So, over the last decade or so, I have been attempting to reduce the amount of chemicals and additives that my family is exposed to on a daily basis. Fluoride is one of the worst.

Toothpaste has always been a particular challenge as my husband suffers with a gum condition and I just really like my teeth to be clean. We’ve tried the “natural” brands with little success. Plain baking soda and peroxide was not satisfactory either mainly due to ease of use.

So, this afternoon I had a brainstorm and got in the kitchen to concoct a toothpaste that would fairly approximate the feel and action of commercial brands. Here’s what I came up with:

1/2 Cup Baking Soda: Baking soda provides mild abrasive action and kills germs, freshens breath

1/2 t. Sea Salt: Sea salt provides many trace minerals that can be absorbed by the gums & also kills germs.

6 packets of Stevia or Xylitol sweetener: This helps to counteract the strong salty taste of the soda and salt. Xylitol actually promotes good dental health by killing cavity-causing bacteria.

1/2 t. Borax (20 Mule Team Brand): Borax or Boron is a naturally occuring mineral that we all need, in the toothpaste it serves as an emulsifier (blends water & oil)

2 T. Hydrogen Peroxide 3%: Hydrogen Peroxide is well known to combat dental caries and freshen breath. Helps to whiten teeth.

1 T. Aloe Vera Gel: Gives the mixture some body & “slip” Aloe is also well known to aid in tissue repair.

1 T. Coconut oil: Coconut oil also provides some body to the mixture. It is also well known as a very effective anti-fungal.

4 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil: Frankincense is an excellent freshening and toning EO…assists in gum health. (Myrrh is also a good choice)

4 Drops Cinnamon Cassia Essential Oil: Cinnamon is great for freshening breath and is also an effective anti-fungal

30 Drops Peppermint (Or other mint) Essential Oil: Peppermint is fantastic for freshening breath. It is also excellent for balancing mouth flora and promoting gum health.

The process is really simple…throw all ingredients in a food processor or blender, essential oils last and whip until slightly foamy…will resemble whipped egg whites. Funnel into a squeeze bottle (I like the food-service ones you can get at a warehouse store - a pack of 6 is approx. $5). Label it and start brushing!!!

To Good Oral Health!!!

Jen