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Recently, I stumbled across an article that talked about toothpaste ingredients and the issues they can actually cause rather than prevent— and it startled me. I know there are TONS of natural toothpaste companies out there nowadays… yet they’re a bit pricey. If I can make something simple + effective at home for a fraction of the price, why not? Here’s my very own homemade toothpaste recipe… full of only the good stuff.
I can honestly say this is the best natural toothpaste I’ve tried, and that’s saying something since I’ve been on the hunt for a great option for a while!
Note: There is no fluoride in this recipe. Depending on your stance with this, feel free to add in a fluoride product or use a fluoride mouthwash afterwards.
Common toothpaste ingredients
Two ingredients that have a pretty bad wrap are:
1. Glycerin: It gives toothpaste a nice creamy texture and coats the teeth for “protection”, yet at the same time it also stops re-enamalization (so cavities can’t self-heal.)
2. Sodium fluoride: A by-product of aluminum manufacturing that is found in rat poisons and industrial pesticides).
Scary stuff, huh? Well, rather than freak out about it every time I brush my teeth, I decided to make some homemade toothpaste sans weird stuff. And yes— I threw in some wonderful coconut oil that I’m beyond obsessed with and it’s millions of effective uses.
Natural toothpaste recipe
Once I started experimenting with a homemade toothpaste recipe, I was pleasantly surprised to find out how few ingredients I actually needed. My recipe has 4 ingredients, with an optional 5th if you add in activated charcoal. Not only is this recipe simple, it contains only plant based ingredients that are common. No weird chemical compounds or additives here!
When whipping up a batch of this homemade toothpaste, I typically triple the batch. That way each bathroom has its own container, so there’s no family fights over the jar. To keep the ingredients light and airy, I use an immersion blender rather than mixing with a blender or food processor.
Antibacterial essential oils
If you choose the right essential oils, then you can create a strong antibacterial toothpaste. I suggest these essential oils, which I typically purchase from Plant Therapy:
- Grapefruit Oil
- Peppermint Oil
- Tea Tree Oil
- Orange Oil
- Lemongrass Oil
I am thrilled to have found a homemade toothpaste replacement that I actually enjoy using as well as have fun making. I like that I can tweak the recipe depending on my personal preference at the time (sweeter, minty, fruity, etc— it’s all about what essential oils I put in it). This summer I made a batch with grapefruit oil and it has a citrus-tang to it, which was refreshing. Now I am using eucalyptus oil and I love the minty taste.
How to store DIY toothpaste
I like to store homemade toothpaste in a wide-mouth mason jar or leak-proof metal tin. Use a popsicle stick to dip into the toothpaste and and then spread your toothbrush. You can also use a squirt bottle and cut a wide tip on it to help it come out.
Homemade Dog Toothpaste
YES… I made this recipe for me and my family… yet it also works with dogs! Since my sweet dog (Barrett the Huskador), cannot resist licking and swallowing everything in his face, I made this for him too. Since they are completely natural ingredients, there’s no harm if he licks it while I brush.
Other DIY recipes
If this natural recipe has piqued your interest in more natural products you can use in your home, then I’ve got some more great recipes for you. These recipes are plant based versions that seriously work, just like this homemade toothpaste recipe:
- Homemade chest rub
- Fire cider
- Ginger lemon honey tea
- Homemade deodorant
- Elderberry syrup
- Anti-inflammatory smoothie cubes
- Bloat-fighting smoothie
- DIY lip scrub
Homemade Toothpaste DIY
Ingredients
- 6 tbsp coconut oil
- 6 tbsp baking soda
- 25 drops essential oil eucalyptus, grapefruit, peppermint
- 1 tsp stevia or more if you like it sweeter
- activated charcoal optional
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. I used my to whip it really well and give it a light creamy texture.
- Pour into a mason jar and seal it up until ready to use.
Equipment
Notes
- Getting it out of the mason jar can be an adjustment. Use a popsicle stick to dip into the toothpaste and spread nicely onto the toothbrush. You can also use a squirt bottle (you will need to cut the pointed tip wider).
- Adding activated charcoal can be a gentle way to whiten your teeth.
wondering if this will clog the drain, since it has coconut oil in it?
Hi! I’m no plumber but coconut oil has a low melting temperature so it shouldn’t create clogs when using hot water. This recipe also has it mixed with baking soda which should help. Unless you have had previous issues with plumbing, you should be okay! Though, I do know some people that spit this in a trash can.
My go-to toothpaste brand just changed their formula, so I started looking for a new recipe. I love that I can change the flavor of this homemade one as wanted, and don’t find it too harsh on my teeth. It’s working out great so far!
Hey Olivia- So glad that you are lovin’ this homemade toothpaste recipe. Rawk on!
I like this idea for my daughter but she hates the taste of peppermint or anything remotely similar. Can you suggest any other flavors that would make the toothpaste work? Thank you
Hi Maggie! 🙂
Absolutely! My suggestions would be to try one of the following non-minty essential oils for your daughter’s toothpaste: Grapefruit Oil, Orange Oil or Lemongrass Oil. Hope one of these will work for her.
How much activated charcoal should be added to this recipe, if someone decides to add it?…
Hi Elena,
I would add a 1/2 tsp at a time and mix in to start because a little goals a long way. You can add a bit more at a time if you like, but it is a dry ingredient as well, so it can dry the toothpaste out if you add too much and make it clumpy, rather than smooth. The activated charcoal is another whitening ingredient, so the more you use the more whitening power the toothpaste will have. Just watch out for a change in texture.
use aluminum free baking soda!!!! no one should be using regular baking soda!! heavt metals are very bad for you, they cause neurological problems and dementia and alzheimers. etc etc. also, coconut oil is great except no one should be spitting it in the sink as it will clog your sink!
No baking soda contains aluminum.
There are aluminum-free baking soda varieties you can keep an eye out for.
How many times a day am I able to brush my teeth using this recipe?
Hi Mikael,
You can use this homemade toothpaste as you would use any regular toothpaste. 2-3 times a day, or after each meal should be perfectly fine!
Where do you buy your charcoal for the toothpaste?
Hi Penny,
Most health-food stores like Whole Foods, Sprouts, and Trader Joe’s should have it in stock. Purchasing online through Amazon is a good option too. Just make sure to get activated charcoal powder and not charcoal dietary supplements. Happy brushing!
Thank you for the tip about adding the paste on your brush. Also the containers. I’m made my own recipe but your advice will be a great help. Thank you