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I know what you’re thinking. BUT, homemade toothpaste really isn’t that complicated.
In fact, toothpaste is really a simple concept. It’s a paste – you put on a toothbrush – to clean your teeth.
Technically, toothpaste is defined as “an abrasive to help remove plaque and food from the teeth.”
Sounds rather basic, right?
For some reason, we’ve outsourced toothpaste making to the large food giants, when in reality, homemade toothpaste is not only super easy to make, it works really well, and is way more affordable than the conventional stuff. In short, I think you’ll be pleased with the homemade toothpaste recipe below.
What’s in the Homemade Toothpaste Recipe?
This homemade toothpaste recipe contains four ingredients. The main component of this toothpaste, coconut oil, serves as the base and holds all the ingredients together. Coconut oil is packed with lauric acid which has antimicrobial properties, and is shown to be antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral.1
The abrasive of this homemade toothpaste recipe, baking soda, neutralizes excess acids, and removes plaque, whitens teeth and helps to maintain healthy gums.
Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Peppermint Soap is an organic, natural, vegetable-based soap that adds some flavor and suds to this homemade toothpaste. I’ve found adding it to the recipe gives Mr. Coconuts and I the foamy texture we once experienced with conventional toothpastes, and enhances the peppermint flavor.
Peppermint oil, the flavor agent of this homemade toothpaste, gives the paste a pleasing and cool mouthfeel. While peppermint oil does have some antibacterial and antiviral properties, its main purpose is to freshen breath.
And lastly, the optional natural stevia powder is for those who like sweeter-tasting toothpaste. Personally, I leave it out because I do not care about the taste – but, it’s a good option for those who are transitioning, or who have family members who aren’t an easy sell.
Why Not Conventional Toothpaste?
Conventional toothpastes contain a whole bunch of added unnecessary ingredients, many which should not be going into your mouth.
The most unfortunate of these include sodium lauryl sulphate, a known skin irritant, triclosan, which is linked to cancer and endocrine disruption, and fluoride, which is also linked to cancer and thyroid dysfunction.[2][3][4][5] Many other common ingredients, including propylene glycol, artificial colors, and certain un-pronounceable substances are synthetic compounds that are not natural, and shouldn’t be in the human body.
Homemade Toothpaste Recipe
Ingredients
6 tbsp coconut oil
4 tbsp baking soda
1.5 tbsp Dr. Bronner’s Liquid Castile Peppermint Soap
30 drops peppermint oil
1 tsp stevia powder (optional)
Directions
Soften the coconut oil so that it is pliable. You may be able to do this by simply whipping the coconut oil with a spoon. Add the baking soda to the coconut oil, and stir well. Add the peppermint oil, Dr. Bronner’s soap, and stevia to the mixture, and “whip” with a spoon until well combined and fluffy. Put mixture into a wide mouth glass jar, like a Weck jar or a small mason jar for storage.
To use this homemade toothpaste, simply wet your toothbrush, and use a small spoon, like a 1/4 tsp measuring spoon, to place the toothpaste on your toothbrush.
Note: When making your homemade toothpaste, try NOT to melt the coconut oil so that it is completely liquid. If you do this, as it cools, all the baking soda will settle at the bottom and will require “re-whipping” as it cools.
Another Note: If you choose to leave this toothpaste in an open glass container like we do, it will get slightly dry over time. To revitalize it to its original consistency, simply add a bit of water and re-whip.
Questions & Answers
I’d LOVE to know how this homemade toothpaste recipe worked for you. Come back and let me know your experience or questions you have below!
sensiblysustainable says
This is Really similar to the toothpaste I made for my hubby and I that we used for a Long time, and it worked Great! We recently switched to the Earthpaste, really just because I got lazy and didn’t feel like making it one day, and I thought it might be fun to try something new. We have been pleased with the Earthpaste too, although I think we’ll eventually go back to the more cost-effective homemade version! I’ll have to try out your recipe when we do, thanks ๐
Beth says
I’ve been thinking of making my own toothpaste, and this looks like the perfect recipe.
Thank you!
Noelle says
It’s SO easy Beth. ๐ Let me know how it goes!
Lauren says
Hey There
Is this safe for a 1 1/2 and 3 year old – I wouldn’t put in the soap or peppermint??
Noelle says
Hi Lauren! I’d hold off on the peppermint essential oil since it’s said to be not safe for children under 30 months. However, the Dr. Bronner’s should be absolutely fine as it’s a vegetable based soap and it only includes safe ingredients. It’s definitely safer than any of the conventional toothpastes on the market! ๐ Some people use Dr. Bronner’s straight as a toothpaste, but it’s not that palatable to me. This recipe, however, tastes much better! Hope that helps!
Lauren says
Thanks so much for your reply. I just bought the baby soap by Dr. Bronner. I will pick up the peppermint one for the toothpaste! Thank you:)
Aimee says
Can I use Branch Basic’s soap in place of the Dr. Bronner’s?
Noelle says
Hi Aimee! Just checked out the ingredients, and it looks great! All plant-based, and very similar to Dr. Bronner’s in terms of their philosophy. I don’t use Branch Basic’s personally, so I can’t tell you how much to use – but I can say I would feel comfortable using it! ๐ Thanks for your comment!
VASH says
Hi,
Wont the toothpaste become liquid in summers ??
Noelle says
Hi there! At room temperature during the summer, it gets soft like regular toothpaste, but for me, it doesn’t become pure liquid. If you do live in a hot climate and keep it in a room that would be 78-79 degrees Fahrenheit regularly, it might start to melt. Hope that helps! ๐
Karleigh says
I just made your toothpaste, face wash, and toner recipes! Quick question–can I use the tooth paste in the morning and at night? I know with the face wash I only use it once at night. Thank you, and I cannot wait to try these!!
Noelle says
Hi there! You can use the toothpaste however much you’d like! ๐
Karleigh says
Hi Noelle!
Just a little testimony for you!
I began using this recipe for my toothpaste almost a month ago, and boy, have I been impressed! I had a sore tooth/gum area for about 6 months and unfortunately did not have access to a dentist during my term of service with AmeriCorps. I wanted to look for a better alternative than regular crest toothpaste. I can say that my sore tooth is almost completely healed, my teeth are whiter, and my breath is fresher. I will be using this toothpaste for the rest of my life and I encourage others to do so!
THANK YOU!
Noelle says
YAY! Love that Karleigh! Thanks for the comment – and for letting me know! ๐
Eleanor Freeborn says
Where can…Dr. Bronnerโs Liquid Castile Peppermint Soap….be purchased?
Noelle says
Right here. Also, I’ve found it at places like Whole Foods Market, Bed Bath and Beyond, and stores like TJ Maxx. ๐
kendra says
I am wondering about the safety of spitting the toothpaste down the drain. I do oil pulling and everything I have read says the oil shouldn’t go down the drain do I am concerned about causing plumbing issues. Do you have any insight? Thank you so much!
Noelle says
Hi Kendra! We personally haven’t had any troubles after the years we’ve used it – both in our bathroom, and in our kitchen. We do clean out our bathroom sink drain every 6 months or so, and always run hot water after rinsing. Get some more tips here.
Tarah @ What I Gather says
I’ve been thinking about making my own toothpaste recently and I just happened to find your recipe today. Guess it’s time I get started. Do you recommend a certain baking soda?
Noelle says
I typically purchase a large bag of Arm and Hammer pure baking soda. I use it for cleaning, laundry, etc. ๐
deborah says
I go ahead and splurge on the bob’s red mill when I’m using it as toothpaste or taking it internally
elly says
Hi there! I live in Thailand where there is no Dr Bronner’s. What can I replace it with in terms of natural ingrediants or a simliam type product for that sudsy effect?
Noelle says
Wish I could help – but I don’t know what products are available in Thailand! So sorry!
Jenelle says
Hi. Can you order the Dr Bonners online?
Noelle says
Yep! Linked to it above! ๐
Daniela says
I have amended the recipe a little bit, as I find the taste of baking soda too salty. I’ve used 4tbls of coconut oil and 2tbls of soda, I didn’t have peppermint oil so used eucalyptus oil instead, and for another flavour 1tbls of ground cinnamon. Works a treat as well ๐
Noelle says
Love those ideas! Thanks for sharing!
Cohen Jacobson says
Wow! I’m really surprised to see that coconut oil is really effective and I had no idea! I’m really excited to try this recipe out. I’ve never made my own home made tooth paste before. This will be a great way to cut back on costs and hopefully cut back on visits to the dentist. Thanks for the great post!
Noelle says
You are so welcome!
Christi says
I plan to try this recipe. Thanks a bunch for sharing. I did want to suggest that you try using xylitol as a sweetener instead of stevia. Many special dental care products have started using this because of its ability to inhibit bacterial growth. Also, my dental hygienist and dentist speak highly of it. Of course, I wouldn’t know how much to use, so I will have to experiment, but just a thought. Do you know anything about this? Here is one of the articles that I read. http://www.epicdental.com/v-288-how-xylitol-protects-your-teeth
Noelle says
Hi Christi! I have heard about it, but – I personally don’t find it necessary. Coconut oil is antimicrobial and with the baking soda, I find it to be sufficient. If you try it, I would recommend just adding a pinch, and then testing out the toothpaste. You can always add more if you feel like you’d like a slightly sweeter taste! ๐
Georgina says
I make my own toothpaste with coconut oil, also with baking soda, cinnamon, Himalayan salt, clove oil, activated charcoal and bentonite. My Dentist approves. He says the salt is great for stimulating saliva and enzymes. Does the peppermint oil have to be the edible kind? Is Dr Bronners soap really ok for oral use? Also I read that adding xylitol is good for reducing cavities.
Noelle says
Hi Georgina! Sounds like a great recipe! The peppermint oil should be peppermint essential oil. I link to the exact one I recommend all throughout the post. Also, Dr. Bronner’s is absolutely fine. It’s a vegetable-based soap, and is just saponified coconut-hemp-olive oils. So, it’s great for face and body use, and they recommend using it straight as toothpaste. Adding this in give the toothpaste a fluffier texture, and it suds. I would have to say, I would love it if people had the same skepticism about all the ingredients in conventional toothpastes, like the sudding agent Sodium lauryl sulfate. Thanks for your questions! ๐
Georgina says
I’m in the UK so sometimes hard to get the same products. I have a different brand peppermint essential oil which should be ok, and can get hold of the Dr Bronners, thank you so much.
Noelle says
You are so welcome!
Azzie says
Hi! I was looking for a homemade toothpaste recipe and found this and i think its greatยฑ Although i have a question – I am finding a really weird and unpleasant taste from it which i think is the castille soap…is there something i can do to make this better…?! i want to switch to it for good but the bad taste is making it hard! I didnt add stevia perhaps this is why…or perhaps is is the castille soup necessary?
Thanks!
Noelle says
The soap is NOT necessary… however, I find it gives the toothpaste a very nice “sudsy” texture. So, you can leave it out! I find that totally odd, though. Are you using just a tbsp, and is it the Dr. Bronner’s peppermint flavor? Hope that helps!
Ashley Breanna says
Just whipped this up to try! So excited.
Ashley Breanna says
Ok, I just want to provide an update.
So, I had a dentist appt 8 months ago. Things were fine.
I began using this toothpaste about 3 months ago. Things felt great. My teeth had never felt so clean, never looked so white! I loved loved loved using this.
Well, today, I had another dentist appt. I went in there, not telling them about my new toothpaste, just to see how my teeth were doing. The dentist immediately looked at my xrays & says “Okay, there’s a cavity… there’s something there, & there, & there…” Turns out, I had a cavity & several other spots that could, potentially, be cavities.
I was devastated. I really was so pumped to have a natural toothpaste, that seemed to be doing such a wonderful job. I still will use the coconut toothpaste, but it will be before my regular toothpaste, just to keep the whitening factor.
Hope this works for others, but make sure to check in with your dentist after a bit.
Noelle says
Hi Ashley! So sorry to hear about your experience. I do have to say, cavities are not caused by switching to a natural toothpaste. A toothpaste is simply an abrasive, and using a toothpaste that uses baking soda or clay as the abrasive is just as effective as something a company would make in a factory. Furthermore, 3 months of stopping brushing your teeth altogether would not result in multiple cavities. I hope this helps, and gives you some encouragement. I would highly recommend looking into more about the root of why cavities form (mineral deficiencies, and MOST importantly, deficiencies in fat soluble vitamins, like vitamin K2 and Vitamin D which help the absorption of calcium.) The work of Weston A Price, who was a dentist in the 1930s, has some amazing literature about teeth and tooth health. He traveled the world and looked at indigenous cultures, and found that they had beautiful, healthy teeth that were straight and strong. This wasn’t due to brushing, or seeing a dentistโbecause they did neither. It was due to the high amount of fat soluble vitamins in their diet, which tend to be deficient in modern cultures. Hope that helps!
Elisabeth says
Hi,
Just wondering if it would be ok to sub Dr Bronners Castille peppermint soap with Dr Bronners plain castille soap? And thanks for all your great ideas i cannot wait to try this toothpaste ๐
Elisabeth
Noelle says
Absolutely! It will just have a less pepperminty flavor.
Tanja says
Hi,
What else can be taken than Dr. Bronnerโs Liquid Castile Peppermint Soap, as I am not living in the USA, but Germany ?
Is there also another ingredient instead of baking soda ?
Thank you for info.
Noelle says
Hi there! You can leave out the soap altogether. The Dr. Bronner’s simply gives it a “suds” feel and more pepperminty taste. As for baking soda, no. You’ll need to use it as the abrasive.
Tanja Brill says
Hi there,
so bentonit as an abrasive would not work ? As I have heard that baking soda hurts/damages the teeth in the long run…
I know, that you are not a dentist, but maybe you have some experience: I have several amalgam fillings which have, after 13 years, cracks and would need to be replaced. Would baking soda not damage the cracked fillings even more ? …and a root canal which I do absolutely not want to do. I have no idea what to do. Maybe you know someone with a better solution (and I don’t mean extraction – which I also will not do). HELP and thank you
Noelle says
Hi Tanja! Fillings are not my specialty and I can’t provide any insight on that. I can tell you baking soda is very low on the abrasion scale, which it why it is used in this recipe. I am sure there are lots of other recipes you can find with a google search if you want to use clay. Good luck!
Debra says
Hi, my kids loves to eat their toothpaste so this is an excellent idea but I live in the tropical so coconut oil is at its melted form. Do you have any other suggestions?
Noelle says
I don’t. I’m sorry. ๐
deborah narron says
What kind of mouth wash do you recommend after oil Pulling before or after brushing your teeth? Thanks Deborah.
Noelle says
Hi Deborah! I don’t have a specific mouth wash that I recommend as me and my family personally don’t use it.
Rocky says
I did it!!! I made it and it’s very good. I used cinnamon oil since that is what I had on hand and Dr. Bronners baby unscented soap. My husband likes it too. I will never (hopefully) buy another tube of toothpaste. I will order some peppermint and spearmint and try those too. Thank you ๐
Noelle says
Sounds awesome!! ๐
Renee says
Does the castile soap will make bubble when we brush? Is it safe for children to use if they swallow accidentally? Thank you.
Noelle says
The soap gives the toothpaste a sudsy feel, but no bubbles. I probably wouldn’t use it with kiddos who swallow.
Sky says
Hey! I read your recipe and it sounds really good. However, would it be enough if I only combine the coconut oil and the baking soda together? It’s quite difficult in my area to find the other ingredients.
Noelle says
You could do that! It will affect the taste/texture. But if you do that and like it then I don’t see a problem with it.
Sky says
Thanks for your reply! I will be sure to try it out and let you know as well. Is there other thing to replace the peppermint oil? I would still like to have the fresh breath but peppermint oil might to hard to come by. Thank you!
michael castellano says
Hello do you have a video on how to do this?
Thanks!
-Mike
michael castellano says
Last two questions please, is it ok to use the Stevia Powder that is green? Because its pure Stevia.
Last question, besides Xylitol, or any other type of sugar, can you please tell me a natural ingredient I can put in this, that puts more enamel on your teeth?
Thanks! ๐
-Mike
Noelle Tarr, NTP, CPT says
Hi Michael! I don’t have a video, but it’s pretty easy to whip up! I recommend following the recipe as instructed. I don’t have any other recommendations besides Xylitol for this recipe.