DIY Toothpaste

Perhaps one of the best ways to remove the toxins and some single use plastics from your oral hygiene routine is to simply remove the products that contain them. The following recipe will clean your teeth just as well as commercial toothpaste, and in the long run will cost much less.

Here's what you need:

• 2/3 cup of Baking soda (less abrasive than commercial toothpaste)
• Up to 1 tbsp. Activated charcoal - optional (helps pull toxins from the mouth, and can aid in whitening teeth)
• Peppermint or Spearmint essential oil - optional (adds flavor & antibacterial qualities)
• Distilled water

Begin by combining the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Use a bowl that is large enough to mix everything thoroughly. Once the charcoal is fully dispersed, begin to slowly add water until you reach the desired consistency. I prefer to make mine a little more wet than needed, so I often have to mix the paste up before I brush. Add a few drops of essential oil, and you are good to go!

I generally keep my toothpaste in a wide-mouth mason jar. When you are ready to brush your teeth, scoop a bit from the jar and place it on the toothbrush. Do not scoop with the toothbrush - this can spread bacteria. *Activated charcoal can stain your toothbrush and things like grout. It has the potential to stain fillings too, but I haven't had this problem. I haven't had problems with it staining my sink, but I always clean it well after brushing.

If you are using charcoal, be sure to rinse your mouth after brushing!

Keeping your homemade toothpaste in a glass jar will help you to eliminate one more bit of plastic from your bathroom, win - win!!

Have you tried homemade toothpaste? Tell us how it worked for you in the comments