Homemade Toothpaste: Want to Ditch the Fluoride?

crunched by Crunchy Betty on February 16, 2011
filed under Household, Natural Beauty Recipes

Many thanks to Fiance for letting me be creepy toothbrush stalker.

You might’ve heard the big controversy swirling around fluoride these days.

It’s not new.

But it’s heating up lately. A lot.

In fact, Natural News just ran a very impassioned op-ed piece about the dangers of fluoridation in water. Calgary recently voted to stop fluoridating its water supply, while nearly simultaneously, parts of England are now fluoridating their water for the first time ever.

It’s a clusterpekingduck.

I don’t know how you feel about fluoridation, but I’m a little concerned about it. I’m in an extra special situation, because the fluoride levels in Manitou Springs are naturally sky high. They don’t fluoridate artificially here. In fact, they send out letters to expecting parents recommending that children under the age of 9 never ever never drink the water.

It has that much fluoride in it.

And that’s natural, mountain run-off fluoride – not the waste products from the phosphate fertilizer industry in the form of fluorosilicic acid that’s added to most water supplies (and called fluoridation).

While this post is all about homemade toothpaste, I do want to go on record as saying that I don’t ever support mandatory “drugging,” which is how I view fluoridated water.

The scout’s honest truth is, though, I have no idea whether or not artificial fluoridation of water is harmful or helpful, but my gut tells me it’s both.

Which gives this whole controversy all kinds of crazy legs – like a schizophrenic octopus fighting itself with toothbrush-shaped hammers.

That being said, it’s my humble opinion that if we’re going to put fluoride in the water, we don’t need to overdose ourselves with fluoride in the toothpaste. You may disagree. I respect that.

Originally, I had planned on using this opportunity to talk about my very favorite fluoride-free toothpaste: Himalaya Neem and Pomegranate. Instead, I tried making my own.

And, gosh, Himalaya, I’m sorry, but I’ll never buy toothpaste again.

Homemade Toothpaste Recipe – Now With Coconut Oil

Ingredients for the yummiest homemade toothpaste ever.

Over the last few weeks, I’ve tried several different toothpaste recipes. Some of them made me cry giant tears of nausea, they tasted so icky.

Some of them were tooth powders, which included salt. And I thought, y’know, I probably get plenty of salt in my diet already. I don’t need to fill my mouth with it at the end of every day.

(But if you’re not afraid of too much salt, try this tooth powder – I really did enjoy the taste: 1 Tbsp baking soda, 1/2 Tbsp salt, 1/2 tsp ground cloves.)

Ultimately, my very favorite was this doozy I found at Tammy’s Recipes. I fiddled around with the amounts for a while, and eventually ended up with something that put a smile on everyone’s face. Sweet, smooth, and mintally delicious.

Better yet, it’s SO FREAKING HEALTHY!

Seriously – coconut oil? Incredibly heart-healthy and great for your skin. Baking soda? Some people take baking soda daily to balance their pH levels and swear by its effects. The stevia in it isn’t bad for your teeth at all, but you could use xylitol (sold in the sweetener aisles at most health food stores) for extra added tooth decay prevention.

What I love most about it is that there’s nothing I’m putting in my mouth that I don’t know how to pronounce with said mouth. It all makes sense. And it all makes sense … without fluoride.

So, first. Here’s what it looks like while mixing it up:

Homemade toothpaste in the making.

And here’s my fiddled-with recipe.

Homemade Coconut Oil Toothpaste

3 Tbsp coconut oil
3 Tbsp baking soda
25 drops peppermint essential oil
1 packet stevia
2 tsp vegetable glycerin (optional)

Put the coconut oil and baking soda in a bowl and mash up with a fork until blended. Add the peppermint essential oil, stevia and optional vegetable glycerin and continue to mash and stir until you’ve reached toothpaste consistency.

And reach toothpaste consistency, you will. The original recipe (before adding more oil and glycerin) was a little lumpy and TOTALLY doable, but I wanted something that felt like toothpaste, or else the boys wouldn’t touch it.

Adding the extra glycerin gave it a very realistic toothpaste feel, plus it bumps up the sweetness factor a bit, leaving everyone smiling when they’re done polishing the choppers.

Here’s what it looks like, finished and dipped onto a toothbrush:

Homemade toothpaste on a brush.

Does Homemade Toothpaste Work?

Well, if by “work,” you mean, “clean your teeth” the answer is: HECK YEAH. It’s minty fresh and super cleansing, and my teeth feel and look sparkly after using it.

One thing to keep in mind: The coconut oil (especially if made without the glycerin) might solidify pretty well if temperatures are nice and cool, but if things get hot, the coconut oil will melt a bit. I put mine in a small wide-mouth jar with a lid, and I just dip my toothbrush in when it’s time to brush.

You could also reuse a toothpaste tube by piping your homemade goodies straight back in.

The big question you might be asking is whether or not coconut oil is actually good for your teeth.

It’s antibacterial, so it’ll kill a fair amount of germs. But the one thing that interested me most in this particular recipe is its close relationship with a little known Ayurveda practice called oil pulling (which I tried, briefly, two years ago and lost patience for).

We won’t get into oil pulling details here right now, but basically the way you do it is, instead of brushing your teeth, you fill your mouth with oil and then slowly pull the oil in and out through your teeth for a long period of time. The claimed benefits include ridding your body of toxins and treating any number of ailments. (You can read a bunch more about it here.)

Now, that’s not to say that using coconut oil is the same as using the oil pulling method. But it’s something.

Want to Talk Toothpaste? Or Fluoride?

You guys are a smart, savvy bunch. I’d really love to hear your opinions on fluoride – in toothpastes or in our water supply.

Tell me what you think.

And tell me how you feel about brushing your teeth with coconut oil.

Pretty weird, huh?

But totally worth it.

SMILE!

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Misty

My husband is crazy about all things fluoride. I dont date say the F word in our house. He starts ranting about Area 52 and wheat poisons and bigfoot. I am excited to try this recipe, I could be the hero around these parts….. well when it comes to toothpaste at least.
Rianrenee77

What about the recipes with hydrogen peroxide in them, it can help whiten teeth right?
- Susan
  
  I have always been told that hydrogen peroxide is bad for the enamel on your teeth.
Tizmarelda

Yea, I know this post is old, but I have just finally decided to take the leap into homemade toothpaste world. I’ve been reading (here and other places) that glycerin keeps your teeth from remineralizing, so I’d like to cut that out. However, when I was a kid, our dentist put some kind of sealant on our teeth. Is that going to keep my teeth from remineralizing as well? Granted, I have pretty strong teeth, and only 1 cavity as a 33 yr. old, but I’d still like to know for future reference.

Thanks!
Had

I do know about Coconut oil, great for skin too, warm in hot/warm water bath while you shower, it will be melted and you put on skin, all the anti-bact. and healing properties on your body, and side benefit, no stinky pits (w/o deoterant), no ingrown hair, bumps red spots on skin, just remember to use X virgin coconut oil ( this uses lower heat to separate from coconut meat, ensuring all positives about the oil remain, if heat is to high–you get the same feel but basically the ‘coconut smell’ is gone—dead oil, benefits lessened dramatically to practically nothing. Thank you for your recipe, I am now ready to jump into homemade toothpaste after conquering shampoo/conditioner, gel, and 2nd day texturizing spray and degreaser mist. this is sooooo much fun and God is good to us humans.
Dee

I cannot wait to try this. My mom has used salt and baking soda (I can see the little yellow Tupperware container on her bathroom counter as I type) as long as I can remember. Dentists rave about how clean and tartar free her teeth are! I have moved away from commercial toothpastes due to a sensitivity to SLS and SLFS. This seems like the next step!
Terri

I made this about a week ago and am loving it!!! Thanks!!
Chelsi

Hey, I just wanted to mention that there apparently is a specific kind of peppermint essential oil to buy when using it for consumption. I was at Whole Foods yesterday for the peppermint essential oil and I just grabbed some. Thankfully, I asked the cashier if that was the right kind, and she said, “Oh no! You have to buy the kind that is safe for consumption. If you just buy any kind, it can literally take your breath away–where you can’t breath!” So, I just wanted to pose that warning! Thanks so much for your recipes! You’re helping me change my hygienic life! :)
Lisa

I’ve been using your recipe (minus the stevia and glycerin) for a few weeks after my dentist said baking soda would be fine for my teeth. Now I know of a hygentist who says soda is very abrasive to the teeth and gums. If you’ve been using this for almost a year, how has it affected your teeth?
Joy Bradway

I’ve read a lot about how glycerin isn’t good to put on your teeth because it coats your teeth and prevents nutrients from getting to them. This is why I actually looked up a recipe for a tooth cleaner (right now I buy mine at Tropical Traditions). Do you think leaving out the stevia/xylitol would be okay? Or is that necessary?
Ar4412

The amount of fluoride they actually put in water is so low that it isn’t such a big deal…a lot of food has higher amounts of fluoride in it, like tea and even some sodas. You never hear of soda addicts getting fluoride symptoms. Fluoride protects your teeth from cavities by helping to strengthen the enamel. But it only works topically, so ingesting it will do nothing. The extra fluoride in toothpaste isn’t a big deal because we don’t swollow it. You can believe whatever you want about it but I will say that I have had several patients say that they “don’t believe in fluoride”…as their teeth are decaying out of their mouth. Stop using fluoride, expect to see more cavities. Now if this was 10,000 years ago and we ate a diet of unprocessed foods, veggies, etc, I would say sure, skip the fluoride. But it’s not, wherever we turn there is processed carbohydrates or processed anything and for this we need a fluoride boost.
- An ordinary mama
  
  Tell your patients to eat REAL food, & they won’t NEED the fluoride. And to say 10,000 years ago? That’s ridiculous. Processed & crap foods began in the 1800′s. It wasn’t that long ago. We’ve switched to mostly organic, all whole foods, recognizable by Mother Nature, & we will never do fluoride again. BAD stuff. Sorry. That was a sad response. Start teaching your patients about health through nutrition instead of just treating their symptoms. This absolutely goes for dental patients also. Bad nutrition is why people need dentists in the first place. But if you teach them about good whole foods nutrition, then they might not come back to you. Oh yeah… that’s not a money maker, is it. :/
  - Alexandra
    
    Actually, 10,000 years ago is EXACTLY when tooth decay problems started. Tooth decay is not due to *processed* carbs specifically, but to carbs (and other sugars) generally. When agriculture began approximately 10,000 years ago the increase in sugars (from cereals) in the diet and the decrease in dietary variety (from relying on a few domesticated species rather than hundreds of wild ones) caused a marked drop in stature and a huge increase in cavities etc.
- md7056
  
  The fluoride in toothpastes and tap water is a byproduct “silicofluorides” of the fertilizer industry, not the natural occuring calcium fluoride which is bonded together, therefore will not harm the body…These byproducts are so harmful to dump onto land, that it will kill surrounding living things. Why do you think they pay water utilities to disburse and toothpaste companies? Haven’t you seen adolescents with dental fluorosis due to ingesting high levels of fluoride? Here in the states it is now over 40%! So, yes it is unhealthy, unsafe and unethical since it is an ingredient to antidepressant drugs to be disbursing this poison in public water and toothpastes. The best way to have healthy teeth and gums is through prevention, ie: eating wholes foods, minimal processed foods..instilling healthy eating habits to our children. There are dentists out there that are turning away from fluoride…just do some research and they will tell you exactly why. Science speaks for itself, if you knew the adverse effects and the source of the fluoride, would you give it to your own children? Not me!
  - Lann
    
    Calcium fluoride is actually an ionic compound, meaning that the fluoride usually separates from the calcium given an aqueous environment (like our bodies). Hexafluorosilicic acid actually completely traps the fluoride. Not saying that it is right or wrong to add it to water, but your science is somewhat flawed.
    
    As with all chemicals, including water, it is the dose that makes the poison. The average levels of fluoride in water are around 1 part per million, which is not very concentrated. The LD is between 5–10 g, which is a lot.
    
    Again, point of this: dose makes poison. Water fluoridation may not be as beneficial as people claim, but using it in a paste that does not get swallowed does benefit your enamel.
    
    Most people willingly put worse chemicals into their body everyday. They abuse hyped science and may end up causing more harm than good. Case and point: anti-oxidants. Not all anti-oxidants are created equal, some types increase free radical damage, while some prevent it. Over use of anti-oxidants can inhibit important free radical reactions in the body.
Maegan

Found this on pinterst and it’s perfect! I saw the recipe on Tammy’s recipes too. Glad you tried it first. ;) will be making this w tea tree oil!
http://www.greensandseeds.com/ Elizabeth (Greens & Seeds)

I just made this (with 2 stevia packets and like 30 drops of peppermint oil – and it’s still a little salty, tho I’m getting used to it). I’ve been using it for about a week, but now my gums and mouth are starting to get a little sore and torn up. Anyone else have this problem, or have any ideas of what to do?
Thanks!
T Cowart

I am 42 and I don’t have a cavity in my mouth. I have used a simular recipe for a long time since regular toothpast tends to make all the skin in my mouth sluff off. The dentist said it was probably a reaction to toothpaste in general and that it is on the rise in his practice. Anyway, my last visit I had no tartar on my teeth at all, I received a perfect score on my cleaning. The dentist asked what I was using since a lot of other of his patients were asking for an alternative to the store bought toothpaste. Personally I just use the coconut, baking soda and whatever oils I want. I love it!
Trinity

Okay, this post is a few months old but I sincerely hope somebody can help me. I’ve made the toothpaste according to the recipe, without the glycerin since I don’t have any. I didn’t expect the salty taste, but I can handle that (plus the gulp of water for rinsing after has never been sweeter!). The problem is that every time I’ve brushed using this toothpaste (for about a week now, once a day), I have bloody spit afterwards before the rinsing.

My gum are not in the best shape, and this is really scaring me. I’m going back to normal toothpaste meanwhile until I can ask my dentist about this at my next visit, which is not for several months (just how I like it… Sorry, dentists scare me).
- Noedangling
  
  I would actually stay with the coconut oil/essential oil toothpaste. The antibacterial elements in both are probably working to heal your gums and teeth which is why you have the bloody spit. It may take time but in the end I think your gums will be even healthier than ever. Don’t give up just yet!
- naturalapple
  
  Give your dentist a call if you’re really worried, but I would stick with it. Most people don’t realize that when you ditch the chemicals for something natural, your body will go into detox and you will sometimes get worse before you get better. It’s a good sign!
Nb

Ar4412 – Almost everything you said was complete rubbish. Either you are a complete corporate shill or you have swallowed the cool aid. Either way I suggest people ignore your disinformation.
Mckinnona

Whoa. I just tried this, actually I cheated because I don’t have any essential oils in the house, and my husband is fine with my “hippy experiments” as long as I don’t spend alot of money. Anyway, I used Mint Extract (as in, baking extract) for flavor, and just baking soda and coconut oil that I already had on hand. It works. It works better than my toothpaste. Who knew three little ingredients could do that! I won’t lie, the baking soda is way salty but I’m not swallowing it and my teeth feel so clean and look so bright, I love this article thank you for posting it! Now I might actually get the nerve to try your deodorant recipe! I already tried the oil cleansing method thanks to everyone here and I love that as well.
Atelierbkh

just use only the coconut oil…eventualy with essential oils but without the soda. the soda is to havy to use daily and without your tooth wil brighten up en wil be very clean:)
http://www.facebook.com/spunkybecca Becca Glenn

just a suggestion, when i make my toothpaste, i put it in a little travel shampoo bottle and then just have to shake a bit and squeeze onto toothbrush.
Carrie G

Your recipe is very similar to one I’ve been using for a few months now. I absolutely love it. And, I was very curious to see what my dentist said about my teeth when I had my semi-annual cleaning recently. The dental hygenist said, “Keep doing whatever you’re doing because your teeth look great”. But I didn’t really need them to tell me that; I always feel so fresh and clean. I use the coconut based toothpaste with my electric toothbrush and I rinse after with my own concoction of cinna-mint/tea tree oil mouthwash. I won’t go back to commericial toothpaste.
aubynstafford

I used Tom’s of Maine toothpaste for years because of its natural ingredients but also (mostly) because of its metal rather than plastic (plastic = bad) tubes. Then, mysteriously, I one day went to buy toothpaste and all the Tom’s of Maine tubes had switched to plastic, just like all the other toothpaste manufacturers. So, I had to find something plastic-free, and make-your-own is about as waste/plastic free as it gets. Unfortunately, this recipe doesn’t really work if you live in the southeast US (or somewhere else that’s hellishly, oppressively hot) in the summer, especially if you, like me, can’t afford to run the air conditioning in the entire house for the whole summer. You see, our bathroom is on the south-facing side of the upstairs of the house, and really just about everywhere’s at least 80 degrees inside during the summer so the stuff separated into an icky too-oily layer and a baking soda layer. I poured off the oil and was able to use the thicker layer, but just be aware that if it’s gonna be hot where you keep your paste, forget about it. I have amended the recipe to a more like 2:1 baking soda to coconut oil instead of 1:1, and I’m trying out putting it in one of those old-fashioned metal frosting extruders. Of course, it will only work if the thing is kept on its side, so the stuff doesn’t leak out, but we’ll see how it works.
- naturalapple
  
  Have you tried keeping it in the fridge? It may harden a little too much, but you could put it on your brush and let it sit for a few mins before brushing.
Mel

I’m pretty angry about the forced medicating (or flouriding) of our water supplies.. I recently bought a water distiller, and cannot believe what I find in there, literally after 3 gallons you can see the “slime”.. At my daughters school (aged 4) they add extra flouride into the water they drink at the playground fountains.. so I have had to see the head master about this, and after a lengthy negotiation, Im now allowed to provide my own daughter with clean water to drink at school all day (feels like im asking too much)

Great toothpaste recipe btw, I am experimenting with making my own, the kids like it really minty and enjoy the peppermint flavour.. I also use a food grade 3% hydrogen peroxide (water with an extra oxygen atom) as its really whitening.. Always store in a glass container, plastics can break down and “leak” into your product after time.. :)
- http://www.facebook.com/emunraw Elena Marie Unraw
  
  I have also heard that fluoride makes people more docile and causes them to question things less…
Javalux

I made this a few months ago with dr bronners instead of the glycerin, because that’s what I had. I loved it from the start! My teeth feel great and are whiter than when I’ve used whitening toothpaste. Well I ran out like two weeks ago and been so busy I couldn’t make it. Used my b/f regular toothpaste and it seems so lame in comparison! Remade with the glycerin– still awesome :)
http://www.facebook.com/michael.little.5477 Michael Little

Do you use one part coconut oil to one part baking soda? You said your dentist is impressed. Has your dental health improved and/or been maintained with this regimen?
A.J.

Hi I read on an article somewhere that baking soda may be a little too abrasive on the teeth in the long run. Can wear off enamel. Maybe you can look into it ? I don’t know i’m not finding a lot of ‘scholarly’ articles on this though
Jane

I’ve been using a recipe similar to this for about six months. I recently saw my dentist for a check up and I asked if the ingredients were safe for teeth. She said yes, agreed that avoiding chemicals is a grand idea, and said my teeth looked healthy and clean as ever. This stuff works!
suzy powell

any way to keep it mixed without having to re-stir it every time? also, it’s been clogging up my drain. is anyone else having this problem?
vikki

I just keep a little bowl of baking soda and a little bowl of coconut oil. I dip my tooth brush in the coconut oil and pick up a good bit then dip in the baking soda. I’ve been using baking soda as a tooth paste most of my life and I’ve been using the coconut along with it for 3-4 years now. What I like most is that my lips get a good moisturizing while I’m brushing….lol Sometimes I just use the coconut oil. I’m a scrubber and sometimes I don’t need the abrasiveness of the baking soda. Never thought of adding essential oils, I may have to give that a try. I use a little peroxide ever now and again mixed with baking soda for a “whitener” Just remember not to swallow
Jenny

How long does it last? Say I make a batch big enough to last a week. If I put it in a sealed container, will it still be good by the end of the week?
mleawicks

i use baking soda and activated charcoal. makes my teeth whiter. yes the black rinses away fast
grace

Does anyone know how much stevia is in a packet? I plan to use xylitol instead, but am wondering how much to use… thanks!
Sarah Swan

I am really excited to find your site and also to try this recipe! I have a 20 month old who I can’t always get to spit toothpaste out. All of the ‘safe to swallow’ toothpastes for his age contain the artificial sweeteners that I definitely don’t want him swallowing either. He is starting to get the hang of taking a sip of water and spitting it out but obviously still swallows the paste. Would this be ok for a little one if swallowed? I use coconut oil in tons of things so I know that is ok, but just want to be sure on the stevia and baking soda? Thank you for the recipe!!