Are you considering natural toothpaste recipes as alternatives to the commercial, store bought varieties? You are not alone if this is the case. A growing percentage of the population wants to use safer, chemical-free toothpastes as part of an oral hygiene routine. Although certain brands produce safer alternatives, they may still contain some chemicals.
Many people resort to homemade toothpastes because they don’t want to put chemicals like fluoride in their bodies. Other harmful chemicals that are beneficial to avoid include sweeteners and flavors, humectants like glycerol, sodium lauryl sulfate, and triclosan. When making toothpaste, you have the power to control exactly what goes in the recipe. You are also able to customize the texture, abrasiveness, and flavor, and help reduce your own consumption of plastic packaging. The only real initial downside is that you have to purchase supplies and ingredients to start mixing your own toothpastes.
Are There Downsides To Using Homemade Toothpaste?
Some dentists argue that homemade toothpastes don’t have the ability to reduce cavities and address oral health conditions. Most ingredients benefit your teeth, but there are certain recipes that contain harmful ingredients. For example, it’s best to avoid any recipe that contains hydrogen peroxide or vinegar. These ingredients can break down tooth enamel and causes yellowing or gum problems. For people with sensitive gums or teeth, it may be best to avoid homemade toothpastes that contain baking soda, as it may be too abrasive. Alternatively, you can use a baking soda toothpaste infrequently and use one without it regularly.
No Fluoride
Homemade toothpaste does not contain fluoride, which has a proven ability to prevent cavities. The American Dental Association (ADA) only endorses toothpastes that contain fluoride, but not everyone wants to use this ingredient. The primary concern has to do with fluoride’s potential to cause fluorosis, which occurs when young children ingest excessive amounts of fluoride while enamel is forming. Dental fluorosis is only a cosmetic issues and doesn’t affect the overall health of your teeth. However, fluoride can be toxic if you ingest it in high concentrations. It’s truly a personal decision of whether or not you want to use toothpastes that contain it or not. If you don’t want to brush with fluoride or other chemicals, please review the following toothpaste recipes.
Turmeric Toothpaste
The coconut oil and turmeric work together to help get rid of plaque and nourish your gums without the chemicals in commercial toothpastes.
Click here to make the toothpaste.
DIY Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Whiten your teeth using a few natural ingredients, which you may already have in your home. You won’t believe how effective this is!
Click here to make the toothpaste.
DIY Remineralizing Toothpaste
Avoid the glycerin, fluoride and other unsafe ingredients in commercial toothpastes when you whip up this batch of remineralizing toothpaste.
Click here to make the toothpaste.
This Toothpaste Makes Your Teeth Sparkle
Tea, coffee, and other beverages and foods can stain your teeth over time. Keep your teeth white by using this toothpaste. You’ll see that sparkle in no time!
Click here to make the toothpaste.
Homemade Tooth Powder
Although this is not a toothpaste recipe, it does contain remineralizing agents that help to naturally whiten your teeth. This DIY tooth powder is the thing you are missing from your oral care routine.
Click here to make the tooth powder.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
