Simple Little Moments

Ever since I got my braces taken off in grade 6, I’ve loved having nice teeth. I’ve used my fair share of Crest Whitestrips to help keep my teeth white, and switched to an electric toothbrush many years ago. However, since becoming a mom, I’ve slowly taken on a more natural approach in pretty much every area of my life; beauty products, cooking, and cleaning products. So… naturally (no pun intended) that led me to look deeper into what exactly was in my toothpaste, and could I just make it myself?

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why make your own toothpaste?

You might be wondering: why bother making your own toothpaste? Well, there are several reasons I wanted to delve into making it myself:

1. ingredient transparency: you know exactly what is in your toothpaste and don’t have to worry if you accidentally swallow it.
2. cheaper: some (if not all) of these ingredients you might already have.
3. feel empowered: making your own natural products at home is incredibly empowering; you are in full control, and it feels great knowing how to make things from scratch!
4. it really works: not only does this toothpaste work, but I actually like it better than conventional toothpaste. It leaves my mouth feeling really clean, and both myself and my husband legit never have bad breath. You know how sometimes when you wake up your breath is stinky? Well, not anymore!

ingredients in toothpaste from the store

Now.. some of these ingredients are probably no big deal if used as directed, but that could also mean that they aren’t the best for you. Some of these ingredients are controversial (like fluoride) and I’m no scientist, so I’m only going off what I think I know and what I feel right about.

If you’re trying to look a little closer at the ingredient label on your toothpaste, look at these ingredients:

Fluoride: Fluoride is one of the most debated ingredients. It’s used because it helps prevent cavities, but some people prefer to avoid it due to concerns about overexposure. In large amounts, it can lead to dental fluorosis, which affects the appearance of tooth enamel, and there are studies showing it can lower your IQ. Since we have fluoride in our drinking water where I live, my husband and I feel good about avoiding this ingredient when possible.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS): SLS makes toothpaste foam and doesn’t do anything to help clean your teeth. Some people find it irritates their mouth.

Triclosan: Triclosan was once added for its antibacterial properties, but it has been phased out of many products due to concerns about hormone disruption and environmental impact. It’s much less common now, but could still be present in some store-bought toothpastes.

Artificial Sweeteners (like Aspartame or Saccharin): These are added to improve taste, and are not necessary for effective oral care. Aspartame and/or saccharin are potential cancer links (aspartame), neurological symptoms (headaches), metabolic syndrome, weight gain, and disruptions to the gut microbiota. Like, come on!

Artificial Colors & Dyes: Can be irritating or allergenic for some individuals. These are just for show and provide no oral benefits.

Glycerin: Glycerin is used to keep toothpaste smooth and prevent it from drying out. Some natural health advocates believe it may coat the teeth and interfere with remineralization, though scientific evidence on this is limited.

Propylene Glycol: This ingredient helps maintain moisture and texture, but it’s also used in industrial products. Can cause irritation for some people with sensitive skin or mouths.

Titanium Dioxide: Used to make toothpaste bright white, this ingredient has raised concerns due to its classification as a possible carcinogen when inhaled in powder form. Its safety in toothpaste (which isn’t inhaled) is still debated, but many natural brands choose to avoid it.

the problem with conventional toothpaste

Since we talked a little bit about the ingredients in many store-bought toothpastes, it feels easy to conclude that toothpastes often contain unnecessary ingredients and additives. There seems to be a strong focus on the cosmetic quality of toothpaste, instead of a purely oral health standpoint. Toothpastes are made and sold to have longer shelf lives and with that, comes a lot of extra stuff.

And we can’t skip over the fluoride issue. Fluoride is an ingredient that is highly controversial; some experts are very against it, and others promote it. The way I see it, we already have fluoride added to our drinking water (in Canada) and we get fluoride via natural sources such as salt and milk. If there are potential issues with overexposure, then it feels best to avoid it in toothpaste, especially if it could be replaced by a healthier option.

Check out these water fluoridation stats, courtesy of Google:

Key Locations Without Water Fluoridation

• Western Europe: Over 90% of the UK and most of Europe (Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Scotland, Sweden, Switzerland) do not add fluoride to water.
• Previous Fluoridators that Stopped: Germany, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, and several others discontinued the practice between the 1970s and 1990s.
• United States/North America: While fluoridation is common, Utah became the first US state to pass a ban in early 2025. Some cities like Calgary, Canada, stopped in 2011.
• Other: Many other countries, including Japan, do not practice water fluoridation.

Reasons for Not Fluoridating

• Ethical Concerns: Regarded by some as “mass medication” without informed consent.
• Alternatives: High availability of fluoride via salt, milk, or toothpaste.
• Health Concerns: Concerns over side effects, such as dental fluorosis, leading some European, Canadian, and US cities to drop the practice

is homemade toothpaste effective?

Yup! It sure is.

I’ve always prided myself in having good oral health (I do need to floss more) and was genuinely shocked at how much I love my homemade toothpaste. The consistency may take a little getting used to, but it really works. And I think it works better than conventional toothpaste, too. My husband and I both never seem to have bad breath anymore; not even in the morning or after drinking a bunch of coffee. My mouth just feels healthier and cleaner.

ingredients you’ll need

1. Coconut Oil: provides antimicrobial properties & helps to remove plaque
2. Baking Soda: a low abrasion option for whitening teeth, removing stains and reducing plaque
3. Peppermint Oil (100% pure): has antimicrobial properties as well, and helps to freshen breath
4. Xylitol (optional): helps to prevent tooth decay & protects enamel

instructions

1. Prepare coconut oil: Soften your coconut oil so it is easy to mix. I warmed mine in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
2. Mix: Combine softened coconut oil and baking soda in a small bowl or jar, using a wooden spoon to mix.
3. Add Flavor: Add peppermint essential oil and xylitol, if using.
4. Storage: Keep in a sealed glass jar at room temperature.
5. Application: Use a clean spoon, spatula, or scoop to put the paste on the toothbrush. 

How to Use & Store Your Toothpaste

• Store in a cool, dry place. I keep mine in a glass jar with a lid.
• TIP: Avoid getting moisture / water into your toothpaste, as this will decrease the shelf life and could make your toothpaste develop mold.
• TIP: Use a small spoon or similar to get the toothpaste out and onto your brush.
• TIP: Rinse your mouth/sink with warm water. I find this helps with the coconut oil so it doesn’t build up in your sink.

Final Thoughts

Now that I’ve been using homemade toothpaste for the better part of a year, I truly can’t imagine going back to conventional/store bought toothpaste. Although you may find that the taste or consistency takes getting used to, I think you’ll enjoy this homemade toothpaste made with coconut oil.

If you try this recipe, please leave a comment letting me know how you like it! What is your reason for choosing to make homemade toothpaste??