DIY TOOTHPASTE

One of the first things we needed plastic free was toothpaste. I did a little research on toothpaste and was actually surprised at the amount of dentists that recommend homemade over store bought. The reason is that so many toothpastes contain ingredients that prevent the remineralization of your teeth. Glycerin is a huge one. Most toothpastes contain some form of glycerin, whether synthetic or veggie based. Too much glycerin can coat your teeth and contribute to cavities. Funny how our bodies were made to heal themselves, especially if we utilize natural science!

There are a lot of toothpaste recipes out there. Not many, though, are dentist approved. 

I did a little more research on ingredients after trying various recipes. One recipe used a lot essential oils and made my gums hurt. This was probably because essential oils are antibacterial and you need a little good bacteria in there for healthy gums, so don't kill it all! After reading a dentist's review on ingredients I decided on the recipe below and we love the taste!

The super star ingredient in this recipe is bentonite clay. I recommend this brand. It's hard to find bentonite clay not packaged in plastic so I'm still on the hunt. Pure Clay gives 15 percent of their proceeds to fight human trafficking, and since that's something I care about deeply, I take it as a win for now and will recycle the container. 

There is a slight concern among some that bentonite clay may contain trace amounts of lead. You can do research and decide for yourself, but ultimately I wasn't worried after I did my own searching. Apparently with clays, any small amounts of heavy metals present are bound molecules, which means they are not bioavailable and will not absorb into our bodies. If you're concerned about this you can use more baking soda and less bentonite clay. 

Pure Clay explains on their website, "Unlike cheaper, surface-mined clays, Pure Clay is harvested from a deep subterranean vein where no environmental contaminants can reach. It comes straight from the earth naturally pristine and we have the lab tests to prove it. No toxins, pathogens, medications or chemicals for your body to absorb."

RECIPE:

***Important: be sure to use a wood or non metal utensil while mixing so that you do not deactivate the clay!

This recipe is so easy and you can make more or less depending on how often you want to make it. I do about 3 ounces of toothpaste at a time so it continues to stay fresh. 

• 1 1/2 tablespoon of bentonite clay — helps remineralize teeth and draws out toxins
• 1 tablespoon of xylitol — natural sweetener with antibacterial properties 
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda — helps balance your mouths PH and is a mild abrasive to help remove stains and buildup
• 1 tablespoon of coconut oil — helps remineralize teeth and serves as a mild antibacterial
• A generous tablespoon or more of filtered warm water, more if you like it less paste-like 
• A few drops of peppermint essential oil — antibacterial so don't use too much, a little goes a long way