GFP: Some of our readers asked us about making home made fluoride-free tothpaste, here is one way that seems pretty cheep and easy.
It's easy to make your own natural toothpaste! These instructions are especially useful if you are trying to minimize exposure to fluoride, such as for children or people who already have fluorosis. This toothpaste is sugar-free and non-toxic.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Minutes
Here's How:
- Mix three parts baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with one part table salt (sodium chloride).
- Add three teaspoons of glycerine for every 1/4 cup of dry mixture.
- Add enough water to make a thick paste. If desired, a few drops of peppermint oil may be added to improve the taste.
- Apply and use just as you would any other toothpaste. Store unused toothpaste at room temperature in a covered container.
Tips:
- Consider Ben Franklin's toothpaste, which was a mixture of honey and ground charcoal. Sweet, tasty, kinda gritty... probably didn't keep the cavities away though.
- Don't like the flavor? You can use a different mint oil, oil of cinnamon, or oil of cloves (small quantity) instead of or in combination with peppermint oil.
- Glycerine (sometimes spelled glycerin) is available at many pharmacies or in craft stores that sell soap-making supplies.
What You Need
- sodium bicarbonate
- salt
- water
- glycerine
- peppermint oil (optional)