homemade toothpaste

I'm barreling headlong into transitioning as many parts of our lives into being as natural as possible, and it's been such an eye opening trip seeing how many things are easy to make and way cheaper than buying them at the store.  We were just about to run out of toothpaste the other day and I thought to myself... I bet that's something that's easy to make!  A few google searches later and I started whipping it together!  
If you're not used to the taste of baking soda, this homemade toothpaste might be a bit jarring.  I'd been using Arm & Hammer's baking soda toothpaste for years, so it was probably an easier transition for me, but I'm still getting used to it.  
There are different schools of thought when it comes to the need for fluoride, if baking soda is too abrasive for teeth, etc. but personally, I just like knowing exactly what I'm putting in my body.  Homemaking my own toothpaste means I know exactly what I'm using!  


6 tbsp coconut oil 4 tbsp baking soda 30 drops essential oil (I used 20 drops of YL Thieves, 10 drops of YL Peppermint) 1 tsp of Stevia (or more if you prefer sweeter)
I started with a 1:1 ratio of baking soda to coconut oil but it tasted way too baking soda-y so I altered the proportions.  You might want to start with even less baking soda at first (maybe 3 tbsp) and taste as you go.  I just threw everything together and didn't taste until I finished and I was like, ack!  You could even add more essential oil if you like.  I went with a combo of YL Thieves and Peppermint, but I know a lot of people prefer just straight peppermint.  Peppermint is a pretty strong oil so you might need fewer drops if you go with just peppermint.

Just mix up everything in a bowl and then transfer it to a mason jar.  I use a little wooden stick to transfer the paste to the brush so I'm not dipping my brush in every time.  I also like to use warm to hot water to rinse my brush out at the end of brushing to get rid of any remaining coconut oil that gets stuck in the bristles, since coconut oil has a pretty low melting point it'll just melt away.


// With any health or body care routine, make sure to do your own research and consult with any healthcare professionals you feel will help you make a decision on how to best care for your body.  This is just my story, but make sure your story is informed and healthy for you! //