Homemade Toothpaste

Disclaimer: This information is in no way intended to be a substitute for modern medical care. Do not self-treat any medical complaint without the guidance of a licensed health care provider.
Toothpaste is an essential product for routine dental care, yet it often receives little attention. You might pick up whatever is on sale, promises whiter teeth or tartar control, or tastes the best. However, commercial toothpastes contain chemical additives - saccharin, harsh whiteners or bleaches and artificial flavors and colors - that may cause allergic reaction. Making a custom toothpaste allows you to select ingredients to fit your specific needs, such as gum problems or sensitive teeth. Antiseptic, anti-inflammatory essential oils, such as tea tree, peppermint and thyme, along with the gently abrasive actions of sea salt, clay and baking soda, can sweeten your breath, remove plaque, keep your gums healthy and destroy harmful bacteria without chemicals.

For fresh breath
Unpleasant mouth odor is often the result of a coating on the tongue, not on the teeth. When you brush your teeth, don't forget to brush your tongue as well. You can easily make an antiseptic mouthwash with tea-tree and peppermint essential oils that will not only freshen your breath but also fight against gum inflammation. Add ½ tsp. of tincture of myrrh and 1 drop each of tea-tree and peppermint oils to 1 cup warm water. Each time you brush your teeth, gargle with this solution afterward.

Application:
First, floss your teeth. Moisten your toothbrush and apply some toothpaste to it. Brush your teeth in small circular motions for two minutes; then brush your tongue a few times. Rinse with water and gargle with mouthwash.

Gently abrasive clay for plaque removal
Mineral-rich cosmetic clay is available in most health-food stores and comes in the form of a white powder. It is gently abrasive, but also suitable to use on sensitive teeth. The cosmetic clay can remove stubborn plaque deposits and contains minerals that help to strengthen tooth enamel, the basic shield against tooth decay.

Vegetable glycerin for a creamy consistency
Vegetable glycerin provides a base for diluting the essential oils and gives the toothpaste a creamy consistency, so it can be spread easily over the teeth. It also imparts a sweet, natural flavor that children will enjoy.

Myrrh tincture for gum inflammation
Tincture of myrrh is available at health-food stores; its anti-inflammatory and astringent effects can help to combat the swollen and bleeding gums that are typical in the early stages of periodontal disease.

Orange essential oil for fresh breath
Orange essential oil helps to freshen the breath and leaves a delicate, fruity aftertaste.

Clove essential oil for pain relief
Cloves are an ancient toothache remedy; clove oil is a mild anesthetic that temporarily deadens the nerves in the teeth. Clove-oil toothpaste is a boon for very sensitive teeth and for pain caused by sweet, cold or hot foods and drinks.

Toothpastes

For sensitive teeth

¼ cup white cosmetic clay
¼ cup vegetable glycerin
20 drops tincture of myrrh
4 drops orange essential oil
4 drops clove essential oil

For fresh breath

¼ cup white cosmetic clay
½ cup vegetable glycerin
¼ cup baking soda
20 drops tincture of myrrh
8 drops peppermint essential oil
8 drops spearmint essential oil

For periodontal disease

¼ cup white cosmetic clay
1/8 cup baking soda
1/8 cup finely ground sea salt
½ cup vegetable glycerin
20 drops tincture of myrrh
8 drops tea-tree essential oil
8 drops thyme essential oil

Put all ingredients in a bowl, and whisk them thoroughly until smooth.
Fill a plastic toothpaste tube (available at camping equipment stores) with the paste. Fold the end of the tube over several times until it is firmly sealed. Or fill a jar with the paste.
Store in a cool, dry place away from bright light. Use within 6 months.

If you're short on toothpaste, you can also brush your teeth with a little fine-ground salt and apple juice. The salt tightens the gums, and the apple juice gently whitens the teeth. Rinse thoroughly.

Oral-Hygiene Tips

Replace your toothbrush with a new one about every 4 weeks to prevent bacterial buildup.
Use unwaxed dental floss or an oral irrigation device to remove stubborn plaque deposits and food particles.
If you cannot brush your teeth, eat an apple or chew non-sticking, sugar-free gum to promote saliva flow and inhibit acid formation that damages the teeth.
To avoid eroding the gumline, use a soft toothbrush. Never brush your teeth so hard that your gums bleed, and don't brush more than 3 times a day.

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Sources:
All information provided in this article is the result of research using (but not limited to) the following books and guides: Herbs for Health and Healing, Rodale; Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs, Scott Cunningham; Magical Herbalism, Scott Cunningham; The Complete Guide to Natural Healing, International Masters Publishers; Earthway, Mary Summer Rain; Teach Yourself Herbs, Susie White; Natural Beauty from the Garden, Janice Cox; Nature's Prescriptions, Editors of FC&A Medical Publishing, and The People's Pharmacy Guide to Home and Herbal Remedies, Joe Graedon and Theresa Graedon, Ph.D