Recipes for making your own tooth paste
Toothpaste has become a staple for most people’s oral hygiene routine, but is it really necessary for getting teeth clean? Many people also worry about using the right toothpaste. Well, your toothpaste may not be as necessary as you think.
Although advertising may cause you to think otherwise, toothpaste is a cosmetic product and is not necessary for maintaining oral health. There are three reasons that toothpaste is useful according to this article by a dental hygienist.
- Makes your mouth taste better
- Fluoride over time can harden enamel, making teeth stronger and more resistant to decay.
- If you have a special issue such as sensitivity that can be benefited by brushing with a special toothpaste.
Other than these three reasons, toothpaste has little effect on keeping your teeth healthy.
Think about tooth cleanliness like bathtub scum. The only way to get rid of the ring around the bathtub is good old fashioned elbow grease and scrubbing. The same goes for your teeth. removing plaque requires scrubbing and abrasive agents such as your toothbrush. If that analogy is just a little too gross for you, try this one. Think of plaque (which is a sticky substance) like peanut butter on a knife. You can try soap, hot water, blasts of water and rinsing to no avail. The only way to get the peanut butter off of the knife is to scrub. Plaque is removed from teeth in a similar way.
Most people also use too much toothpaste. We are easily misled by advertisers to think that we need lots of toothpaste to get that clean feeling. Next time you brush, try using just a pea size dollop of toothpaste. If you’re interested in learning more about what is in your toothpaste and what those ingredients are for, check out this great article from DentalBuzz that breaks it down.
If you’re looking to move to a healthier lifestyle and to take chemicals out of your life, there are many great options for making your own toothpaste. Making your own toothpaste is safe, easy and cost effective. The recipes below use all natural ingredients, are easy to make and can cost less than a dollar to make 5 ounces.
One of the cheapest and best ingredients that is used as a base in most natural toothpastes is baking soda. You may think that it would be harsh on teeth because of its abrasive qualities but studies have shown it to be less abrasive than commercial toothpaste. You can even sprinkle a little on your toothpaste to brush with it or add it to your regular toothpaste.
This was our favorite simple and natural toothpaste recipe:
- ⅔ cup of baking soda
- 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt (optional)
- 1-2 teaspoons of an essential oil (peppermint, cinnamon and clove are all common choices)
- filtered water (add to create your desired consistency)
Store in a glass jar. Add a little to your toothbrush to use.
