Earthly Vibes - Homemade Toothpaste.
- Jaqueline Stone
- Jun 9, 2017
- 4 min read
Welcome, all, and thanks for tuning in to this week's Earthly Vibes blog. Here, is where my love of writing meets my hippie agenda in an array of short stories, poem, recipes, and more. This week I will be sharing a natural DIY toothpaste recipe, that’s easy to make and doesn't breaking the bank. The purpose of this blog is to get you comfortable going green by showing, just how easy it really is. I've been using this specific recipe for about 2 months now, and so far I’m loving it. My teeth are getting a whiter and if you are cursed with tonsil stones like me, then this will really help. This recipe is a great alternative if you’re trying to switch out fluoride based products, cut cost, or go green. And with only 4 ingredients, it’s super easy to make. Perfect for college students who want to save some cash, or for parents who want to introduce toothpaste to small children in a safe, toxic-free way. Not only is it inexpensive to make, but it also has some amazing health benefits. All you’ll need is……..
Ingredients
½ Cup Baking Soda
¼ Cup Coconut Oil
2 tsp. Peppermint Flavoring (add as preferred)
5 tsp. Natural Agave Nectar (add as preferred)
Materials
Small Mason Jar
Large Bowl
Spoon
In the large bowl mix together all of the ingredients. That’s right, just dump it all in there, I told you this would be easy. First, add the baking soda, I use Arm and Hammer Pure Baking Soda, and no need to worry about aluminum, baking soda already comes aluminum free so you’re good! The baking soda helps removes stains, plaque, and build up while cleaning and deodorizing the teeth and tongue. It also helps to fight off tooth decay, all for 72 cents, are you serious?
Then add your coconut oil, don’t worry about if it’s melted or not, it’s all going to get mixed up eventually. I use Nature's Way Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil when it comes to coconut oil I always buy in bulk because. I use it for almost everything. I oil my hair with it, I use it on my skin, and now in my toothpaste. A 32oz of this brand will cost around 17 bucks, but you can always opt for a smaller fluid ounce for as low as 6.98. The coconut is crucial in this recipe, it’s responsible for pulling out plaque-causing bacteria and toxins through a process called “Oil Pulling”. Coconut oil is also great for fighting cavities and safe for pets. You get’em, boy!
Next add in your flavoring/extract, and sweetener. I use a peppermint extract, but just because I’m being basic doesn’t mean you have to be. I’ve found that a lot of people add essentials such as cinnamon, clove, and mint for an extra boost of aromatics, and health effects. Some herbalist has stated that chewing or adding lemon balm can reduce bad breath. When experimenting with different scents and tastes, I suggest using herbs and oils that will help you in your day to day life. For example, if you have a hectic stress filled life, try adding a few drops of lavender essential oil to help you stay calm and centered throughout the day. But do your research before you get all crazy!
Because of the baking soda, the mixture is extremely bitter and salty, that’s where the natural sweetener comes in. I use Agave In The Raw 100% Organic Agave Nectar, this organic nectar is 25% sweeter than sugar, so you don’t need much. If you don’t want to use a syrup you can always which it out for 5 tsp. of a plant base sweeter called xylitol. Because of its low glycine index, xylitol is a great alternative if you’re a diabetic or if you just want to watch your sugar intake, because of its low glycemic index. A pound of the good stuff can run you about 10 dollars, while the Agave Nectar cost less than 5 bucks. Your choice.
Mix well, contributing all ingredients evenly until mixture is smooth. Store in a mason jar, and keep forever!!! Well almost, another great thing about this recipe is that all of these ingredients have a very long shelf life. You can use popsicle sticks, or a spoon to apply the paste to avoid double dipping. I just scrape my brush alongside the jar. Don’t judge me!
I have no complaints but if I was going to be a petty Betty, my only disclaimer would be that it did take me awhile to adjust to the texture. Don’t get me wrong I enjoy the way baking soda fizzes around my teeth but it’s the consistency of the oil that was hard to get used to. Coconut oil melts at 76 degrees and can separate from the baking soda if not stored in a cool enough place ( I suggest your bathroom cabinet/drawer, next to the q-tips), if this happens just remix and keep going. This makes the paste thinner than your average toothpaste, but hey, no one is perfect. Here at earthly vibes we stay focus on the positive. That being said, while brushing hold the liquid for as long as possible, before spitting, swish the oil around in your mouth for at least 5 minutes at a time, this will help the oiling pulling process. That way you getting toothpaste and mouthwash all in one. BOOM! All in all, I still recommend this recipe, for roughly 15-27 dollars you have at least 7 months worth of toothpaste, give or take depending on household capacity.
Now that you have the basics down, don’t be afraid to try this at home. That doesn’t mean that you have to throw out your Crest or Listerine, do it on your own time and slowly incorporate it into your everyday life. Stay tuned to redinkpub.ga for next week’s topic, and remember, you can never go wrong going green.
Having a hard time finding the ingredients, I’ve got you covered!
Baking Soda- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Arm-Hammer-Pure-Baking-Soda-1-Lb/10291025
Coconut Oil- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Natures-Way-Efagold-Pure-Extra-Virgin-Coconut-Oil-32-Oz/49131079
Agave Nectar- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Agave-in-the-Raw-100-Natural-Organic-Agave-Nectar-18.5-oz/28187404
xylitol- https://www.walmart.com/ip/Health-Garden-Real-Birch-Xylitol-All-Natural-Sweetener-1-lb/51985020
Peppermint extract- https://www.walmart.com/ip/McCormick-Specialty-Extracts-Pure-Peppermint-Extract-1-oz/10308881
References
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2014/09/18/why-dentists-are-speaking-out-about-the-plastic-beads-in-your-toothpaste/?utm_term=.df4be085fd7b
https://www.carefreedental.com/resources/13-dental-health/130-7-reasons-to-start-using-coconut-oil-toothpaste-recipes
http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2015/02/02/11-health-benefits-baking-soda.aspx
https://www.natureword.com/tag/lemon-balm-leaves-and-bad-breath/
http://drericz.com/how-to-use-essential-oils-for-oral-health/
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