It only takes a quick look at the back of your toothpaste tube to reveal an overwhelming list of unpronounceable ingredients and a disturbing warning not to swallow. A quick internet search on these ingredients can quickly lead one to believe that many toothpastes are toxic.
Besides fluoride, a toxic ingredient by itself, it is a common ingredient in rat poison and pesticides. Many toothpastes also contain sodium lauryl sulfate, and propylene glycol, ingredients that are also found in pesticides and are suspected carcinogens. DEA is an ingredient known to cause skin and eye irritation. Some toothpastes even contain triclosan, a primary ingredient in many antibacterial products and another suspected carcinogen.
If that weren’t enough, a tube of this toxic substance can cost as much as $7. For a natural, nontoxic, and much less expensive alternative, consider making your own. It couldn’t be easier, and the ingredients are easy to obtain.
Ingredients:
Baking soda – a mild abrasive and natural whitener
Coconut oil – antibacterial and antifungal, also used to give the toothpaste a ‘paste’ consistency
Essential oil – optional, for flavor, flavoring oils such as those used in making candy will also work
Stevia or xylitol – optional, for sweetness.
- Collect ingredients – Chances are you have baking soda and probably some essential or flavoring oils in your kitchen. Stevia and coconut oil are both available at your favorite supermarket. Xylitol is also a good addition, but you may have to go to your local health food store to find it.
- Mix the ingredients – You’ll notice that I haven’t given amounts. That’s because it all depends on how much you want to make and what kind of consistency you like. You will probably want to start with a small batch at first. Start with equal parts baking soda and coconut oil. Depending on the weather, you may need to warm the coconut oil. A few seconds in the microwave should be sufficient. Mix thoroughly and adjust until you reach the consistency you want, but be aware that it will change a little over time. Add your sweetener and oils as desired and mix again. Be careful with the oil, start with a couple of drops and taste test your mixture.
- Store your toothpaste in an airtight container. You can either dip your toothbrush directly in it or use a craft stick to spread some on the toothbrush.
A note on essential oils: If you look at a bottle of essential oils, it probably tells you not to use it internally. I wouldn’t be concerned, for the simple fact that you are only using a couple of drops for the entire batch. But if you are concerned, substitute flavoring oils. They aren’t as strong, so you may need to use a little more, but they are made for use in candies and confections, so they are intended to be consumed.
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