Zero Waste DIY Toothpaste

What's in your toothpaste? Do you know? I didn't think about what was in my toothpaste until recently because I figured if my dentist told me to use it, that means it's OK. Not necessarily. The American Dental Association is partially subsidized by private manufacturers like Colgate and Crest, and has put their seal of approval not just on toothpastes but on sugar-free gums like Trident which contain aspartame, phenylalanine, and artificial colors and flavors. That stuff is very bad for you.

Many of the chemicals present in store-bought toothpaste are banned in the EU, which has more stringent chemical guidelines than we do here in the USA. These products are typically tested on animals, and many of the chemical tests are inconclusive.  These chemicals simply haven't been around long enough for scientists to determine their long-term toxicity.  The types of chemicals that are present in your toothpaste include: 

Carrageenan, an additive that causes intestinal inflammation.

Diethanolamine, the foaming compound that has been linked in animal studies to liver cancer.

The contentious fluoride, which has been linked to bone cancer, skeletal fluorosis and impaired brain function.

Preservatives that release formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

Parabens, which disrupt endocrine function and can lead to cancer and reproductive issues.

Abrasives, flavorings, detergents, and whiteners that are linked to  numerous health problems.

For all those reasons, and to reduce our product consumption and waste output, I use the following recipe to make toothpaste that has none of these chemicals and still gets our teeth clean. The main ingredient is coconut oil which stops bacterial growth in the mouth and prevents tooth decay.

• ½ cup coconut oil
• 2-3 tablespoons baking soda
• 10-15 drops of peppermint essential oil

Melt the coconut oil and mix all ingredients together. Refrigerate to harden. 

Coconut oil is solid at room temperature. When you're ready to use your toothpaste, just scrape out some of the mix onto your toothbrush (no need to wet the brush as the mix will melt in your mouth). 

When we tried this mix for the first time, we thought it was a little odd, but now it tastes totally normal to us and it gets our teeth feeling REALLY CLEAN. 

Our toothbrushes are compostable and recyclable from The Mother's Vault and the bristles are also BPA-free, unlike mainstream brands.

Give it a try!