated slice of lemon, 2 tbsp of baking soda, 1 tbsp of salt, 5 drops of peppermint essential oil and a quarter teaspoon of cinnamon and clove powder, for example our Ayurvedic cinnamon powder.

How to make it

Chill the coconut oil in advance so the paste turns out thick. Add the ingredients to a clean bowl one by one and stir into an even paste. Keep it somewhere cool so it holds its texture and stays fresh longer.

Rinse your mouth, scoop a little paste onto the brush and brush as usual. It will feel different at first because this paste does not foam. Still, it cleans gently and leaves a pleasant fresh taste thanks to the mint, cinnamon and clove. We covered a similar idea focused on a bright smile in our DIY whitening toothpaste article.

FAQ

Why does homemade toothpaste not foam?

It has no foaming agents such as sodium lauryl sulfate, so there is almost no lather, which is normal.

How long does it keep?

Store it in a closed jar somewhere cool and make small batches.

Can I use it every day?

Baking soda and lemon are fairly strong, so if your teeth are sensitive, alternate it with regular toothpaste.