Little House In The Mountains

Greetings, Reader!

Today’s topic is a tutorial on how to make your own toothpaste that is both cheaper and healthier than any tube you can find on store shelves. There is a great deal of controversy over several of the ingredients commonly found in traditional toothpaste, most notably fluoride. While I can’t be sure how true or how serious these concerns are, I generally take the path of “better safe than sorry”. So the decision to go to an all-natural toothpaste is not a hard one to make. Until you look at the options in the store. When you can find all-natural varieties (good luck if you live in a small town!) they are so expensive – near $5 for a small tube – that you may find yourself choking. But good news, friends! There is a better way. You can make your own all-natural toothpaste at home with just a few simple ingredients, which will cost you much less than the pricey store offerings.

What you will need:

• 1 Tbs. Coconut oil (available at natural foods stores and some grocery stores. If it matters to you, spend an extra few dollars and get the organic kind)
• 3 Tbs. baking soda
• Essential oil for flavoring (peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, etc.)
• 1 tsp (or more to taste) xylitol or stevia (optional)
• Half-pint jar or other resealable container

What you do:

• Place the coconut oil in the jar and microwave until melted (10-20 seconds)
• Stir in baking soda, 4-6 drops of essential oil, and xylitol or stevia (if using).
• Close jar or container and let sit at room temperature until it re-solidifies. If you’re in a hurry, you can put it in the refrigerator instead. 

How you use it:

• Keep the jar, closed, at room temperature.
• Use your toothbrush to scoop a little bit of the “paste” onto the bristles. 

Some things you should know:

• You may find that this toothpaste tastes a little “salty” due to the baking soda. The xylitol or stevia can help with this. It may take kids a little while to get used to it as well.
• If you are concerned about the baking soda being too abrasive, note that it is less abrasive than the agents used in most commercial toothpastes.
• The coconut oil acts as an antibacterial, and also keeps your lips soft because of its moisturizing properties.
• The price breakdown: A tube of Tom’s of Maine or Burt’s Bees toothpaste can cost anywhere from $4 to $7 for a 4oz tube. This formula costs about $1.50 for an 8oz jar. That’s quite the savings!

Peace Be With You