NATURAL LIVING: Toothpaste (Part Two)

In part-one, "Natural Living: Toothpaste" we discussed the toxins found in store-bought (non-natural) toothpastes and the side-effects that they can cause in our bodies which in many cases can be as severe as causing cancer.  To better inform yourself on these toxins, please read further here.

While there are natural store bought alternatives (see part one) making your own products at home is great for your body, environment, and tends to be more cost effective. This article will cover multiple DIY toothpaste recipes.

NATURAL INGREDIENTS
Since the purpose of these articles are to become better informed about the things we're putting into our bodies, I'd like to introduce you to some of the main ingredients that are used in natural toothpaste recipes.  Note, that these recipes are a mix and match of the ingredients below so you may want to try you're own mix and see what works best for you.

ARROWROOT POWDER: (gum health) Plant based, arrow root is used to sooth gums. Source

BAKING SODA: (Mild abrasive, alkaline) Baking soda has multiple uses. Although, some may say that it's too abrasive, it's actually milder than most store-bought toothpastes.  It naturally polishes teeth and removes stains while freshening breath.  It's able to do this due to it's alkaline properties.  It neutralizes acids in your mouth that lead to tooth decay while producing sweet breath. Source

BENTONITE CLAY: (Eliminates toxins) This natural clay has the unique ability to bind to toxins in the body. It is especially useful in eliminating toxins from heavy metals in your mouth, like mercury from mercury fillings. This clay will never bind to any of the beneficial elements in your body. Bentonite clay is also rich in minerals that can nourish teeth and gums. Do not use metal containers or spoons with bentonite clay as it will lose it's potency. Source *Find Bentonite Clay Here* 

COCONUT OIL: (Anti-bacterial & Anti-fungal) Coconut oil is a powerful, natural anti-bacterial and anti-fugal.  Excellent for gums and can prevent bleeding if used regularly on sore gums.  Kills bacteria that causes gingivitis and brushing your tongue with coconut oil can prevent thrush, a fungal problem found in the mouth.  Also found to stop and even reverse tooth decay. Source

HYDROGEN PEROXIDE: (Antiseptic and whitener)  Hydrogen peroxide is commonly used to treat skin wounds, but its antiseptic properties are also good for oral hygiene. Teeth automatically darken with age, but other factors can also contribute to yellowing. The chromogenic agents in coffee and tea, nerve damage due to an accident, smoking or certain antibiotics may be the culprit. Whiten teeth at home using hydrogen peroxide is a cheaper alternative to expensive dentist visits. Bleaching teeth with hydrogen peroxide is acknowledged as a safe practice by the American Dental Association. Source

NEEM: (Tooth and gum health) Chewing on neem twigs have been the commonly preferred way to prevent gum disease and maintain healthy teeth in India for centuries. Researchers found that neem twigs helped villagers avoid cavities and tooth loss, even without access to modern dental facilities. Studies with supporting evidence and thousands of years of traditional use show that neem can: Prevent and heal gum disease, prevent cavities, eliminate bacteria that cause cavities and inflammation of the gums, prevent bacteria from adhering to your teeth (reduce plaque), enhance mouth immunity in general, and freshen the breath naturally. Source

MYRRH: (Anti-inflamatory) Myrrh has long been known to soothe inflammations of the mouth and throat; it is a remedy for gingivitis. Source

ORRIS ROOT POWDER: (Anti-bacterial)  Orris root was historically used in dental care.  The powder was given to teething babies to sooth their gums.  In the 19th century men chewed orris root to disguise the odor of their chewing tobacco. Orris root contains myristic acid, a known antibacterial agent, making the root powder especially effective in tooth pastes and powders. Source

PEPPERMINT ESSENTIAL OIL: (Anti-bacterial) This essential oil has antibacterial, antiseptic, and pain-relieving properties. Peppermint is said to be beneficial for mouth and gum infections (although you should consult your dentist if you suspect a serious condition). In addition, it adds a cool, minty fresh flavor. If you don’t like peppermint you can substitute spearmint to create a different minty twist. Source *Find 100% Essential Oils Here*

SAGE: (Whitening) Sage has been recognized by many cultures for its natural tooth-whitening abilities. Known for its astringent properties, sage is perfect for oral health and whitening discolored teeth. Source *Find Organic Sage Here*

SEA SALT: (Tooth and gum health) Treats and prevents most tooth and gum issues.  Real sea salt (we're not talking table salt here) contains a lot of trace minerals, many of which teeth need to stay strong and healthy. Source *Find Unrefined Sea Salt Here* 

XYLITOL: (Sweetener and anti-bacterial) Although this ingredient is used as a sweetener in the recipe below, it also fights dental bacteria on three ways. Unlike processed sugar, bacteria cannot use xylitol as an energy source so it literally starves bacteria instead. Xylitol creates a non-acidic mouth environment that is hostile to dental bacteria. The lack of acidity stifles its growth and slowly the bacteria begin to disappear. Xylitol works in ridding the mouth of harmful bacteria by making them less able to stick to teeth. These bacteria become more slippery and are then more easily washed away during tooth care. *Find Xylitol Here*

*A Note for Animal People: Like chocolate, xylitol is toxic to dogs and cats.  Source

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TOOTHPASTE RECIPES
Among these natural toothpaste recipes you'll find a few that call for "old fashioned tooth powder" so I've included a couple of recipes for that to start you off.   You an also use tooth powder on it's own if you prefer, make sure you use a dry brush to start and wet after adding powder to brush.

 I'd like to add that unless otherwise mentioned, you'll always gather dry ingredients into processor and grind until powder, add wet ingredients continue to process into paste.  If the paste isn't a consistency that you like, add water or hydrogen peroxide until you find your desired texture.  This also goes for taste items like peppermint or coconut oil.  Keep messing around until you find what you personally like.

Additionally, when any citrus (acidic) ingredients are used, make sure to rinse thoroughly after brushing to prevent acids from affecting your teeth.

Lastly, store your toothpastes in air-tight container.  You can dip your toothbrush into your toothpaste or use a spoon (non-metal if contains bentonite clay as it will lose it's potency).  It should noted that most of these recipes contain an anti-bacterial/anti-fungal (coconut oil - no refrigeration) so germs are not entirely and issue however, many families have a personal container or jar for each member.

OLD FASHIONED TOOTH POWDER:

2 tbsp dried lemon or orange rind

1/4 cup baking soda

2 tsp unrefined sea salt

PEPPERMINT SAGE TOOTH POWDER: (makes 1/2 cup)

2 tbsp bentonite clay

2 tbsp baking soda

1 tbsp dried finely ground sage leaf

1 tbsp xylitol (optional for sweetness)

1/2 tbsp unrefined sea salt

15-20 drops peppermint essential oil

CINNAMON & CLOVE HERBAL TOOTH POWDER:

4 tbsp bentonite clay

1 tbsp baking soda

1 tsp myrrh gum powder

1 tsp ground cloves

1 tsp ground stevia

Add essential oils of cloves and cinnamon to taste

BASIC TOOTHPASTE:

1 tsp tooth powder

1/4 tsp hydrogen peroxide

STRAWBERRY TOOTHPASTE:

1 tsp tooth powder

1 tbsp crushed ripened strawberries

50/50 TOOTHPASTE:

2 tbsp coconut oil

2 tbsp baking soda

2-3 drops essential oil (peppermint, spearmint) or stevia for sugar-free flavor

* For bigger batches, keep 50/50 ratio of coconut oil and baking soda, flavor to taste

ARTISTTA TOOTHPASTE:

1/4 cup baking soda

1/8 cup coconut oil

1/8 cup hydrogen peroxide

1/8 tsp stevia

1/2 tsp peppermint extract

SIMPLE MINT TOOTHPASTE:

3 tbsp baking soda

1 tbsp unrefined sea salt

3 tsp bentonite clay powder

Peppermint oil to taste 

Add water to consistency

REFRESHING SUPER MINT TOOTHPASTE:

6 tsp baking soda

1/3 tsp unrefined sea salt

4 tsp bentonite clay

15 drops peppermint oil or wintergreen

HERBAL MINT TOOTHPASTE:

1/4 cup arrowroot

1/4 cup powdered orris root

1/4 cup water 

1 tsp ground sage

1/4 tsp peppermint oil

1/4 tsp spearmint

* Substitute 1/2 tsp cinnamon oil and 1/2 tsp clove oil for mint oils if preferred

LEMON & CLOVES TOOTHPASTE:

1 oz powdered myrrh

1 pound powdered arrow root

3 oz powdered orris root

10 drops bergamot oil

10 drops coconut oil

VANILLA GERANIUM & HONEY TOOTHPASTE:

1/2 oz powdered chalk

3 oz powdered orris root

4 tsp vanilla tincture

15 drops rose geranium oil

Raw honey to paste consistency

Enjoy! Please comment with any combinations and recipes you've come up with yourself.