How To Make DIY Toothpaste: 2 Easy Recipes

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Making homemade toothpaste was the very first DIY I ever tried making. Back then, I used a simple DIY toothpaste recipe made with coconut oil, that’s a super easy & common one.

However, I wasn’t a big fan of how the coconut oil melts, and I decided to try to make one without it. After some trial and error, I found the perfect combination!

Keep reading to find two recipes (one with coconut oil and one without) for the perfect blend of minty, fresh DIY toothpaste, plus additional tips. 

Benefits of DIY Toothpaste:

Reduced plastic waste

Traditional toothpaste comes in plastic tubes, which contribute to lots of plastic waste. DIY toothpaste requires a couple of ingredients that you can either purchase in bulk or plastic-free packaging. Even if you can’t find an ingredient plastic-free, you can make a couple of batches with that ingredient, and will still reduce the overall waste. 

Customizable 

DIY toothpaste offers the flexibility to tailor the ingredients to your specific preferences and oral health needs. You can choose natural additives or specific essential oils based on what works best for you. 

Oral health benefits 

Depending on the ingredients used, the DIY toothpaste can provide oral health benefits such as antibacterial properties (from essential oils), remineralization (from calcium carbonate), and neutralization of acids (from baking soda). 

Ingredients for the DIY Toothpaste:

Calcium carbonate

Calcium carbonate is a mild abrasive, that helps remove plaque and stains from the teeth. It is essential for maintaining oral hygiene and keeping the teeth clean. 

Pros:

• Rich source of calcium, which supports enamel health and strength. 
• Can help remineralize teeth and potentially reduce the risk of cavities.

Cons:

• May have a slightly gritty texture or chalky flavor to some people.  

Baking soda

Baking soda is a mild abrasive that also helps to remove plaque and stains from teeth. It neutralizes acids in the mouth, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease. 

Pros: 

• Acts as a natural teeth whitener, helping to remove surface stains
• Creates an alkaline environment in the mouth, which can reduce harmful bacteria

Con: 

• Can be too abrasive especially if used in excessive amounts

Xylitol

Xylitol is a sweetener that helps to mask the taste of other ingredients and make brushing more enjoyable.

Pros: 

• Reduces harmful bacteria in the mouth, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease
• Promotes saliva production, which helps neutralize acids and remineralize teeth

Cons: 

• Toxic to pets, so it should be kept out of reach

Aloe vera  

Aloe vera gel has natural soothing and antibacterial properties, which can be beneficial for oral health.

Pros:

• Provides soothing and anti-inflammatory properties for oral tissues
• Contains natural compounds that may help fight harmful bacteria

Cons:

• It is important to use a reputable source to ensure that the gel is free from contaminants or additives that may be harmful

Aloe vera alternative: You will need a liquid ingredient to make a paste. Aloe vera is a great option, but in case you can’t find it, you can also use vegetable glycerin or water. I tried this recipe using all three options, and my favorite is aloe vera gel, but the other worked well, too. The only negative aspects of those two alternatives are:

• Water – It will have a shorter life. You must use the toothpaste within ~ 2 weeks. 
• Glycerin – While it is safe for use, it is believed that it forms a thin layer on the surface of enamel which may prevent the process of demineralization. 

Essential oils 

Essential oils add flavor and freshness to the toothpaste. Good essential oil options for DIY toothpaste include: 

• Tea tree oil
• Peppermint or spearmint essential oil
• Thyme oil
• Clove oil

Pros:

• Provides a pleasant taste, enhancing the user experience
• Natural antibacterial properties can contribute to oral hygiene

Cons:

• Some people may be sensitive or allergic to essential oils

How to make DIY toothpaste: 2 Recipes

1) Minty DIY Toothpaste (Without Coconut Oil)

Ingredients:

• 50g calcium carbonate
• 30g baking soda
• 30g xylitol
• 10ml (1 tbsp) aloe vera gel/vegetable glycerin/filtered water
• 8-10 drops of essential oil (this time I used spearmint) 

Instructions:

1. Combine baking soda, xylitol, and calcium carbonate powder in a bowl. Mix well. 

2. Then, add slowly the aloe vera gel (or glycerin or water). Stir until it forms a thick paste. Be careful to not make the consistency too runny. 

3. Add your preferred essential oil to the mixture (I tried with tea tree, spearmint, and cinnamon essential oil and all worked great). 

4. Then, transfer to a small clean jar or any airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life. 

2) 3-Ingredient Zero Waste Toothpaste  

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp baking soda
• 2 tsp coconut oil
• 1 tbsp xylitol
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil 

Instructions:

In a small jar, add equal amounts of baking soda and melted coconut oil, plus 1 tbsp of xylitol. Add the peppermint essential oil and mix. Place the jar in the fridge for 30 minutes. Then, store in a cool, dry place.

I still prefer the 1st option, because I couldn’t get used to how the coconut oil melts, but I know many people don’t mind it.

Plus, coconut oil has lots of benefits for oral health; it fights against cavity-causing bacteria, reduces bad breath, and may also help with gingivitis (inflammation of the gums).

Both recipes will have a different experience than using regular toothpaste. It won’t be foamy, and you may need a short adaptation period to get used to the DIY toothpaste. 

Usage and application

To use the DIY toothpaste, follow these steps: 

1. Wet your toothbrush. 
2. Use a small spoon to scoop a bit of the paste.
3. Brush your teeth like normal.
4. Rinse off your toothbrush & mouth thoroughly with water to remove all residue.   

Storing tips

Use an airtight container to prevent moisture and air exposure, which can affect the texture, effectiveness, and shelf life. Keep it in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight to extend the shelf life and maintain the quality of the toothpaste tablets. You can also label the DIY toothpaste with the date of preparation to keep track of its freshness. 

Safety

Sensitivity to ingredients: Be mindful of any allergies or sensitivities you may have. You can do a quick patch test before, by rubbing a small amount of the mixture into a small area of your skin to check for any reactions before using it.

Avoiding harmful ingredients: Make sure the ingredients you use aren’t harmful or abrasive to your teeth and gums. For instance, some essential oils aren’t suitable for everyone, and excessive abrasives can potentially damage tooth enamel. Do not exceed the recommended amounts of the ingredients & essential oils. 

Gentle application: If you have sensitive teeth, be a bit more gentle while brushing with the toothpaste tablets to minimize any potential discomfort. You can also consider using a soft-bristled toothbrush, or ingredient modifications. 

Consulting your dentist: You can talk with your dentist if you have any specific dental concerns, allergies, or existing oral health conditions. They can offer personalized advice on ingredients and formulations.

Summary 

I hope you enjoy the DIY toothpaste as much as I do! The fact that both recipes are easy to make, effective, affordable, and eco-friendly, makes the switch easy, and quick. Which recipe do you prefer? Let me know in the comments below. 🙂

Also, if you are curious to learn how to DIY other oral care products, you can check out my guides on:

• How to Make Aloe Vera Mouthwash
• Remineralizing Tooth Powder Recipe