Natural Toothpaste Recipes

My recent National Geographic issue suggests that 1 billion toothbrushes are discarded each year in the US. Because plastic takes so long to degrade, it means that every toothbrush discarded since the 1930s is still out there, somewhere. The same likely goes for plastic tubes of toothpaste. Given how harmful plastic is to our environment and our health, and with so many easy alternatives, there’s no reason for us to continue using these products. Here are some quick and easy natural toothpaste and mouthwash options for you to try!

Natural Toothpaste

Your teeth are alive! They each have their own blood supply, nerve supply, and are in contact with more than 400 species of good bacteria (your microbiome) that communicate with your immune system. It’s no wonder that poor oral health is associated with everything from heart disease to Alzheimer’s. If you’re careful about the additives and irritants in your food, then why not your toothpaste?

• 2 tbsp baking soda (this alkaline substance also removes stains)
• 3 tbsp coconut oil (melted)
• 10 drops of an anti-microbial essential oil blend such as Aromavita 100, “Thieves Oil”, or tea tree and lemon.

Store in a glass container (not plastic) and let cool. Apply to toothbrush with a popsicle stick.

• Option: For some protection against mercury amalgams, mix 1 tbsp bentonite clay and 1 tbsp hot water, and add to the mix. This is also a good recipe emulsifier.
• Option: For added sweetness and antimicrobial protection, add a few drops of liquid stevia, to taste.

To my knowledge, no natural toothpaste has been shown to prevent cavities and gum disease like traditional commercial brands do. Though some people notice immediate benefits in their health when they make the switch (e.g. canker sores or cracks around the lips disappear), others notice symptoms of poorer dental health (in which case, we’ll want to explore underlying concerns like digestive health, hormone balance, and mouth breathing at night). Please ensure appropriate care by a dentist or dental hygienist when you’re making this switch.

Mouthwash

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp botanical tincture (alcohol extract) such as calendula or witch hazel (protects your gums and acts as a preservative!)
• 5 drops of an antimicrobial essential oil, such as the Aromavita 100 blend

Store in a glass jar and be sure to use it up in a few weeks. (The shelf life will depend on the strength of your tincture and quality of your essential oils.)

Oil Pulling

This ancient Ayurvedic oral therapy involves swishing a tbsp of coconut oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes daily, and then spitting it out. The daily habit is associated with a healthier oral microbiome, reduced dental plaque (which is made by bacteria), and reduced susceptibility to cavities.

Tooth Meridians

Ancient practitioners of Chinese medicine knew the importance of teeth and created maps that link each tooth to a specific organ, gland, and joint. Problem teeth can be the source of many systemic health concerns. To explore how your teeth are connected to acupuncture meridians, please see Jianmin’s older post, here.

Resources:

Kilian M, Chapple ILC, Hannig M et al. The oral microbiome – an update for oral healthcare professionals. British Dental Journal. 2016; 221:657-666.