I’ve been experimenting with different toothpaste recipes. I started with making my own tooth soap, and now I’m making powders and pastes. Here’s the one I’m currently using, which I originally found a couple of years ago on Pinterest (and then saw on several other blogs).
I like knowing what’s in my toothpaste, and it’s a lot cheaper than most of the natural toothpastes that are available. In fact, these are all ingredients that we keep stocked in our kitchen, so I didn’t have to buy anything to make this.
Homemade Coconut Mint Toothpaste
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup coconut oil
- 5 tablespoons baking soda
- 10-20 drops peppermint essential oil (or any essential oil you prefer)
- xylitol powder, optional
- optional: you can also add Bentonite Clay and Black Walnut hull powder (thanks to the commenter who suggested these additions!)
Directions:
- Melt the coconut oil, if necessary.
- Add baking soda to the coconut oil and stir with a fork until it forms a paste.
- Add the peppermint essential oil and optional xylitol powder. I used closer to 20 drops of essential oil, and about 1/2 tablespoon of xylitol powder (I used granulated xylitol and ground it in the coffee grinder to make a powder.).
- Mix all together and store in a covered glass jar.
Notes: I just dip my toothbrush in this (each family member would have their own jar of toothpaste). If you prefer, you could also keep a popsicle stick or a small measuring spoon near the jar and use this to scoop it out.
You can also find tubes that might work to make a toothpaste that would squirt. I haven’t tried it, but maybe something like this one? You might have to make the mixture thinner to get this to work. Let me know if you figure out how to do this!
You wouldn't happen to know the approximate self life would you?
I don't have an official number on this, but it should be good at room temperature for quite a few months. Since we have several people at a time using it, ours never lasts that long. The only thing I know of that might make it not last as long is if water were to get in the jar. I've heard others say that you should use a spoon or something to apply it to your toothbrush (rather than dipping the wet brush in the jar) to prevent it from getting wet. Hope this helps!
You wouldn't happen to have an estimated shelf life would you?
I have heard that you don't want to put coconut oil down your drain, but is this amount so small that it would not make a difference with regard to clogging your drain?
Yes, that's true. When I was oil pulling with coconut oil I would always either spit it outside or spit into a paper towel in the trash can. But I never have had any trouble with the toothpaste since it is such a small amount.
Wish I would have ground the xylitol like you suggested. Also, had troubles finding food grade peppermint oil, so I used peppermint extract. Turned out very salty so added some stevia sweet drops. Next time I make this, I think I need to follow the recipe exactly.:/
I've been looking for a homemade toothpaste recipe. This looks great. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Hope you like it! 🙂
If you really need a sweetener try stevia instead of xylitol. Xylitol is toxic to dogs and can cause death (this could be a concern if your paste is crumbly and pieces find their way to the floor.) I've been oil pulling for years, so non sweetened works well for me
Hi Joy! I've had this recipe made up (just the oils & soda) for some time. I used it a few times as toothpaste, but somehow I couldn't handle the coconut oil in my mouth.
So, don't laugh…I finally decided to try using it as a face/body scrub! A couple times a week and, oh my, it's wonderful! I just used it up and am now making some more as face scrub using lavender oil.
Thanks for the toothpaste/face scrub recipe lol
Sarah from VA
Lol, that's great that you were able to find a use for it!! I have some family members who didn't care much for this toothpaste, either. 🙂
Great post! I will have to try this !
Domi x
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This is the same way I do our toothpaste! I have recently been adding a bit of bentonite clay to it to draw out any impurities that we may have picked up along the way (flu season you know…) and black walnut hull to whiten our teeth. We love it!
Thank you so much for the suggestions about bentonite clay and black walnut hull! I think I may have both of those items on hand, so I'll have to remember to add those. Thanks again!
How much of each other those do you add?
I don't really have any exact amounts…I just reduce some of the baking soda and add in the other ingredients, getting it the consistency I want. Hope that's helpful!
I've have a similar recipe, but have had trouble with the paste becoming crumbly cuz our house is colder this time of year and the coconut oil solidifies. Does yours do the same? Or do you have any suggestions on how to adjust the recipe to make it work better?
Mine is like that, too, right now. I figured it's just the nature of working with coconut oil, and I just use it that way. Hmmm. I'll let you know if I ever find a way to make it smoother in the winter! 🙂
Good to know! I had been putting it in frosting bags to make it more like a tube of tooth paste, (zip-lock baggies tore at the tip too easily) but that only works in the summer. Right now it's so crumbly, more ends up on the counter than on the brush! I'll need to put it in individual jars so more is used instead of wasted. Thanx for that suggestion!
You're welcome, Sarah!
MY mum does this but also adds a bit of olive oil to keep it a slightly runnier consistency. Not sure how much, maybe a tablespoon using the proportions you gave.
Thanks for the suggestion!
I whip my coconut up with a Handmixer until it is smooth and creamy and then add the Peppermint Oil to it
Great idea, thanks!
Maybe try fractionated coconut oil. It won't harden.
Thanks for the suggestion, Emily!
How about letting it sit in warm water before using, to melt down the coconut oil?
When this happens to me, I just place the toothpaste container in a cup of warm water while I wash my face. It is then usually soft enough to use when I am ready to brush my teeth.