Make Your Own Simple & Natural Whitening Toothpaste

Did you know that some of the ingredients in your toothpaste can actually cause harm to your health? We all love to have clean white teeth and fresh breath but there are many ways to achieve oral health without using store bought products. This recipe that I found a few years ago actually works wonders... and YES it even whitens your teeth safely and gently! I get a ton of comments and questions on what I use so I thought I would share it with all of you. 

What You Will Need-

1 tbsp. of Coconut Oil

1 tsp. of Baking Soda

1-2 drops of Peppermint Essential Oil

1 drop of Tea Tree and Lavender Essential Oil Blend

Small spoon

Container with a lid

Toothbrush

How To-

Mix together the Coconut Oil and Baking Soda with a small spoon until  it becomes a smooth white paste. Add the essential oils and mix well! You can brush your teeth with this solution 1x a day (baking soda is slightly abrasive on the tooth enamel if used everyday 2x a day) use your best judgement based on your own tooth sensitivity! I like to alternate mine with a remineralizing homemade toothpaste and oil pulling (which I will blog about next).

How/Why These Ingredients Work-

Coconut Oil- contains lauric acid which has anti-microbial properties (kills bacteria) and supports gum health

Baking Soda- natural whitening properties that help remove stains

Peppermint Oil- contains anti-microbial properties that help to fight bad breath

Tea Tree and Lavender Oil Blend- Tea Tree oil kills bacteria that causes bad breath and is a great remedy for receding gums while Lavender also helps to fight off bacteria and soothes red and inflamed gums! 

Ingredients to Avoid in Store Bought Toothpastes

FD&C Blue Dye #2- Center for Science in the Public Interest warns that it may have a connection to several learning and behavioral issues as well as severe allergic reactions and other health issues.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate- Higher concentrations of this are in many household cleaners! It has been known to cause severe gum problems such as skin corrosion, inflammation and canker sores. SLS also produces nitrosamines (potential carcinogen) that can enter the blood stream and effect the liver, brain and heart after a long period of time.

Triclosan- In animal testing (which I also do not agree with) triclosan had a negative effect on the thyroid and endocrine system as well as helped to create bacteria that was resistant to antibiotics.

Saccharine and Aspartame- Both have been linked to cancer as well as migraine headaches, nausea, tongue blisters and other health problems. 

Sodium Flouride- Found in rat poisoning and linked to nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Enough of this can actually kill you.