A Houseful of Love

A few years ago, I never would have dreamed of making my own homemade toothpaste. It just seems like the kind of thing you need to buy, right?

Turns out, that’s not the case. And if you want something effective, affordable, and fluoride-free, give this a try. It’s safe for the whole family, including pregnant moms and babies who just got their first tooth!

This recipe comes from Cure Tooth Decay by Ramiel Nagel, a book I came across while helping my husband re-mineralize his teeth through diet & lifestyle changes. While this toothpaste won’t solve all your problems (hint: it’s a lot of dietary changes, including things like eating liver), it’s an easy, healthy, and affordable swap. All it takes is baking soda and sea salt! You can use it like that, or you can add some peppermint essential oil for that minty-fresh feel.

We’ve been shocked by how much cleaner our mouths feel after switching to this toothpaste – it really keeps you feeling fresh! And while the taste takes a bit of getting used to, I prefer it to any other toothpaste (even when pregnant and nauseous). Even our toddler loves it!

Please note that this is for informational use only and does not constitute medical/dental advice. I am not a dentist or medical professional, just a mom doing research into ways to keep my family healthy & thriving. Please consult your own dentist!

How sea salt work as an effective homemade toothpaste ingredient?

This homemade is made with two simple but highly effective ingredients: sea salt and baking soda.

Sea salt is a natural disinfectant and antiseptic, in addition to being rich in minerals that your teeth need to stay strong. It is similar in mineral composition to our own blood, so it doesn’t irritate the mouth, but still kills harmful acid-loving bacteria by increasing the pH of the mouth (more on that in a bit). It also is very mildly abrasive, so it can remove stains and plaque – just be careful not to brush too hard because too much abrasion can damage tooth enamel!

And if you’ve ever had inflammation in your mouth, your dentist may have recommended a saltwater rinse. Sea salt is great for soothing inflammation, especially that caused by mild gingivitis thanks to its antiseptic properties. I also sometimes wonder if it may help with teething as well – perhaps that’s why our toddler has enjoyed it so much!

How does baking soda work as an effective homemade toothpaste ingredient?

Baking soda, like sea salt, is quite beneficial for oral hygiene. Because it is mildly alkaline, it counteracts acidity in the mouth, which is a known cause of tooth decay and enamel erosion. Also like sea salt, its mild abrasive qualities help to remove surface stains, brightening teeth gently over time. It also is very effective for removing plaque.

As a personal anecdote, when my husband had mild gingivitis a few years back, our dentist actually recommended brushing with baking soda toothpaste. Since then, his gingivitis has completely resolved and he has even noticed that his tooth sensitivity has disappeared!

And if you ever have stuck a box of baking soda in a stinky cabinet or fridge/freezer, you know that it is great at neutralizing odors – and it does the same for your breath!

What are the downsides of brushing with sea salt and baking soda?

The American Dental Association requires that all toothpastes that claim cavity protection contain fluoride to get the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Because this toothpaste does not contain fluoride, the ADA would not consider it sufficient for optimal dental health.

However, fluoride is not necessarily as safe or effective as many of us have been led to believe. Recent studies indicate that fluoride may be a neurotoxin, potentially causing reduced intelligence, particularly in children.

Since fluoride is already present in most tap water in the United States, and especially because young children tend to swallow toothpaste, I feel comfortable using fluoride-free toothpaste for myself (especially when I’m pregnant) and for my toddler son.

So far, our teeth seem to be better than ever, but please discuss it with your own dentist, as I am not a medical professional.

How do I use this homemade toothpaste?

Because it is not like commercial toothpaste in that it is a powder, not a paste, it is a bit different to use. That being said, it’s still easy!

Just wet your toothbrush, dip it into the powder (it will stick to the wet brush), and brush as normal.

In our home, we all share the same toothpaste jar because we figure we’re swapping germs all the time any way (and salt is a natural disinfectant anyway). However, if you’re concerned, you could also have a separate jar for each member of the household.

Ingredients

Feel free to scale up or down according to your needs! Just keep the ratios the same.

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 2 tsp sea salt
• 10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional) – you can also use another flavor if you prefer. Just be sure to use one that is safe to consume in small, diluted amounts!

Directions

Step 1: Add the baking soda and sea salt to a bowl. If you’d like, you can add 10-20 drops of peppermint essential oil as well.

Step 2: Stir well to combine. Be sure that the essential oil (if using) is evenly distributed throughout and not in large clumps.

Step 3: Transfer to a jar for storage and use. Any small jar will do, but I’ve found that empty spice jars or baby food jars are perfect!

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