If you’re worried about the ingredients in commercial toothpastes, don’t worry, I’ve gathered together a list of 12 natural toothpaste alternatives. Some are a bit weird and might shock you, but this list was made BY my readers FOR my readers.
Natural toothpaste alternatives are all the rage these days.
So, what’s wrong with commercial toothpaste?
Well, like most commercial health and beauty products on the market, toothpaste has been industrialized over the years.
Here are just a few of the questionable ingredients commonly found in commercial toothpaste:
Fluoride.
While fluoride is supposedly the ingredient that prevents cavities, it doesn’t do that job very well and can actually be very toxic to the body. In fact, if you suffer from acne outbreaks around the mouth and chin area, fluoride toothpaste may be the cause! (If you haven’t already, check out The Case Against Fluoride and The Fluoride Deception for more information.)
Fluoride-free toothpaste is becoming more common, but unfortunately, it’s not the only ingredient in toothpaste you should be avoiding. Read more about fluoride dangers here.
Titanium dioxide.
There are some concerns that titanium dioxide is carcinogenic. The biggest problem is that nano-sized particles of titanium dioxide can be absorbed through the mouth and may cause toxic damage in the cells of the body.
Glycerin.
This is found in almost every toothpaste on the market (even the natural ones). Glycerin helps give toothpaste its pasty texture and keeps it from drying out. But it can also leave a coating on your teeth that prevents them from remineralizing.
Sodium lauryl sulfate.
It gives you the foamy cleaning action we all expect from toothpaste, but sodium lauryl sulfate is also a strong chemical surfactant that doesn’t belong in our bodies.
Artificial sweeteners.
I don’t know about you, but I generally avoid chemical sweeteners like sorbitol and saccharin. Unfortunately, these are commonly used in commercial toothpaste to make them taste sweet.
So, what are some natural toothpaste alternatives?
I asked you on The Nourished Life Facebook Fan Page what you use instead of commercial toothpaste.
And as I expected, you all gave some great responses–so many that I really couldn’t list them all! But here are twelve ideas to get you started:
12 Natural Toothpaste Alternatives
1. Sea Salt
How much more natural can you get than brushing your teeth with salt from the sea?
It’s easy, too: just dab your toothbrush in sea salt and brush away as usual.
Concerned about abrasion?
Me, too. You can also dissolve the salt in water first and then dip your brush in the saltwater before brushing.
2. Baking Soda
This has got to be one of the most popular natural toothpaste alternatives.
Like sea salt, you can just dip your toothbrush in baking soda and brush like normal. Or you can dissolve it in water first and use the brine for brushing (just like the sea salt).
A lot of people use baking soda as a base for homemade tooth powder. You mix it with a few drops of peppermint essential oil and stevia to give your mouth a minty fresh feel.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is known for keeping teeth clean and white, and many people use it instead of toothpaste.
Jessica on Facebook suggests, “Dip your toothbrush in hydrogen peroxide and then in a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and fine sea salt.”
The only potential problem with hydrogen peroxide is if you have amalgam fillings: peroxide may leach mercury from your fillings.
4. Herbal Tooth Powders
Herbal tooth powders can be used in place of toothpaste.
They do a good job of cleaning, and the herbal ingredients can also help ease inflammation, pain and infection throughout the mouth.
5. Dry Brushing
It doesn’t get much more simple than this.
Tired of looking for a natural toothpaste alternative?
According to some, there’s no need to use anything at all: dry brushing does the job. But while it does seem to work well enough, there’s no minty mouth feel (like we’re all used to, of course) and might feel a little strange.
6. Brush with Pure Water
If dry brushing doesn’t quite cut it for you, try brushing with pure water.
This also works surprisingly well for clearing debris from the teeth, but you still don’t get that minty mouth feel.
7. All Natural Soap
Yes, you can brush your teeth with soap.
I’ve tried this one a few times, and while it does work, it also tastes pretty, well, soapy.
Not exactly the natural toothpaste experience I was looking for personally.
But if you decide to try it, trying a natural soap like peppermint castile soap.
8. Tooth Soap
For those who aren’t keen on using actual soap in their mouths, there are quite a lot of brands of specially designed tooth soaps on the market as a natural toothpaste alternative. Just try to find one without additives.
9. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is another great natural toothpaste alternative.
Why?
Its antifungal and antibacterial properties come in handy for mouth cleaning.
Coconut oil can be used alone and combined with other ingredients listed here (like baking soda and essential oils).
10. Waterpik
Getting a Waterpik has been on my to-do list ever since I read Cure Tooth Decay by Rami Nagel.
Now that I have one, I’m so glad I took the plunge! This little device can work some wonders cleaning teeth and gums. Some say the results are nothing short of miraculous. If you have braces or trouble with irritated gums, you definitely need to start water flossing.
Rami Nagel suggests in his book that you use salt water for oral irrigation, which can enhance the benefits.
11. Essential Oils
These can be bought at a local health food store or from a reputable online store. Learn where I shop for high quality therapeutic essential oils online.
Sometimes I just use a drop or two of peppermint oil on my dampened toothbrush if I want a quick and easy way to get my mouth feeling clean and minty fresh.
12. Oil Pulling
Never heard of it?
Here’s a post that explains what oil pulling is and how to do it.
Basically you swish about one tablespoon of oil (I use coconut oil) for several minutes. Then brush with plain water or use one of the methods listed above. Trust me, your teeth have never felt this clean!
Do you have a favorite natural toothpaste alternative? Please share in the comment section below!
More Articles and Recipes for Oral Health:
- Natural Whitening Toothpaste Recipe with Activated Charcoal
- 7 Natural Toothpaste Recipes
- Black Oil for Natural Teeth Whitening
- Homemade Mouthwash Recipe for Whitening and Remineralizing
- Honey Mask For Acne
- Best Essential Oil for Face
- Why Do I Crave Peanut Butter?
- Homemade Lotion Recipe
- Lighten Hair Naturally
- Where to Buy Beeswax for Lip Balm
- Difference Between Refined & Unrefined Coconut Oil
- Benefits of Raw Eggs
More Natural Toothpaste recipes:
- DIY Toothpaste
- Why I Threw Away My Toothpaste
- Homemade Toothpaste Recipe
- Homemade Squeezable Toothpaste
Angela says
I’ve been using a mixture of coconut oil, baking soda and peppermint essential oils for a couple months now and I have to say that it works amazing. I never get that fuzzy teeth feeling anymore even if I go 24 hours without brushing (it does happen sometimes!). I use it on my 22 month old as well, although he often prefers the dry brushing or water brushing as the homemade “toothpaste” can take some getting used to. Hope whoever reads The Nourished Life’s post tries it out, its pretty great (and a whole lot cheaper).
OraWellness says
I like this recipe Angela. The coconut oil has so many healing/restorative properties, the soda works well (just be careful to not brush the gum line too much with it as soda can irritate gum tissue). Peppermint oil is also an effective anti microbial for some of the bacteria that cause gum disease.
We prefer to use our Brushing Blend as it is formulated with both warming and cooling Organic essential oils. Not only does the formula more broadly address all the bacterial strains that cause gum disease and tooth decay, it also will not imbalance the system by using it over time. That’s my one warning using just peppermint oil. It’s very cooling and can cause imbalance (cool the body’s fire) over time.
Check out http://www.OraWellness.com. I think you would like it as an addition to your homemade paste!
To your health!
trivikram says
is it true
KR says
I just started keeping it simple. No need for toothpaste! I brush with water, floss, swish with a natural mouthwash and baking soda sometimes, or peroxide. I think baking soda is too abrasive to brush with, but good to swish!
OraWellness says
While you can brush with baking soda, you must be cautious to only brush the teeth and not overdo it on the gum line as baking soda can irritate gum tissue and actually cause gum recession!
We recommend to also be cautious using hydrogen peroxide in the mouth. Again, it’s very effective. First off, be sure you dilute it with water AT LEAST 50%. If you begin to have greater tooth sensitivity, it’s the peroxide, guaranteed. Peroxide can increase tooth sensitivity, so use sparingly! Occasional use is suggested…
To your health!
Kalisto_d says
Best toothpaste ever!
http://www.uncleharrys.com/store/product_info.php/products_id/537/osCsid/fd9ce21f85fdade3ff6659c6c8f35412
Made with clay, minerals, essential oils. My teeth are not as sensitive anymore, they are whiter than ever before and I don’t get gum inflammation anymore.
Sherri Black says
Our new company makes the best tasting tooth soap & polish duo. Try it – you’ll see. Sparkling clean teeth and fresh breath. Trips to the dentist are a breeze!
http://www.superhumantoothsoap.com
all natural, vegan, no SLS, no glycerine, no fluoride. Super minty and delicious!
Flo says
We recently switched to Pascalite Clay. It is amazing! Our teeth get so very clean and stay clean all day long.
betsyanne says
I use a mixture of dolomite, baking soda and just a few drops of cinnamon leaf oil. You can use other oils (such as spearmint or peppermint) too. Helps with remineralizing teeth.
Elizabeth Walling says
Dolomite and clay are great options, especially since they can be so rich in minerals. Direct contact with minerals does help teeth remineralize.
OraWellness says
We use something similar combined with our Brushing Blend, a formula of organic essential oils that effectively addresses the ‘bad bugs’ involved with gum disease and tooth decay.
To your health!
Jaclyn Hicks says
Love this post!! I’m in the middle of reading “Cure Tooth Decay” with Rami Nagel, and it has been amazing to have new insights into the care of our teeth!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
OraWellness says
Rami’s books are great tools to help folks take better care of their oral health, as well as whole being health! We at OraWellness encourage a two prong approach to addressing oral health. 1. Like Rami’s work (essentially Dr. Price’s work reformatted), address whole system immune support first. 2. Reduce the bacterial load in the mouth using SAFE (aka organic) products that efffectively kill the bacteria that cause gum disease.
To your health!
Will
Toosday says
each day, after i put a bit of toothpaste on my brush, i dip it in a glass of baking soda i keep on the sink space. i swear by baking soda a whitening aid. i’ve drank coffee for years, and get compliments on the whiteness of my teeth quite often. so glad i found your site. i’m recovering from (what appears to be) a mild case of adrenal fatigue. i’m so grateful i’m able to make these food/lifestyle changes now and begin the healing process.
Toosday says
i want to add that YES, i’ve cut out caffeine as i’m healing my body! 🙂
Caitlin Grace says
@790852805f6c47627b611b2f43f05ecd:disqus Toosday Adreanl fatigue is a biggie and most of us have it in our fast paced lives. A good arenal support supplement is a good idea as well as all the healthy eating. Have you read the book Adrenal Fatigue by James Wilson? Lots of info inthere.
OraWellness says
@790852805f6c47627b611b2f43f05ecd:disqus , just please use caution when brushing with baking soda. Soda is an excellent abrasive to clean the surface of the teeth, but when applied to the gum line, baking soda can irritate the gum line and cause gum recession. Be gentle on the gums!
To your health!
Lynne says
I used baking soda on my gums ignorantly. Now the dentist says I have irreversible pulpitis and will have to have a root canal. The pain is constant and severe. He says there is no sign of infection in the tooth.
Any help you could give would be great as I don’t think root canals are safe.
sarah says
Liz, I used your recipe for several months and loved it! But….my hygenist said my gums were spongey….so I went back to icky store bought and the gums weren’t “spongey” at my next visit. I was so disappointed! I think I’ll have to try one of the other alternatives.
Elizabeth Walling says
Some folks do have trouble when using baking soda. It can be too abrasive. If you notice any problems I definitely recommend trying another method!
OraWellness says
@e7e442552ce17cf788c773ee0f3462b2:disqus , you have to be careful using baking soda when brushing the teeth. While I do recommend using baking soda, one must be careful to only brush the teeth with it and not the gum line. Baking soda is very abrasive and can irritate sensitive gum tissue. It makes sense that your gums were soft. We encourage anyone looking for oral care solutions to check out http://www.OraWellness.com. We offer Organic solutions to many dental challenges.
To your health!
Caitlin Grace says
I have used the oil pulling with cocnut oil andonce you get used to it it works really well!
Mindy says
Oil pulling is the best thing that happened to my teeth and gums.
Wellness Mama says
In the past, I’ve used baking soda, oil pulling and a homemade toothpaste with coconut oil, baking soda, stevia leaf and essential oils. I recently started using another homemade toothpaste that I started making (planning to post soon) that I had my holistic dentist look at. He said it could quite possibly remineralize teeth… either way, it tastes great!
christyisrc says
I love these suggestions – I think the coconut oil and sea salt combo is what I will try.
OraWellness says
@christyirc:disqus , please apply caution when using sea salt in the mouth. While salt is an excellent anti microbial, it is very strong, so start with just a little. Salt can damage gum tissue if used in too high of concentrations.
To your health!
Brenda says
Hello, I am a Dental Hygienist with a ton of experience and have been enjoying all this exciting oral care discussion! I’d like to weigh in on a couple things. I support Ora Wellness comments about baking soda staying away from gum tissues. It will feel abraded if you brush there. Sometimes will not come back if damaged. Be gentle with ANY abrasives. I recommend using a small thin terry cloth like babies washcloth and after you’ve brushed scrub teeth with cloth. You’ll actually see stains coming off. It’s rewarding and Safe! I also absolutely believe in and teach waterpik’s care products. The water flosser is proven more effective than string. I’ve turned many patients oral health around with their compliance and an excellent water flosser. There’s a learning curve. Ask your hygienist. She will be glad to give you lessons. Or he! I’m glad to see the remineralization talk and applaud the concoctions. When using peroxide for its great whitening and healing ability remember to dilute, use occasionally, and always rinse it out completely! Never swallow it. Sea salt is sharp under the microscope and gouges enamel and fillings. It should always be dissolved and used as a rinse. Go to bed bath and beyond for great deals on a water flosser and smiles to you all!
Elizabeth Walling says
Great tips, Brenda! Thanks so much for taking the time to comment.
angelica says
I am making a toothpaste and could use Brenda’s the hygiene’s support and other educated people. NEW HERE
I have sensitive teeth. Also the amounts to use of each would be great support too.
bentonite clay
arrow root
Myrrh powder
grounded to powder: anise seed and fennil seed
Grounded to powder: basil leaf, sage leaf, spearmint leaf, thyme leaf, meem leaf
aloe verg gel
1 ts peppermint essential oil
not into stevia or xylitol, baking soda or charcoal. smiles
Jaye Procure says
We use xylitol. My 7yo who has had terrible dental problems in the past, has a perfectly healthy mouth now. I flavour it with cinnamon or peppermint oil.
Xylitol is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and can help to remineralize teeth.
Jimenezrachel says
I did dry brushing before adding my toothpaste for a few months and at my next dental appointment the dental hygienist was very impressed with how clean the surface of my teeth were. Can’t say the same for in between, though, as I hate flossing. Now I use ecodent which I love and a little bottle lasts forever. I may try making my own tooth powder next or switching to some [url=http://www.etsy.com/listing/71025742/peppermint-tooth-powder-4oz?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=App_Seller&utm_campaign=fb_seller_item&utm_content=items]peppermint tooth powder[/url] a friend carries in her etsy shop which I’ve tried and really liked.
Rachel J. says
I did dry brushing before adding my toothpaste for a few months and at my next dental appointment the dental hygienist was very impressed with how clean the surface of my teeth were. Can’t say the same for in between, though, as I hate flossing. Now I use ecodent which I love and a little bottle lasts forever. I may try making my own tooth powder next or switching to some http://www.etsy.com/listing/71…peppermint tooth powder a friend carries in her etsy shop which I’ve tried and really liked.
Jennifer says
This is so timely for my family since I had just started using a vegan toothpaste called Dr. Fresh but my store stopped carrying it. I’ve been searching for another brand and was using plain baking soda. My kids have been complaining loudly about the taste was trying to figure out how to mask it. Some great ideas here. Thanks.
Rktlik says
I’m sorry but really? really? The fluoride comment reminds me of some old political cartoons. Fluoride is naturally found in ALL water and foods. Titanium dioxide is in oreos and plenty of other foods. Glycerin is the backbone of all triglycerides in your liver. Sodium Lauryl sulfate is merely a sodium salt of a natural fatty acid, your body contains tons of it already. And artificial sweeteners are all you are left with to complain about.
Elizabeth Walling says
You’re absolutely right. Fluoride is a naturally occurring substance. No argument there. But so is lead and arsenic. Just because something is found in nature doesn’t mean we need to be adding it to our water supply and dental care products.
And there’s a lot of things in Oreos I don’t want in my body. That’s not really a convincing argument for the safety of titanium dioxide.
As for the sodium lauryl sulfate, you raise a good point. Some surfactants can be highly irritating and others are better tolerated. Some are naturally derived, and some are chemically derived. And you often can’t tell by what’s on the label unless they specify.
The concern about glycerin is mainly that it can leave a coating on your teeth that prevents saliva from naturally remineralizing teeth. Of course, this is just a logical concern and hasn’t been verified by research yet. But it’s worth considering, whether or not glycerin is a natural substance.
Rktlik says
Gonna reiterate a few things. Fluoride is in ALL food and water. Lead and arsenic are not. You don’t have to add fluoride to water for it to be there.
Titanium dioxide is in alot of other food products as well. Milk for example. If they want to make food look whiter chances are they use titanium dioxide.
Whether synthetic or natural sodium lauryl sulfate is sodium lauryl sulfate. You could argue about the trace components, but they are trace components. As for the effects of SDS I direct or attention to:
CIR publication (1983). “Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Ammonium Lauryl Sulfate”. International Journal of Toxicology 2 (7): 127–181.
Healy CM, Paterson M, Joyston-Bechal S, Williams DM, Thornhill MH (1999 Jan). “The effect of a sodium lauryl sulfate-free dentifrice on patients with recurrent oral ulceration”. Oral Dis. 5 (1): 39–43.
Which state it is neither a carcinogen nor does its addition to toothpaste cause ulcers as it was once thought.
I’ll yeild to your empirical observation about glycerin. Different people may have different experiences. Glycerin is found in small amounts in fruit and vegetable oils so one could have the same experience with your suggestions. There is no question glycerin is a natural substance, simple biochemistry.
Elizabeth Walling says
I understand what you’re saying. Believe me, I don’t like to demonize ingredients nor is my goal to strike fear in the hearts of anyone using fluoridated toothpaste or commercial products in general. That’s just not me.
But when it comes down to it, I like to avoid unnecessary additives in my food and in my health and beauty products. Just because titanium dioxide makes commercial milk white doesn’t mean I want to put it in my body. If I can avoid it, I will. And just because fluoride naturally occurs in water doesn’t mean I want even more fluoride added to my water supply (one of my mantras is that more isn’t better!). Again, if I can avoid it, I will.
Marisa says
It was my understanding that the type of fluoride they use in toothpaste and city water supplies is a synthetic version that acts differently in the body than the natural version acts…
Private says
One of the mindless brainwashed (thinking he’s a debunker) has chimed in to reiterate the mass media propaganda. Fluoride is one of the biggest scams ever pushed onto the population.
While fluoride might be found naturally in some foods or in trace amounts that is much different than adding processed fluoride. Cyndie is deadly and is also found in certain foods as well as many other natural substances that change when processed and concentrated.
Fluoride also a waste by product from the aluminum industry, it is not needed to for dental health, many dentist have come out an said so that were brave enough to go against the establishment. In fact where heavy usage of fluoride was added to water supplies there was modeling of the teeth found in children. Yes the fluoride causes damage to the teeth.
It also causes calcification of the pineal gland, and is known to make people weak willed and easily controlled. Gee I wonder why it was put in the water and tooth paste people use every day.
Sodium Laural Sulfate is banned in many countries. It is also known to cause cause canker sores in the mouth, and is bad for the scalp in shampoo and has been linked to as one of the causes of hair loss.
And before you point to the ADA or ADHA. Remeber these are the same people that say it’s ok to put Mercury amalgams into peoples mouths.
Yes let’s put a massively toxic substance into a person mouth, of course the doctor and nurses have to wear masks and gloves it’ so toxic and if you have the removed there are even more precautions.
But this is perfectly safe to put into a person mouth. In spite of ton of evidence of cases studies of people that developed diseases after getting Mercury fillings and after having them removed their health improved.
Yes the establishment is who I want to trust with my health.
Christine says
Excellent points! I agree with them all. I knew that Hitler used fluoride during WWII but never knew why. To make everyone “weak-willed” and “easily controlled”!
CBG says
I was thinking the same thing. The “debunker” is probably a status quo troll.
Ryan says
Fluoride was put in the water supplies of Soviet and Nazi concentration camps. I think that makes it questionable. I doubt they did so for the health of their inmates…
Heather says
Right on! Good Info.
Jessica says
Do your research, I can’t use anything with SLS in it, or any chemicals for that matter added fluoride isn’t necessary. I don’t believe everything the FDA approves is safe. Just because they say it’s safe doesn’t mean anything.
Heather Breese says
I eat arsenic and lead all the time, everyday. Of course that is in organic form, not inorganic.
Tracie says
Our mouths are like sponges and are the largest areas that absorb all toxins quicker than any other part of your body. Fluoride has been proven to cause so many health issues, including many types of cancer. Our Childern swallow toothpaste a lot more than we know. We all should know by know that our food is contaminated which is why everyone needs to be their own advocate and pay attention to labels and Ingredients. Glycerin is actually the only ingredient that isn’t harmful for your health however, it coats your teeth and doesn’t allow the remineralization process. The other ingredients are toxic to most people as everyone has different tolerances to these toxins. I have Multiple Sclerosis and I can feel when I eat, inhale or smell toxins. I have to eat a paleo like diet in addition to the clean and raw diet.
I ordered my first jar of toothpowder a year ago. After years of chronic use of steroids due to my MS and many rounds of chemo for my MS, my teeth were weak, brittle and had some loose teeth and some had even cracked. My dentist fixed the cracked teeth and after just a couple months of using the toothpowder, my teeth have tightened up, are the whitest they’ve ever been and there’s no pain that I was having. My whole family has switched to toothpowder and our dentist joked about putting him out of business!
OraWellness says
Great suggestions in the blog. If we may make some suggestions.
1. We completely agree about most commercial toothpastes having questionable ingredients. Number 1 principle for us to create greater health/vitality is ‘stop putting toxin into the body’. Fluoride, SLS, glycerin, artificial flavors and colors all fall into this toxic load on the body.
2. Please exercise caution when using baking soda, hydrogen peroxide and sea salt in the mouth. While they each have their place, they are all very strong and can irritate conditions.
Specifically, make sure you dilute peroxide AT LEAST 50% with water (maybe even more) when using it in the mouth. Full strength 3% peroxide irritates gum tissue and increases tooth sensitivity.
Baking soda is a great abrasive as well as anti microbial agent. However, baking soda is so abrasive that it can irritate gum tissue and increase receding gums. So, brush your teeth with baking soda, but stay clear of your gum line with it.
Sea salt is fantastic but must be used in moderation (again) as salt can burn gum tissue. To prove this, just put some salt on your tongue and leave it there for a few moments. It will start to feel like it’s burning (because it is!). So, again, dilute the sea salt…
3. Dry brushing is an excellent idea. When you consider that saliva really has everything our mouth’s need to create optimal health, brushing with saliva starts to really make sense! Here’s a link to a free instructional video on the healing benefits of saliva titled “Mouth Probiotics”. http://www.OraWellness.com/Videos/video-tutorials.html (you’ll also find a video there describing a brushing technique helpful to reduce gum disease)
4. Coconut oil is fabulous to use in the mouth! Oil pulling is an excellent protocol to help create and maintain oral health.
5. Irrigators are great as well. Two points on irrigators, first, only use them on low pressures as high pressure can literally push the bacteria in gum pockets into the bloodstream. Second, irrigators only get 4mm down into gum pockets. So, if you have receding gums, chronic bad breath or know you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, you need to be able to kill the bacteria in the base of the gum pockets. Here is a link to Susan’s story and how she reversed a 10+ mm pocket to only 3mm! http://www.orawellness.com/OraWellness-HealThy-Mouth-System/susans-story.html
6. Last, be careful using only peppermint oil in the mouth. While peppermint is an effective anti microbial, it is cooling and may cause imbalance in the system over time if used by itself. Our Brushing Blend is a very effective formula of both warming and cooling oils (so neutral). Also, it’s all Organic and wildcrafted, so you know you are getting the best possible quality.
If you have read this far, please consider checking out our site, http://www.OraWellness.com. Here is a coupon for 10% off our products. Just put 10forfriends in the coupon code when checking out.
We wish you all increased health and vitality!
To your health!
Elizabeth Walling says
Thanks for stopping by and commenting! These are really great suggestions and address a lot of the common concerns about natural dental care. The points about baking soda and sea salt are important, since this is where a lot of folks run into trouble.
If any of you haven’t had a chance to check out the Ora Wellness site, go take a look. They have some excellent information about natural dental care!
Eliza says
Thanks for a great post and reply – I’m learning a lot! I’m a soap maker (professionally) and I’m now keen to now start making my own toothpaste. I had a lot of questions that you’ve pretty much now answered 🙂 In addition to brushing my teeth I also use the ayurvedic technique of oil pulling to maintain good oral health.
All Natural Soap says
Here’s a link to my site in case you’re interested http://www.allnaturalsoap.co.uk
BTW – I haven’t tried brushing my teeth with my natural soap…at least not yet!
Joyce says
The State dentist wanted to fill a large cavity in our handicapped son’s #12 tooth with a mercury filling. I said, No! After learning that glycerine coats the teeth and prevents natural healing, we had him brush with natural lye soap for at least one year. Then had the State X-rays sent to our dentist. After only 15 min. in the dental chair the doctor said, “The cavity is down to a pin point. We don’t consider it a cavity.” It’s been 3 years now and still no cavities!!! It’s also important to eat whole foods and take good supplements so the teeth can heal. We’ve learned much from our precious boy that doctors said would never sit up, etc. God had another idea.
http://www.TheLittleBoyThatCouldbook.com (Books sold out … working on an e-book).
http://www.StemCellsWork.com
http://www.AllicinCenter.com/GarlicWorks
Mary says
Many commercial toothpastes use fluoride as well as the toxic triclosan. Can they make it any more toxic?
Ruth says
Thank you for your comments. We use your brushing blend with great success, but our kids can’t stand it. We’ve been dry brushing their teeth but it looks, from your comments, like it would be a good idea to use coconut oil (which they love). Do you think that is the best option for small children (ages 2 and 4)?
Elizabeth Walling says
Coconut oil (maybe with a little baking soda or essential oils) can make a great toothpaste for kids!
mlouie says
I like the Tropical Traditions teeth cleaner, which only contains: purified water, organic virgin coconut oil, baking soda, xanthum gum, wildcrafted myrrh powder, stevia, and organic essential oils of cinnamon and clove, if you get the cinnamon flavor, as I do because I take homeopathics so need to avoid mint (which is surprisingly difficult to do). I’ve tried tooth soap but it kind of burns my mouth and tongue so I find it is too harsh for me. I also lilke Peelu dental fibers, which are fibers from a tree and I find it very effective at cleaning my teeth, as well as my partial denture, which can be difficult to get clean.
Outlaw Farmer says
This is amazing. Even though I make soap with coconut oil I never dreamed I could clean my teeth with it. Cool, weird but really cool. Thanks for the tips. BTW I love the pic you put with this post!
Karen Bannan says
I typically use water. I also have a Waterpik, though. And I floss, of course!