Check out the various benefits of making your own oral care products, recipes and all!
I seem to have found green substitutes for everything else in my household EXCEPT ONE!!!
So irritating…
Do you know that feeling?!?!
“You can only hold a smile so long, after that its just teeth.”
I’ve played with bicarb and vinegar to make all sorts of cleaning products, replaced my lightbulbs with LED lights, and stopped using plastic bags…. But an irritating facet of my life that is still not sorted is the daily routine of brushing my teeth. It would be so cool to use all-natural toothpaste I created myself! I’ve been doubting the goodness of store-bought toothpaste for some time now. Surely that artificial fluoride-laden toothpaste can’t be that great for you?!
What's the Scoop on Toothpaste?
First thing in the morning and last thing at night, we squeeze some toothpaste onto our toothbrush. Then we get down to the business of cleaning our teeth. Day after day from the time our teeth come in, we brush our teeth with toothpaste. No question, brushing our teeth frequently is something we should all be doing. But when you look at some of the common ingredients found in conventional toothpaste, it might make you think twice about what you are putting in your mouth.
Toxins in your toothpaste
Fluoride appears to be a staple in the list of toothpaste ingredients, but why?
Back in the 1900’s research proved that adding this mineral to toothpaste, would greatly reduce gum disease and cavities. Many cities started adding fluoride to their water as a way to improve oral health.
However, thoughts on this have changed a lot over the years. More current research shows Fluoride is actually a neuro-toxin that can have detrimental effects when swallowed. Furthermore, fluoride causes cancer, brittle bones, dental fluorosis (white spots on the teeth), and neurological impairment. If a child swallows more than a pea-sized amount of toothpaste, the product label advises calling the poison control center. A good reason to look for some natural alternatives!!
Toxic Ingredients Commonly Found in Toothpaste
Fluoride.
Triclosan.
Saccharin.
Carrageenan.
Aspartame.
Parabens.
Sodium Lauryl Sulfate & Sodium Laureth Sulfate.
Propylene Glycol.
But enough about all the bad things that we can find in toothpaste. Let’s move on to the wonderful alternatives we can create in our very own kitchen!!
Toothpowder Recipe
Ingredients:
4 tsp bentonite clay
1 tsp bicarbonate of soda (optional)
1 tsp cinnamon powder
1 tsp-1 tbsp clove powder (to taste)
1 tbsp Xylitol
3 tbsp calcium and magnesium tablets crushed into powder
Directions: Mix all ingredients together and use! You can adjust how much xylitol and clove/cinnamon to add to your taste. Tastes yummy.
This is my favourite way to make toothpaste so far! My family used this toothpowder for a year now and we love it.
Mint Toothpaste Recipe
Ingredients:
6 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/3 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons glycerine
15 drops peppermint or wintergreen extract
Directions: Another useful and effective recipe to make your toothpaste! Mix thoroughly. Should be a toothpaste consistency. Store in a container. You will be surprised at how fresh your mouth feels.
Lemon Mouthwash Recipe
Ingredients:
3/4 cup vodka
20 drops lemon essential oil
1 1/4 cup distilled water
30 drops bergamot essential oil
Directions: Combine the vodka with the essential oils in a bottle, shake well then allow to sit for 1 week. Shake once a day. When ready to use it, dilute the mix with 3 parts water/ 1 part mixture. Use it as a gargle or mouth rinse. Do Not Drink.
Super Cleanser
Ingredients:
Hydrogen peroxide (a few drops)
Baking soda
Directions: Make a paste by combining the two ingredients. Use this paste on your teeth and also gently rub along your gums two times a week.
Mouthwash
Rinse your mouth with cooled tea (mint is a perfect choice.)
So there you have it, some novel ways to clean your mouth using natural ingredients! Let me know how you get on and how your teeth are loving the new, natural oral care regime!