This is honestly the simplest, easiest DIY toothpaste recipe in the world that will help you start a natural and zero waste routine.
Baking soda is a fantastic cleanser for our household and our bodies.
It is usually available in cardboard packaging from the baking aisle in the supermarket. It is easily recycled and reduces the need to buy many commercial products.
It is also excellent for oral health, preventing stains and bad breath to name a few benefits, but we have been conditioned by advertising to believe that we NEED certain brands to protect our teeth and keep our breath fresh.
Most toothpastes contains SLS, an ingredient found in soap, which has many effects including drying out our mouths. This is particularly bad if you suffer from mouth ulcers, an existing dry mouth or happen to leave some in the corner of your lips causing painful cracks.
I won't go into all the ingredients in shop bought toothpaste as you can find a lot of information about this written in other places by far more qualified people than me, and as always, its a very personal choice as to which ingredients you are comfortable with or may wish to avoid. I switch between homemade and shop bought toothpastes to make sure I'm getting some flouride as I'm a massive sweet tooth.
I have spoken to several dental professionals over the years that have advised baking soda as a great alternate option to standard toothpastes for healthy gums, mouth and clean teeth.
You should always double check with your dentist especially if you're unsure or have any specific dental issues. It doesn't contain fluoride, which is great if you're trying to avoid the stuff, but not so great if your dentist has advised you that you really need it due to the condition of your teeth.
How to Use Baking Soda as Toothpaste
The only ingredient in this ''homemade'' toothpaste is Baking Soda, otherwise known as bi-carb soda.
I recommend placing it into a designated container to prevent any cross contamination, it is going in your mouth after all.
There is no mixing required, simply wet the toothbrush and dip it into the powder.
You don't need a lot, just enough to spread around your teeth. It is lightly abrasive which helps to remove tartar and stains without damaging teeth.
Once you've scrubbed it over your teeth, wet the toothbrush again and continue to brush as normal. (Most dentists tell us we should aim to brush for around 2 minutes)
Rinse and spit.
If you do swallow this, it is perfectly safe and baking soda is actually a great remedy for heartburn in small doses.
Now, I have to be honest with you... it really isn't the best taste in the world and it does taste salty. I find it acceptable enough and it is something you get used to really quickly.
I really wanted to share this one, as it is just so basic and simple and a good starting point to starting to make your own products!
My teeth and mouth feel cleaner for longer after using this and I love not being left with the aftertaste of normal toothpaste. Being zero waste isn't always the easiest option, but in this case, it is way cheaper and simpler to make your own toothpaste.
Now, if you do find the taste of plain bicarb just too unpalatable, I do have another recipe that you have to try - Minty Lemon Toothpaste (using coconut oil, bicarb and essential oils). It's super simple to make too.
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