Did you know that regular toothpaste contains a mouthful of harmful chemicals? These chemicals include carcinogens, endocrine disrupters, and inflammatory ingredients. Yikes! How this happens is that due to regulatory “loopholes” (ahem) in the FDA, conventional toothpaste manufacturers (and even some natural) use harmful chemicals that absorb into our bloodstream.
This startling fact is one reason that led me down the path of making non-toxic, homemade tooth powder. Plus, it’s SUPER easy-to-make with just six natural ingredients from your pantry!
Ditch Toxins with Homemade Tooth Powder
But, buying a “natural” toothpaste is a safe bet, Right? Sadly, it’s not. You still don’t know what you are getting because the word “natural” is not regulated. It can mean anything or nothing at all! Manufacturers can sneak in cheap, harmful ingredients, and a product can be listed as “pure” and “natural.”
“The most concerning commonly found ingredients,” per the Cornucopia Institute, an organic industry watchdog, “are synthetic preservatives: sodium benzoate and potassium sorbate, surfactants including sodium Laureth sulfate and artificial flavors and colors known to cause behavioral problems in some kids.” And that’s just the tip of the ice-berg.
It’s important to be our own health advocates, and sometimes that means calling up companies to ask questions about their ingredients. Or in this case, use a homemade recipe with simple, natural ingredients that is safe for you and your family.
[This post contains affiliate links for your convenience so you can easily purchase items mentioned. Your pricing stays the same. See my full disclosure here.]
Natural Toothpaste Options
Before I made my own DIY tooth powder, we tried several natural and holistic brands, but they still have too many ingredients for my preference. Also, my daughter has a corn allergy, so we really have to watch ingredients (corn is in everything!). After a little research online, I found that a common ingredient in most homemade toothpaste is activated charcoal which piqued my interest.
However, I wasn’t quite ready to take the plunge and make my own. Instead, I checked on Amazon.com (isn’t that what everyone does?) and found a natural charcoal tooth powder similar to this. But it’s a tad expensive. Store bought tooth powders cost $13 and up for a tiny jar. Yikes!
But here was the kicker, the store bought (on Amazon), tiny jar lasted less than a month (with only two people using it). Not a good deal in my book. As if I needed another reason to purchase one more thing on Amazon anyway. Yes, I’m sort of addicted, but that’s another story.
Beneficial Ingredients = Happy Mouths
After my $13 “tiny jar” experience, I figured it was time to scour Pinterest and make my own. And that’s what I did! After 15 hours of research and testing (ok, slight exaggeration), I created a homemade tooth powder recipe that…
- contains just SIX NATURAL INGREDIENTS
- costs much less than store bought tooth powder and lasts for months at a time
- is simple and effective with zero toxins
- is better for the planet, beneficial to your mouth, and quick to make!
My inspiration came from natural health blogger, www.mommypotamus.com, and her recipe here.
Let’s take a peek at some of the ingredients…
Clove and Cinnamon
Straight from your spice cabinet, these dried powders act as natural antibacterials which help prevent tooth decay. Plus, they taste great. 😉
Bentonite Clay
I just love bentonite clay! It has many excellent health properties. For starters, it binds and draws out heavy metals and toxins. It also contains beneficial minerals for teeth such as calcium, magnesium, and silica.
For more ways to use bentonite clay, check out Wellness Mama’s awesome post here.
Activated Charcoal
This inexpensive, natural ingredient has been around for centuries and was even used by Hippocrates for natural health remedies. It’s great in natural homemade toothpaste and functions as an excellent stain remover and whitener for teeth. Perfect for those with stubborn coffee stains!
Bonus TIP: Years before I started making my DIY tooth powder, I used these activated charcoal pills to successfully help with digestive issues including stomach upsets, food poisoning and stomach flu.
Note: I’ll admit that this powder can be a little messy in your sink. But, only if it’s not rinsed out quickly. So just train everyone to give the sink a good rinse after spitting and you’re golden. 😉
Peppermint Essential Oil
Peppermint oil is a power-house and gets lots of use in my home, everything from food recipes to diffusing. For my homemade tooth powder recipe, it helps disinfect and kill bacteria that can cause gum disease. Score!
Here is my quick soapbox on oils… SOURCE YOUR OILS WITH CAUTION; especially since you are putting this particular oil in your mouth. Sadly the essential oil industry is no different from our food industry. Essential oils sold to consumers are often adulterated even though the label says “pure” or “natural.” Yep, you guessed it; these words are NOT regulated. Any company can call their oil “pure,” even when they add other ingredients to it.
Personally, I stay away from the mass-produced oils which are many of the popular brands blowing up Pinterest as I type this. Instead, my recommendation for biodynamic, small-batch, unadulterated, organic essential oils is www.SaviturBotanicals.com. I know the owner personally, and she is incredibly passionate about the source and transparency of her oils; so much, that she travels to visit the farms and distilleries around the globe. She is the real deal for high-quality oils produced with love!
SPECIAL GIFT to readers: Savitur Botanicals is offering $2.00 OFF your first purchase of $20.00 or more! Use CUSTOMER CODE: HHTT at checkout.
Watch a Live Recipe Demo
Watch more LIVE natural health videos on my Facebook page. Plus, learn more tips and tricks to keep the family healthy on ALL fronts. It literally takes a village!
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I hope you enjoy this simple, effective and HEALTHY homemade tooth powder. It’s easy-to-make with single ingredients, so you can feel good about what you put on your toothbrush. I use it every day along with oil pulling each morning. My teeth are whiter than ever, so I’m hooked! I can’t wait for you to try it too.
How about you–have you tried a homemade toothpaste recipe?
Love and Peace,
♥ Jennifer
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