I have tried A TON of homemade products over the years from deodorants to shampoos to soaps and let me tell you, not all of them worked for me. I mean, you name it, I experienced it - cumin pits, gritty teeth, brittle hair, or I just did not enjoy the taste or smell of the ingredients. So, I am sharing this recipe for how to make a toothpaste, but I offer it as a test as we are all different. Though, I truly hope you find this one as effective as it is delicious.
For anyone who truly knows me, they know that I DO NOT enjoy the dentist. I haven't met very many people who would disagree (except my husband), but I will avoid the dentist even if I have something wrong - that is how much I cringe at the thought of a dentist. My husband, on the other hand, falls asleep when he is at the dentist because he enjoys his teeth being cleaned and picked and buffed, or whatever. Yeah, that is AN ABSOLUTE "NO" for me.
Disclaimer: Suffice all this to say, I am not a dentist. I am not a licensed health practitioner. I am sharing my toothpaste recipe after years of experimenting with both homemade and less waste versions. This recipe works for me the best and it prevents me from walking into the dentist often. My advice: Try this toothpaste if you feel inspired, ask a professional holistic dentist for their opinion beforehand, and if it doesn't work for you, no harm, find something else.
I have learned that re-mineralization is the key in making our teeth healthier, whiter, and stronger. There are a few ingredients that can help this when we brush our teeth, but also enhancing the health and abundance of our saliva helps with this, too! Now, I don't mean to say that you should be drooling at the mouth for better teeth, but oil pulling is one great example of enhancing oral health and helping our saliva neutralize the pH in our mouth. Bacteria produces an acid that breaks down minerals on our teeth and weakens our enamel, so the more saliva we have in our mouth, the more we are counteracting this acid-production. In addition to more saliva, see below for some ingredients that help re-mineralize and fight bad bacteria!
The Benefits of the Toothpaste Ingredients:
Diatomaceous Earth: Can remove bacteria that leads to plaque buildup and discoloration. It improves oral health and reduces the risk of gum disease. If used in a large quantity, it can be too abrasive, so be careful with the portions.
Trace Mineral Drops: As we age and eat certain foods, we loose minerals on our teeth and this weakens our enamel on our teeth which can lead to tooth decay. Adding minerals back into the mouth and saliva can re-mineralize the teeth and re-
strengthen the enamel.
Coconut Oil: Fights bacteria and cavities as the enzymes in coconut oil attach to the bacteria and tannins on your teeth and effectively pull them off. The removal of the tannins helps keep teeth white and bright.
Hydroxyapatite (Calcium Phosphate): Adds an abrasiveness to scrub away plaque and remove stains from teeth. It also aids in re-mineralizing to rebuild and strengthen tooth structure. This strengthening reduces cavities.
Cacao Powder: There are some studies that have reported that cacao (no cocoa - the unprocessed, natural form of the cacao plant) is more effective at cleaning teeth than fluoride. Cacao fights against plaque, and is anti-bacterial.
Peppermint Essential Oil: Can help reduce inflammation in the mouth and due to its antimicrobial properties it can kill bacteria that causes plaque and reduce cavities and gum infections.
How to Make Chocolate Peppermint Remineralizing Toothpaste
Prep Time: 20 MINS
Cool Time: Depends on home temperature
Assembly: 10 MINS
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Total Time: 30 MINUTES
Tools: Sterile Glass Jar for Storage, Popsicle Stick to mix and scoop toothpaste
Toothpaste Ingredients:
10 generous tablespoons cacao powder
3 tablespoons diatomaceous earth
1 tablespoon baking soda (you can omit and just use diatomaceous earth)
1 tablespoon calcium carbonate (this is ground, cleaned eggshells!) or hydroxyapatite / calcium phosphate
1 cup organic, unrefined coconut oil - more if needed
60 drops trace minerals
30 drops peppermint essential oil
Option: Add 2-3 tablespoons of xylitol for flavor and also can discourage the formation of cavities
Directions:
Sanitize your glass storage jar by placing the jar and the lid in boiling water for 5 minutes. Allow to cool at room temperature.
Melt coconut oil in the jar.
Add the powdered ingredients one by one and stir between each with a popsicle stick or wooden spoon- cacao powder, diatomaceous earth and/or baking soda, ground eggshells.
Once the powder is fully incorporated, drop the trace minerals and stir.
Add the drops of peppermint and stir completely.
Allow to set - cooler temperatures will set the coconut fully and warmer temperatures will soften the coconut oil.
Use a wood spoon or clean scoop to grab some toothpaste for every use.
As I mentioned, personal health care is so personalized. It has been such a journey to find a homemade toothpaste that cleanses my teeth, helps re-mineralize, and rebuild enamel. Before creating this recipe, I started to see more plaque and lackluster, dull teeth in the mirror. I was also shocked to see some discoloring along the gum line, which caused me to kick my journey into high gear. I am proud to say that not only have my teeth whitened, but the discoloration at the gum line has disappeared. I love to rub my tongue over my teeth and feel a smooth surface as well as just having the sense that my teeth and mouth are clean and healthy without harmful chemicals and waste in most products in the grocery aisle. This toothpaste has afforded me those changes and feelings.
So, I hope you are able to find ingredients that help your teeth feel sparkly and new with each brush. I hope that you can achieve that bright smile that everyone sees when you walk into a room and I hope that you can rebuild the health of your teeth and reduce those cavity visits to the dentist.
Let me know about your journey! Post in the comments.
All my light. All my love.
Namaste,
Jordan
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