DIY Natural Toothpaste
Last fall I posted about a DIY toothpaste recipe I was trying and promised to update on the whole DIY oral care from my perspective. I feel like It's been long enough that I can give you some updates!
The original recipe included coconut oil, baking soda, trace minerals, and peppermint essential oil. First thing to note is that this is not meant to replicate the standard commercial toothpastes in texture, appearance, or flavor. Because of the baking soda and trace minerals it has a salty type taste and the baking soda gives it a grittier texture than the toothpaste you are used to. Some may dislike this, but I didn't mind at all after the initial adjustment. Modifications & Additions
Last night (sorry, I wrote this in June but never posted it!) I made what is either my third or fourth batch of this toothpaste and along the way I have added bentonite clay to the mix. It gives it a more grayish color, but the clay has some really good benefits for your teeth and is said to help remineralize them. Last night I made one more addition... 2 dissolved calcium tablets. I am excited about this addition because of my results with DIY mouthwash, which I'll write about below...
Does it whiten? Do I have any tips?
Does it whiten? Yes, I believe so. Baking soda helps to remove surface stains from your teeth. (PS. I'm not a doctor or dentist, this is all my opinion or generally accepted knowledge online. Because anything online *must* be true. Hahahaha) If you brush your teeth 2-3 times a day, you will be keeping on top of potentially staining food and beverage particles on your teeth and since you're not having to brush through all kinds of gunk, the paste can work on what's underneath. I think the whitening power will be increased with the addition of the Calcium!! We'll see.
Also, one tip I can think of at the moment: If you melt down the coconut oil for ease of evenly mixing etc, just be aware that there is a little fizzing of the ingredients and the coconut oil will expand as it comes back to room temp. In other wards, don't fill your container to the brim, or it will later overflow in your cabinet, causing you a mess. Not speaking from experience or anthing... *cough, cough* I haven't perfected the texture to be perfectly squeezable, and have turned to just scooping out of the container with my toothbrush. This is fine because I am the only one in my house using this toothpaste. DIY Mouthwash
I decided to test DIY mouthwash out too! Listerine is expensive if you use it as often as recommended and why is it so vibrantly colored?!! Who told them we want to rinse our mouths with blue and purple and green liquid?? So confusing..
Anyway, I basically took an empty glass iced tea bottle, cleaned and sanitized. I added filtered water, trace minerals, peppermint essential oil, and lemon essential oil, and some calcium tablets. When they dissolved in the liquid I shook it all up. And I shake it before each use. This leaves your mouth feeling refreshed and I swear super bright. I really think the rinsing with calcium brightens your teeth. Rinse as long as you want/can. I'm a fan of a lengthy swish, and not just a two-swish-and-spit. These ingredients have remineralization benefits for your teeth, antiseptic properties, teeth whitening and gum strengthening. All great things! If you feel you want an extra whitening booth, you know Listerine's Whitening Pre-Brush Rinse? Look, its basically just peroxide to swish around. So carefully (at your own risk, I'm not a professional) swish some peroxide before brushing for the same results with less added junk and way lower cost. Just beware that your teeth can often be sensitive after this, especially if your teeth are usually sensitive as it is. In Summary:
I am still loving my DIY toothpaste and mouthwash. I still see no reason to turn back ever. My teeth look and feel great and I'm noticing in photos that my smile looks really bright and that makes me happy. Do you have any DIY oral care tips, tricks, or recipes to share? Leave a comment and let us know!
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