This is the recipe we use during the Mixua DIY workshops.
Supplies needed to make your own 50ml toothpaste (without fluoride)
Essential oil (preferably organic): peppermint 6-10 drops (to taste)
30g solid coconut oil (preferably organic and odorless)
10g baking soda
Optional: 10 drops of liquid stevia or 6g of xylitol (natural sweetener to taste)
Explanation ingredients DIY toothpaste
The peppermint oil disinfects your mouth and provides fresh breath. You can find more information about essential oils in this blog post.
Coconut oil naturally has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties. It also cares for your gums and protects against cavities.
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) cleans your teeth.
Stevia neutralizes the salty taste. Xylitol (birch sugar) serves as a sweetener and also has an antibacterial effect. It prevents the bacteria from attaching to plaque on the teeth.
Preparation DIY toothpaste
Mix all ingredients in a bowl with a spoon.
Taste and add a drop of mint or stevia to taste
Dip the toothbrush into the toothpaste and brush your teeth. If you do not have a toothbrush with you during the workshop, use a finger to apply some to the teeth.
The workshop giver will also give you a sticker to stick on the jar: please note what the product is and when it was made (today's date). The toothpaste has a shelf life of 1 year. Always look and smell to see if it's still good.
Remarks:
At higher temperatures, the coconut oil melts and that is less practical. Some people are sensitive to sodium bicarbonate, you can replace this with white clay or chalk stone powder (calcium carbonate).
Where can you find the ingredients?
Convenience stores
Drugstores: Di, Kruidvat, Holland & Barrett
All parapharmacies such as Medi-Marktet
Webshops such as Jojoli or Druantia
Good brands of essential oils are Phytosun or Pranarôm
Did you know...:
You use on average at least 6 tubes of toothpaste per person per year? Keeping the tap open while brushing quickly wastes about 10l of water? Can you also floss with recyclable wooden toothpicks? The foam in your toothpaste has no useful function (despite what advertising makes us think!) Do 'whitening' toothpaste also contain bicarbonate to refresh the teeth?
Would you like to discover more sustainable tips?
More DIY recipes and tips can be found in the Mixua blog
Discover sustainable addresses in your region in the Mixua online discovery guide.
Join of our online workshops to (continue) exploring how to make a positive impact through your lifestyle