DIY Homemade Natural Toothpaste to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Most of us start and end our day with brushing our teeth. But have you ever wondered whether the toothpaste you use every day is actually good for your health?

Commercial toothpastes contain many harmful toxins. The most common ones are fluoride, triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate.

Triclosan is a well-known endocrine disruptor that alters hormone regulation.

Sodium lauryl sulfate, used as a foaming agent, is a possible carcinogen. It is also a persistent irritant that can irritate your gums and contribute to gum inflammation.

Fluoride can affect your bones and pineal gland, even your brain function.

Looking at the harmful ingredients used in commercial toothpastes, it is more convincing to make your own natural toothpaste at home.

It is very easy to make. Plus, the ingredients used in this DIY recipe are readily available and extremely beneficial for oral health. Also, it will cost you much less than the commercial products.

Let’s have a look at the ingredients and their oral health benefits.

Extra-Virgin Coconut Oil

Extra-virgin coconut oil is high in lauric acid that has anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. It can help reduce the plaque on your teeth and prevent problems like toothaches, bad breath and gum disease.

A 2014 study published in the Journal of the Indian Society of Periodontology suggests that coconut oil as well as sesame and olive oils can be used as valuable preventive agents in maintaining and improving oral health.

Another study published in the Nigerian Medical Journal suggests that coconut oil, when used for oil pulling, is effective at reducing plaque formation.

Baking Soda

Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, acts as an abrasive agent and helps whiten and brighten your pearly whites. It neutralizes acids in the mouth, thereby reducing the chance of bad breath.

According to a 2008 study published in The Journal of Clinical Dentistry, baking soda paste or powder more efficiently removes plaque than non-baking soda products. This conclusion was made after analyzing various studies.

Turmeric

The turmeric used in this homemade toothpaste is good for overall oral health. It helps keep dental problems, such as toothaches and gingivitis, at bay due to its anti-plaque, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. It also helps whiten your teeth.

A 2012 study published in the Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology found turmeric mouthwash to be effective in controlling plaque and preventing gingivitis.

Peppermint Extract

This extract is mainly used to give a nice flavor to the homemade toothpaste. Plus, it has therapeutic benefits that can inhibit the formation of biofilm that is linked to cavities.

In fact, in ancient times, people used powdered peppermint leaves to combat halitosis (bad breath) and whiten their teeth.

DIY Homemade Natural Toothpaste to Keep Your Teeth and Gums Healthy

Things you’ll need:

• Extra-virgin coconut oil
• Baking soda
• Turmeric powder
• Peppermint extract (optional)

Steps

1. Put 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin coconut oil in a bowl.

2. Add 2 tablespoons of baking soda.

3. Optionally, add 10 to 15 drops of peppermint extract to the bowl.

4. Last but not least, add ½ to 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder.

5. Mix the ingredients with a nonmetallic spatula or spoon until you get a smooth paste-like consistency.

Your homemade toothpaste is ready to use.