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It's been almost five years at this point since I talked about toothpaste – or more specific, homemade toothpaste – on this blog. Back than I shared my DIY healing turmeric and tea tree toothpaste that works wonders for cleaning and naturally whitening your teeth as well as for preventing caries and even potentially reversing enamel damage and tooth decay.
However, it is an oil-based toothpaste which means that
a) your mouth is going to feel oily while brushing it, and there is no foaming effect. Some people don't like this.
b) you cannot spit the oil into the sink, but must spit it into the bin, or else the oil will clog your drain.
The toothpaste also contains turmeric, which makes for a wonderful natural brightening effect, but can also stain your clothes, fingers, mouth and toothbrush. I do still use the turmeric and tea tree toothpaste (usually a few times a month, for that wonderful cleansing and whitening effect), but I've found an alternative that does not contain oil and therefore doesn't come with the "disadvantages" listed above.
Enter my favourite DIY toothpaste!
It is made with only 4 natural ingredients that all have a remineralizing and tooth-strengthening effect. It's basically a mixture of finely ground minerals and liquid:
Like my turmeric and tea tree toothpaste, it is zero waste, free from fluoride, glycerine, and SLS, and it is safe for kids and for people with sensitive teeth.
I've made this toothpaste several times now, and I love the creamy consistency paired with the "mineral" taste. I also really like the very mild abrasive effect of the mineral particles that clean your teeth in a natural way – and much less abrasive than baking soda or activated charcoal!
I recommend using a remineralizing toothpaste such as this environmentally-friendly toothpaste once per day, e.g. in the evenings, and alternate using a different toothpaste such as my turmeric and tea tree toothpaste or an organic store-bought toothpaste.
DIY CREAMY TOOTHPASTE
INGREDIENTS:
4 tbsp whiting (calcium carbonate) (or sub calcium powder, bentonite clay or zeolite)
3 tbsp siliceous earth (or sub more whiting, calcium powder, bentonite clay or zeolite)
2 tbsp xylitol, finely ground
3 tbsp witch hazel or other hydrolate
optional add-ins:
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
a pinch of ground clove
1-2 drops of organic peppermint essential oil
1-2 drops of organic lavender essential oil or clove essential oil
b) you cannot spit the oil into the sink, but must spit it into the bin, or else the oil will clog your drain.
The toothpaste also contains turmeric, which makes for a wonderful natural brightening effect, but can also stain your clothes, fingers, mouth and toothbrush. I do still use the turmeric and tea tree toothpaste (usually a few times a month, for that wonderful cleansing and whitening effect), but I've found an alternative that does not contain oil and therefore doesn't come with the "disadvantages" listed above.
Enter my favourite DIY toothpaste!
It is made with only 4 natural ingredients that all have a remineralizing and tooth-strengthening effect. It's basically a mixture of finely ground minerals and liquid:
- Whiting (calcium carbonate) is a fine, microcrystalline sedimentary rock that consists of lime deposits of small marine organisms and is made up of about 98 % of calcium carbonate. The remaining 2 % are silicon, magnesium, aluminium, iron, iodine and phosphorus compounds. It is known for its anti-inflammatory, de-acidifying and purifying properties, as well as for stimulating blood circulation (e.g. in the gums) and for removing tooth plaque and tartar due to its very fine grain size. Due to its pH value of 8 it helps to prevent caries.
- Siliceous earth is a purified form of "silica", including both diatomaceous earth (diatomite) and radiolarian earth (radiolarite), and refers to a natural mineral product composed of fossils and other elements. By solidifying the enamel, silica prevents tooth decay and preserves healthy teeth. Silica also prevents bleeding gums, gum atrophy, and recession that trigger loss of teeth.
- Xylitol is a natural sugar made from birch extract that is used in many dental hygiene products for its abilities to reduce cavity-causing bacteria in the mouth, repair damaged enamel, prevent caries, and even potentially reverse tooth decay! Yes, sugar that is actually GOOD for your teeth! (Just don't add too much since it's a sweetener, and too much can reprogram your taste buds to crave too much sweetness, which isn't what we want after brushing our teeth.)
- Witch Hazel is a natural remedy made from a plant Hamamelis virginiana that is known for its astringent and antiseptic properties. It decreases inflammation, and is used to treat various skin conditions and minor injuries as well as to sooth a sore throat.
Like my turmeric and tea tree toothpaste, it is zero waste, free from fluoride, glycerine, and SLS, and it is safe for kids and for people with sensitive teeth.
I've made this toothpaste several times now, and I love the creamy consistency paired with the "mineral" taste. I also really like the very mild abrasive effect of the mineral particles that clean your teeth in a natural way – and much less abrasive than baking soda or activated charcoal!
I recommend using a remineralizing toothpaste such as this environmentally-friendly toothpaste once per day, e.g. in the evenings, and alternate using a different toothpaste such as my turmeric and tea tree toothpaste or an organic store-bought toothpaste.
DIY CREAMY TOOTHPASTE
INGREDIENTS:
4 tbsp whiting (calcium carbonate) (or sub calcium powder, bentonite clay or zeolite)
3 tbsp siliceous earth (or sub more whiting, calcium powder, bentonite clay or zeolite)
2 tbsp xylitol, finely ground
3 tbsp witch hazel or other hydrolate
optional add-ins:
1/4 tsp turmeric powder
1/4 tsp baking soda
a pinch of ground clove
1-2 drops of organic peppermint essential oil
1-2 drops of organic lavender essential oil or clove essential oil
also: 1 small jar*
*such as a re-used and sterilized little jam jar
DIRECTIONS:
Combine calcium carbonate, siliceous earth and finely ground xylitol powder in a small mixing bowl. (It is important that granulated xylitol is ground finely – e.g. in a blender – because the sugar crystals might otherwise be too abrasive on your teeth!)
Stir to combine until the powders are blended.
Add witch hazel or other hydrolate of your choice. Stir until you get a nicely incorporated mixture. Adjust texture by adding less or more liquid. (see tip below)
If you don't like the natural flavourless taste of this toothpaste, you can add a few drops of organic essential oil, such as peppermint, lavender or clove, which are also beneficial for oral health.
You can also add turmeric powder or baking soda to the mix for an intensified whitening effect.
Transfer the mixture to a small jar with a lid.
TO USE:
To use, either dip a clean toothbrush into the toothpaste, or use a small spoon to scoop it into the toothbrush. The latter is more hygienic, and should definitely be preferred when sharing the toothpaste with others.
If you make a larger amount of this toothpaste, store it in several small jars in the refrigerator. These little jars are also the perfect size for travelling.
*such as a re-used and sterilized little jam jar
DIRECTIONS:
Combine calcium carbonate, siliceous earth and finely ground xylitol powder in a small mixing bowl. (It is important that granulated xylitol is ground finely – e.g. in a blender – because the sugar crystals might otherwise be too abrasive on your teeth!)
Stir to combine until the powders are blended.
Add witch hazel or other hydrolate of your choice. Stir until you get a nicely incorporated mixture. Adjust texture by adding less or more liquid. (see tip below)
If you don't like the natural flavourless taste of this toothpaste, you can add a few drops of organic essential oil, such as peppermint, lavender or clove, which are also beneficial for oral health.
You can also add turmeric powder or baking soda to the mix for an intensified whitening effect.
Transfer the mixture to a small jar with a lid.
TO USE:
To use, either dip a clean toothbrush into the toothpaste, or use a small spoon to scoop it into the toothbrush. The latter is more hygienic, and should definitely be preferred when sharing the toothpaste with others.
If you make a larger amount of this toothpaste, store it in several small jars in the refrigerator. These little jars are also the perfect size for travelling.
TIPS:
- If this toothpaste is too runny for your taste, swap the witch hazel for softened coconut oil to achieve a thicker paste. Or just use less liquid.
- Use a soft bristled toothbrush to prevent receding gums and exposing your teeth dentine. It also helps preserve your tooth enamel because it applies less pressure and therefore creates less abrasion.
-
If you have a tongue scraper, make sure to use it before and/or after
brushing your teeth. If you don't have one, use your toothbrush to
gently brush your tongue. This gets rid of any bacteria that live on and in the deep crevices of your tongue – yup!
♥
Maisy
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