Have you switched to natural toothpaste yet? For many people, it’s the last personal care product they decide to change. This might be because they’re concerned about how well it cleans or because their dentist recommends using fluoride toothpaste. However, I’m here to convince you otherwise.
I’m a big fan of natural toothpaste, and I can assure you it works! As an adult, I’ve had just one cavity, and that was when I used chemical-laden toothpaste. For years, I’ve been using natural toothpaste, and my teeth are not yellow, as you might have noticed. I never have issues with my teeth or gums at the dentist’s office, except for when I was pregnant (more on that later). I could share countless stories of others who’ve had similar positive experiences.
Did you know that cavities can actually heal themselves? It doesn’t happen with a diet full of sugar, grains, and fast food, of course. You can read more about that here. If you’re interested in more holistic dental care, check out the information on oil pulling below.
I made the switch to natural toothpaste about eight years ago, and I’ve never looked back. But once, while staying in a hotel on vacation, I had to use regular toothpaste because I forgot mine. It tasted awful, like chemicals. You’ll notice the difference once you switch. You can’t really appreciate how bad regular toothpaste tastes until you’ve been using natural kinds for a while.
There’s a reason toothpaste tubes say “do not ingest.” Do you really want something in your mouth that you inevitably swallow small amounts of every time you brush? Plus, toothpaste is considered a drug, so not all ingredients are disclosed—only the active ones like fluoride, which I also don’t recommend. We use a filter to remove all fluoride from our water at home. Now that Vienna is drinking water from her sippy cup, I’m certainly not giving her city tap water. You can learn more about fluoride in this article.
Typical ingredients in conventional toothpaste include fluoride, glycerin, hydrated silica, and more. Many of these ingredients are on the Dirty Dozen list and are linked to hormonal imbalances, infertility, and other health issues. You might wonder why these products are allowed on the market.
According to Dr. Mark Burhenne, there are concerns with ingredients in regular toothpaste. If you want to try making your own natural toothpaste, here’s a simple recipe.
About the ingredients: If you’re wondering about which brand of essential oils to use, I suggest visiting your local health food store. Tell the sales associate you’ll be using it for toothpaste. If you’re pregnant and concerned about using any essential oils, you can skip them altogether.
When I was pregnant with Vienna, my gums became inflamed. I was worried because I’ve never had issues with my gums or teeth. My dental cleaning in the second trimester was messy, but this is very common during pregnancy. I started oil pulling again, and within two weeks, my gums were back to being healthy. Learn more about oil pulling in this article.
Have I persuaded you to give up conventional toothpaste yet? I hope so!
Thanks for sharing this! I love the toothpaste in your shop, but the shipping fee to the US is too high for me. I can’t wait to make my own because I already have the ingredients in my kitchen!
Thank you for the great article. Could you please share the filter you use to remove fluoride from your water?
Hey Mary Ann! You have a few options: a reverse osmosis system that connects to your home plumbing, a Berkey Water filter, or you can collect your own spring water! I hope that helps.
Heather – Joyous Health Team
Question! How would you store it? In a jar? How would you take it out without dipping in each time?
Joy, thanks for this! I really appreciate the format of the recipes you post; it’s great to print directly from them instead of copying and pasting.
Glad you love the toothpaste. Sorry about the shipping fees, but if you buy multiple items, the flat rate is worth it. At least you have a backup option now. Enjoy!
I recommend storing it in a glass mason jar. You can use a spoon to scoop it out—just like I do. Hope that helps!
Thanks, Kim! We’re glad to hear that. Happy brushing to you!
Heather – Joyous Health Team
Hi Joy, as a Dental Hygienist with 35 years of experience, I have to disagree with the use of baking soda and salt in toothpaste. Though natural, they are abrasive and should not be used regularly. I prefer a natural toothpaste with xylitol, which is antibacterial and non-abrasive. One I recommend is Arbonne’s toothpaste, which contains botanicals and xylitol.
Thanks for your tips, Janet! I should update the post to suggest using fine sea salt.
Thanks, Joy! I will try that recipe. I drink a lot of tea, and I’m concerned about staining. Will this toothpaste help lighten my teeth?
Hey Monika! It should keep your teeth bright. Oil pulling is also helpful.
Heather – Joyous Health Team
I just made a batch! Is it supposed to be so salty, or did I add too much?
Hi Loretta! If you’re new to natural toothpaste, it might take time to adjust to the taste. If it’s overwhelming, you probably added too much; try adding more of the other ingredients to balance it out.
Heather – Joyous Health Team
Wow, this is amazing work, Joy McCarthy, just what I was looking for.
Thank you, Shubi!
Heather – Joyous Health Team
Hi Joy,
I’ve heard that using baking soda-based toothpaste repeatedly can weaken enamel. Any advice?
Hi Khava! Baking Soda is commonly used in many toothpastes and has been for a long time. We haven’t found this to be an issue, and our dentists are always happy with our tooth health.
Heather – Joyous Health Team
Hi Joy,
Loved this post and your recent Facebook Live! Any tips for toddler oral care?
Glad you enjoyed it! Sorry for the late reply. For toddlers, gentle brushing before bed is important to get them used to it. My 18-month-old is still getting used to it! You can also gently wipe their gums with a wet cloth.
Hi Joy, do you and your family still use this DIY toothpaste after 8 years? I tried it but it hurt my gums—maybe too much salt or baking soda? Should I adjust the recipe?
Hi Joy/Heather, I want to start using toothpaste with my three-year-old. We’ve only been using water so far. Is this ratio good for her, or is it too abrasive?
Thank you!
Hey Jolene! Yes, Joy and her family still use this sometimes if not using her Minty Fresh Toothpaste. You could make it again with less salt or baking soda, or try the Minty Fresh Toothpaste in our shop.
Rachel – Joyous Health Team
Hey Monika, yes, you can use it with your child. Use it like regular toothpaste!
Rachel – Joyous Health Team
Hello Joy, thanks for the toothpaste recipe. How much should we use, and can kids use it too? I read in your book about oil pulling for me and the kids—is that effective? How much should be made at one time?
I appreciate your response back.
Monika
Thank you! Your article helped me understand something I was unsure about. Thanks for sharing!
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