Let’s Make Homemade Toothpaste

Posted on 23rd Mar 2011 | In Science With Mom! Blog

Don’t ask me why but I’ve always wanted to make homemade toothpaste.

I went through a let’s–go-organic-and-save–the-planet phase until I realized I didn’t have time to grow my own crops outside my apartment window (Hey, I had to get dinner on the table sometime before year-end). Also, in these recessionary times, homemade ANYTHING is a great idea as far as I’m concerned.

Last, but definitely not least, there was the small significant fact, that despite being in our water supply and commercial toothpaste; fluoride is really, really toxic. It’s used in insecticides, rat poison and found in the brains of deceased patients. Patients who have died of Alzheimers! I dunno. Call me crazy. But I’m thinkin’ there may be a link. Unfortunately for us, fluoride is in our water supply and in most commercial toothpastes.

Science With Mom! = Conspiracy Theorist?

No! I am not a conspiracy theorist. I don’t think anyone is actively trying to poison us but fluoride-use is a hangover from a bygone era that believed “chemicals for better living”. The same era that believed smoking soothes the throat or marbles in the mouth can help a stammer (Have you seen The King’s Speech?) Isn’t fluoride a “cavity fighter”? Not really. Not according to recent (1980’s) scientific studies that show there is no statistical difference in tooth decay rates between fluoridated and non-fluoridated cities.

What’s wrong with Fluoride?

Fluoride is actually a pollutant – and a by product of aluminum manufacturing. A big problem back in the 1930’s was how to dispose of this of fluoride. The problem was solved by a “study” (funded by a large aluminum company) which conveniently concluded: Fluoride prevents tooth decay. Yay! Fluoride disposal problem solved. Some PR spin later and suddenly fluoride is a miracle chemical that cures oral decay and gives us fridge-white smiles. I’ll let you join up the dots. Thankfully, nowadays, we have lasers for the: my-teeth-are-so-white-it’s-not-natural look. Okay. Rant over.

So when I saw that the Science With Me! Management team (aka: my sister) had posted an article on teeth I thought A-ha! Let’s make homemade toothpaste and learn about abrasives (plus a whole lot of other stuff) as well as the joys of coconut oil.

What’s so great about Coconut Oil?

Coconut oil is antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. No! I don’t work for a coconut oil company but I’m open to offers (for the right salary I’ll say anything… joking). I also admit that coconut oil might not be lying around most households so I cheated a little and went to my local health food store who furnished me with said oil.

The other key ingredient in homemade toothpaste is baking soda. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that provides a gentle cleansing and is also alkaline. Being alkaline it neutralizes acids in your mouth that are often at the root of tooth decay. Baking soda absorbs odors and helps produce sweet breath! (nice)

Aim:

To make homemade toothpaste.

Stuff you’ll need:

Baking Soda

Coconut oil

Essential peppermint oil

Water

Do this

Mix a fifty/fifty ratio of coconut oil to baking soda on a plate. Start with a small batch first and then make more as needed. Add a few drops of essential peppermint oil for sweetness and flavor. Mix up and keep in glass container*. Then spoon out or dip your toothbrush into as needed.

* The mixture does not need to be refrigerated but note that coconut oil is liquid at about 76 degrees so the mixture may change consistency with the weather.

Result:

This toothpaste is fantastic! I brushed my teeth with it and they felt really clean. Doesn’t taste quite as good as the commercial stuff but I’m sure I’ll get used to it.

What’s the deal?

Homemade toothpaste is a great science project to do with kids. It’s easy, fun and saves money. If you don’t have time to source the ingredients you can buy a Homemade Toothpaste kit at ScientificsOnline.com.

Conclusion

Making homemade toothpaste is easy to do and way better for you! Also it’s a great way to do some science with kids.

Science With Mom!

For more information please read our Learn about teeth article, or download a fun and exciting teeth worksheet and coloring page.