I have been on a coconut oil kick for awhile now and am constantly trying out new recipes. Recently, I have come across a lot of info about toothpaste ingredients and the issues they can actually cause rather than prevent— and it startled me.
Two ingredients that have some pretty bad wrap are:
1. Glycerin: It gives toothpaste a nice creamy texture and coats the teeth for “protection”, but at the same time it also stops re-enamalization (so cavities can’t self-heal.)
2. Sodium flouride: A by-product of aluminum manufacturing that can also be 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 my own. And yes— I threw in some wonderful coconut oil.
I am thrilled to have found a replacement that I actually enjoy using and 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). I’ve made a batch with grapefruit oil and it has a citrus-tang to it, which was refreshing for the summer. Now I am using eucalyptus oil and I love the minty taste.
Homemade Toothpaste with Coconut Oil
Clean those pearly whites with this yummy and healthy coconut oil toothpaste. Recipe originally from the fabulous Crunchy Betty.
ingredients
6 tbsp coconut oil
6 tbsp baking soda
25 drops essential oil (whatever you prefer— I’ve used eucalyptus and grapefruit)
1 tsp stevia (or more if you like it sweeter)
directions
1. Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. I used my SmartStick to whip it really well and give it a light creamy texture.
2. Pour into a mason jar and seal it up until ready to use.
Getting it out of the mason jar can be an adjustment. Some days I get a little sophisticated and use a popsicle stick to dip into the toothpaste and spread nicely onto the toothbrush. But truth be told, most days I just dunk the toothbrush right into the jar and call it good. I have also used a hair dye bottle (with the pointed tip) and that works pretty good.
More uses for Coconut Oil:
I use coconut oil on my face, for baking muffins, deep conditioning treatments, and so much more. Not sure where to buy it? I have a few places I recommend based on budget, level of interest and my own personal experience. You can read all about it here.
I absolutely LOVE coconut oil. I use it for baking, cooking, in my hair and on my skin but I have not once considered using it for toothpaste. Why the heck not!?!? Wow, I will definitely have to give this a try once I run out of my current stuff!
Hello fellow coconut oil lover! You should def give this toothpaste a shot. I also make deodorant with coconut oil and it’s incredible. I can’t say enough good things about it (and coconut oil in general, haha!). Here’s the link if you want to give that a shot (and I think you are gonna love it): http://familysponge.com/green-living/homemade-deodorant-with-coconut-oil/
PS: That coconut rice pudding on your blog sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it. Thanks for a healthy and yummy dessert idea!
Don’t we need Fluoride for fighting cavities?
Hi Cathy, actually Fluoride is the stuff that kills you.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=504823502908133&set=a.434569209933563.103142.432632306793920&type=1&ref=nf
For more info and google it If you want to know more
Cathy,
I am a Dental Hygiene student and we studied this particular subject a few months ago. Fluoride is very important in the remineraliation process of our teeth with out it your enamel can break down and that can cause other issues like cavities. So YES flouride helps fight cavities and is one of the most important additives in tooth paste that this recipe is missing. I wouldn’t believe just anything that is put on the internet about tooth paste additives unless it is ADA(American Dental Association) approved. Take care of your teeth it is directly related to your overall health!!
i love that you have so many ideas of what to do with coconut. I plan to try each and every one of them!!! Thanks!
Thanks Britney! I hope you enjoy the coconut oil journey as much as I have. I am a little in shock at how much fun it has been and how awesome coconut oil is on everything. I’ve used it twice now on creaking doors, haha! I really don’t think you can lose with coconut oil.
Love this idea, but I would not dip the brush in. Mouths are really, really disgusting and full of bacteria…squeeze bottles all the way!
You are probably right Corrin— a squeeze bottle would be the best. I should take pics of the one I have used .. and I guess should start using again.
I’ve been on this for 3 weeks – cut the bottom off a plastic toothpaste tube and loaded it with the home made. Teeth never felt better, and dentist says gums and teeth better than before by v sceptical about the coconut+baking soda paste. But I have done nothing else. Only wish I had bothered to find out 15 – 20 years ago, as gums were better then. Thanks to all who have helped, for the first time in my life I feel in charge of my teeth.
Antibacterial properties of coconut would likely kill off anything you introduce into the jar. I think you’d be ok IMO.
Is the essential oil and stevia necessary? I only ask because I have everything but.
The essential oil and Stevia are only for taste
THANK YOU!!! I am doing this for my family!!! oh, definitely using squeeze bottles!
P.S. what is stevia??
Stevia is a natural sweetener that comes from the sweet leaves of certain herbs and shrubs. It’s a great substitue for refined sugar— I use it in my plain yogurt with some blueberries and in oatmeal to add some sweetness without the calories. It’s WAY better for you than Splenda and those artificial sweeteners because there are no chemicals in it– it’s natural.
Squeeze bottle are the winner
So I should be able to find this in the natural food store? Thanks.
stevia is a plant whose extract is used as a sweetener. You can google the word and find out more.
Hi Shelley— they aren’t necessary. It just helps with the flavor. Yet I’ve made toothpaste without them and it is just as effective. I would totally go for it and see what you think. If it’s too salty, pick up some stevia at the store. Good luck!
I just finished using my first batch of coconut toothpaste using this recipe, I made one cupful so its been a few months. This is the only toothpaste I will ever use, period. Remember a toothpaste called “Pearl Drops”? It’s like that, leaves the teeth super smooth and knowing how the anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal properties are working in the mouth is very reassuring.
This recipe looks great!!! One idea that might add even more benefits to this is using xylitol in place of the stevia. Xylitol has a lot of dental benefits. Can’t wait to try it!!! Thank you for so many great coconut oil ideas!!!
Ditto to the xylitol! It is amazing for restoring the health of our teeth! I added 1 tsp to this recipe and love it!
Do you think this would work well with really sensitive teeth? If anyone has any input to share it would be greatly appreciated! I would love to try this, but scared it may be just a waste. Thanks
Baking soda, make sure its aluminum-free food grade stuff. Coconut and tea tree oil would be a good combo too
I have been using regular baking soda & coconut oil for a natural toothpaste in our home, I tried it on my toddler (who really didn’t appreciate it) and I tried it for myself the other day, which I can see why she opposed it. It had a weird bitter taste to it. So I decided to tweak it up a bit, I have Xylitol and I have grapefruit essential oil but I’m wondering if it will be safe for my toddler if I add the rest of the ingredients?
I just made my first batch. I think I goofed. I used baking soda, stevia, coconut oil, and peppermint extract. It left a very weird aftertaste that I’m still having trouble getting out of my mouth. It should be peppermint essential oil not extract I’m guessing, right?
After mixing it and sealing it, how long until you can use it?
Can u use food flavoring (ie. Cinnamon, vanilla) instead of essential oil? I don’t have the oils??
I wouldn’t use food flavoring for this, Elizabeth. It would dilute the consistency and probably taste bad. Essential oils are concentrated oils and they work really well for toothpaste. I would wait and get the oils
I like the idea of cinnamon flavor— I think that might just be my next batch of toothpaste (Peppermint Cinnamon). Thanks!
I just made my first batch. I think I goofed. I used baking soda, stevia, coconut oil, and peppermint extract. It left a very weird aftertaste that I’m still having trouble getting out of my mouth. It should be peppermint essential oil not extract I’m guessing, right?
Peppermint essential oil would be the ticket— what a bummer.
Just wondering if anyone has noticed any drain-clogging issues using the coconut oil? I use a baking soda/salt combo, but have been hesitant to add the oil due to the drain issue.
I haven’t had this issue Jen. I don’t know if it has anything to do with the fact that I brush my teeth first and then wash my face— maybe the hot water from washing my face helps flush the coconut oil from the pipes?
What about a little honey instead of powdered sweetener?
I use raw, organic, local honey in mine. I love the way just a little honey offsets the baking soda…Honey does have antibacterial and healing qualities, which is why I chose to use it….so far, so good…
I have been wanting to make some homemade toothpaste for a while now but the thing that always keeps me from doing it is the essential oil. I don’t know much about them but I have heard that you’re not really supposed to use them on younger children? I have a 3 year old boy that would be using the toothpaste with me. Would it be bad for him to have the essential oil like that? Would it still work properly if I left it out?
Also where would I look for stevia and/or xylitol?
Hi Katelin. The essential oil and stevia are to give the toothpaste some yummy flavor. Without them, it will be very salty. Yet it won’t mess up the effectiveness of it— the powerhouse ingredients are baking soda and coconut oil. So go for it! If you can get your 3 year old to use this without essential oils and stevia— you are amazing!
PS: you can get these natural sweetners at Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods and some grocery stores (look in the all-natural section of the baking aisle).
Thank you! I think I will try this ~
Can you just do it without the essential oils and stevia?
Yes Rosie— you can do it without these ingredients. It just won’t be as tasty in your mouth.
Hi
Can I substitute the coconut oil with olive oil or sunflower oil?
Btw, thanks a lot for sharing as the ingredients are the easiest things to find in my regions! Keep up the good work
Hi Nani. I wouldn’t recommend using any other oil than coconut oil— sorry. The texture, antibacterial properties and the fact that it can turn into a solid state easily are all part of the reasons why coconut oil works so well in toothpaste. Hope you can find some!
*region
Hello! What type of coconut oil are you buying?
I buy the unrefined organic coconut oil from Mountain Rose Herbs— you can get it by the gallon and it’s really nice quality. I use it for baking, facial moisturizer, toothpaste, etc. It works for it all! —Jen
I tried a version of this w/ xylitol but it turns yellow after a few days–any tips?
Hi Julian. I didn’t have the problem, so I’m not sure. Did you use essential oils? Maybe that was tinting it yellow? Did you keep the lid on the toothpaste in between uses? Wish I could tell you the solution, but I really don’t know.
Thank you for recipe. My so called natural fluoride free toothpaste also contains: 1) Sodium lauryl sulfate which is a surfactant detergent and emulsifier and 2) carrageenan which is an inflammatory agent tied to serious intestinal disease and is even categorized as a “possible carcinogen.” See http://www.mercola.com/.
Hi!
Thank you for the recipe! I just made it and I added in a little bit of clove essential oil and it turned out great. I didn’t even need to use the hand blender for it-it stirred up just fine with a fork. I also left out the sweetener.
I got a squeeze bottle for shampoo (3oz size) and poured it in there for easy dispensing. Then I put the leftovers in a canning jar.
Thank you again!
Hi! I am super interested in trying out this recipe!! I just had some dental work and look forward to improving my oral health naturally
I have a question regarding the essential oil. I cannot find any (organic or otherwise) grapefruit (or grapefruit seed) essential oil that says anything other than “not for internal use”. Is that normal for an EO to say on the label? Please enlighten me!
Hey Dina. Most essential oils have this warning on them— mine from Mountain Rose Herbs do as well. So yes, completely normal. There is one reputable company I know about that makes essentials oils that are okay for dietary use— it’s called DoTerra and I have been meaning to try them out.
If you have a good quality essnetial oil that says “not for internal use,” you should honestly still be okay. You are not actually ingesting them when using it as toothpaste. It’s actually quite similar to toothpastes that have flouride in them— they warn you not to swallow or ingest them. Yet I would much rather be brushing with grapefruit oils rather than flouride.
What is the expiration of this?
I honestly don’t know My. My batch lasts about 3 months and keeps the same flavor and consistency throughout so I would think it’s good. If you are concerned— maybe keep in fridge?
If there is no fluoride ion, i would recommend using xylitol. Nonsugar sweetener derived from birtch bark. Natural antimicrobial, kills S. Mutans (the cavity maker.) Im a dental hygienist, love baking soda, its very healing for the mouth. H2O2 (peroxide) mixed with baking soda cures mouth sores and bacterial over growth. Im learning more about coconut oil and its uses.
Thanks Rachel for sharing about xylitol! I rinse with hydrogen peroxide and definitely can feel the difference if I skip a day.
Thanks for this tip, i’m def trying it cos coconut oil has given a some health benefit and i don’t see why it will stop. My question: i can only get baking powder here, is it the same as baking soda? can i use baking powder instead of baking soda?
Hey Yetti— Unfortunately it isn’t the same thing. Sorry— I would google this and find a way to get it. I use baking soda for SO much stuff— might be worth hunting down.
hey.. awesome receipe.. just tried it..
however, i really have issues with caries.. sadly have been so since childhood.. so i was wondering whether you’ve come across some chewing gum option as well.. i mean there’s no way i can brush my teeth after each meal and this way i’d be out of danger.. also, i use oil pulling for the time being instead of mouthwash.. any thoughts on that?
cheers and keep up the inspiration harvesting
I was looking for a toothpaste without sugar. My teeth are so sensitive to sugar, this recipe sounds good. Oh I use coconut oil to condition my hair it is amazing. You can get a good deal for it on vitacost.com this website has a lot of great deals on hard to find ingredients and vitamins etc
I cannot comment as to whether or not the part 1 about glycerine is fictions or not, I can however state that the 2nd “scary thing” is not so scary at all. The sodium fluoride is completely safe and is most certainly not a piisonous substance, unless consumed in excessive quanities, more than the 0.05% found in your average toothpaste. Further, the fluoride promotes healthy teeth, protecting the enamel, and protecting against cavities, as for sodium, it’s salt! Your body even requires sodium to function as it acts as an electrolyte in your body.
To close, I am not putting down homemade toothpaste I think it is a great idea and plan on trying it, but I’d also like to educate the people reading this that sodium fluoride is not rat poison and cOmmercually available toothpaste is completely safe to use.
Fluoride is also added into our water – so brushing your teeth twice a day and drinking 8 glasses/2 litres of water per day every day of your life is still giving you a LOT of fluoride in your system.
Hi ChemStudent! I just want to argue with you a little and see what kinds of rebuttals you have- first, I think added flouride in the diet could be a problem for people who may have trouble clearing it out (as it could accumulate over time), not everybody but there are such conditions. Secondly, doesnt a complete diet furnish all the flouride and minerals so that our teeth could heal and stay protected, mister science man?! Our bones regenerate, and our teeth don’t??? And in the rat poison; is the NaFl the active ingredient or what role does it play?? Pause… I dont even think flouride is needful in our diet, i could be wrong… ima go look it up. Peace!!!
Love this recipe! But I made my first batch, and it’s solid. I know coconut oil has a melting point just above room temperature, could that be why? It seems like everyone is getting a more paste-like result.
Def could be why Sara. Maybe try leaving it somewhere warmer (by the shower… or the oven?!) and see if it melts it and thins it out for you.
Hi, I have the opposite problem of Sara….Mine is very runny and I followed the recipe. How do you get it to be more like paste?
Hey Katie— are you in a warmer climate? That makes such a diff with coconut oil. I would add more baking soda to thicken it up.
I am in the south, but I think I figured it out. One other question, I can tolerate the strong baking soda, salty taste but my husband is struggling with it and I haven’t even attempted to try it on my kids yet. If I lessen the amount of baking soda, how much? I don’t want to take away any benefits that the baking soda offers.
Thanks so much for your reply.
Hey Katie. Have you added the stevia to it? That helped us a lot with the strong salt taste.
Do you think that the lime from doTERRA http://www.mynaturalmarket.com/doTERRA.html would be good in this toothpaste?
That all depends on your personal taste preference Kate, since the essential oil is mainly to give it some flavor.
I LOVE coconut oil for my face and body or to cook and bake with. But lately I’ve been using my son’s Baby Orajel toothpaste, as it’s supposed to be as natural as breast milk. Any thoughts?
I want to try this but am having a hard time wrapping my brain around putting OIL of any kind in my mouth and thinking it will rinse clean. ?
i just tried it, and it is a little oily, but i just rinsed good with water and it was fine
I live in a tropical country and make body butter, hair dress etc with coconut oil. To prevent the cream from melting I bought small earthenware containers. 100% whipped coconut butter stays creamy, it doesn’t melt. So I guess it will work for the toothpaste as well. I will definitely try this, since I have a lot of coconut trees in my yard,
xylitol is probably a better substitute to stevia. I believe I’ve read that it’s bacteriocidal. the bacteria in your mouth mistake it for sugar,eat it, and die from starvation because they cannot process it.
have coconut oil (from Trader Joes, am almost done with my 3rd jar)) and baking soda…the only essential oil I have is patchouli………nearest health food store is 45 minutes away. Do I half the recipe and use a few drops of patchouli oil? How adventurous do I feel?? lol
I’ve always heard that you should not use baking soda on your teeth, that it scratches the enamel and not good for your teeth? I hope that isn’t true because I am loving coconut oil and would like to make a natural toothpaste.
Can you please address this concern. Thanks!
Sorry I’m posting this again, but I forgot to click the notify me of follow-up comments by email.
I already make my own deodorant with Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, Arrowroot and ess oil. I make it for a lot of my family. However, I have noticed that the coconut oil is fairly hard in the jar, which isn’t a problem really. My problem is how can I put the toothpaste in a squeeze tube if it gets as hard as the deodorant? Having to warm it every time I use it would be a nuisance. Is there something that can mix with coconut oil to make it softer?
*repeat* I already make my own deodorant with Coconut Oil, Baking Soda, Arrowroot and ess oil. I make it for a lot of my family. However, I have noticed that the coconut oil is fairly hard in the jar, which isn’t a problem really. My problem is how can I put the toothpaste in a squeeze tube if it gets as hard as the deodorant? Having to warm it every time I use it would be a nuisance. Is there something that can mix with coconut oil to make it softer?
This sounds wonderful. I’ve heard of baking soda for whitening teeth. Has anyone noticed this who uses this recipe? We grow our own stevia in the garden so this is another exciting use for it. I am a doTerra distributor if you want a source to order from and yes it can be taken internally. I might try my Lemon or the Wild Orange or Clove essential oil for this!!
Not sure if my website can be mentioned on your blog or not? You can contact me privately.
Thanks for great recipe,
Jodi