Homemade Herbal Toothpaste

My husband struggles with dental health problems so a couple of years ago we set about finding a homemade herbal toothpaste recipe to help to reduce tooth decay, gum inflammation and improve overall dental health.  I am an herbalist, so of course I look to the plants for help and dental health is an area where herbs really shine.  There are so many amazing plant allies that have been used for thousands of years to promote dental health. We have seen amazing results from our herbal toothpaste experiments, including an end to cavity formation, reducing inflammation pain & tenderness of the gums and dramatic improvement in overall dental health.

The recipe below was formulated and perfected over time.  It is our final, best of the best recipe.  Not only will it improve dental health but it also has a great texture, taste and overall palatability.  Let’s face it, we have all gotten used to sugar-filled, flavor-filled toothpastes.  It’s hard to make the switch to natural toothpaste especially if you want to get your kids on board.  If you are having trouble getting your kids to make the switch, get them involved in the process.  Have them pour and mix and play while you make the toothpaste together.  My kids are usually more inclined to give things a try if they were involved in the process of making it.

The first recipe has a lot of therapeutic herbal ingredients.  It is recommended for older children and adults who are struggling with dental problems or those wanting to prevent future problems and promote overall dental health.  Then I follow with a very simple version of the toothpaste that is specific for younger kids or anyone wanting a clean alternative to commercial toothpaste.  Feel free to play around with the recipe, add your own herbal powders, tinctures & essential oils and have fun with it!

Let’s take a look at the powerful ingredients in the herbal toothpaste:

Baking Soda: Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate.  It reduces the formation of plaque, alkalizes the mouth and can also support remineralization of tooth enamel.

Coconut Oil: A nice antimicrobial, healing oil.  Not only does it offer therapeutic effects, it also creates a nice consistency and hold to the toothpaste.

Spilanthes Tincture: Also known as the “Toothache Plant” due to it’s anesthetic action, Spilanthes is most helpful for those suffering from painful teeth & gums.  It is also antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

Echinacea Tincture: This herb is essential for those dealing dental infections as it is a powerful antimicrobial.

Myrrh Powder: This famous resin has a long history of use for dental problems. It is antimicrobial and powerfully anti-inflammatory.  It has been used successfully in cases of serious gingivitis.

Kaolin Clay: Clay thickens the paste, helping to give it a smooth texture. You can sub in any type of clay that you have on hand.

Stevia: This natural sweetener is made from the leaves of the plant Stevia rebaudiana.  This is an optional ingredient, added to make the toothpaste sweeter if that is desired.

Peppermint Essential Oil: This anti-microbial oil is often an ingredient in toothpaste, both conventional and natural.  It’s pleasant taste leaves your mouth feeling clean and fresh.

Spearmint Essential Oil: Similar in action to peppermint, but a bit milder.  I like to use spearmint over peppermint in the kid’s formula.

Frankincense Essential Oil: This resin gum has been chewed for thousands of years to promote dental health.  It is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory making it an ally for reducing gum inflammation and preventing dental infections.  You could also sub Frankincense powder, most often called Boswellia.  (Be sure to check the Latin name to determine what variety of Frankincense you are getting. you want to use Boswellia sacra, Boswellia carterii or Boswellia serrata.)

Herbal Toothpaste Recipe:

5 Tbsp Baking Soda

4 Tbsp Coconut Oil, melted

2 Tsp Herbal Tincture (Echinacea and Spilanthes are my favorites.  I usually add a combination the the two if I have them both on hand.)

1/2 Tsp Kaolin Clay

1/4 Tsp Myrrh Powder

1/4 Tsp Stevia Liquid Extract (optional ingredient, added to improve flavor)

30 drops Peppermint or Spearmint Essential Oil

15 drops Frankincense Essential Oil

The Simple Version:

5 Tbsp Baking Soda

4 Tbsp Coconut Oil, melted

2 Tsp Echinacea Tincture

1/4 Tsp Kaolin Clay

1/4 Tsp Stevia (optional ingredient, added to improve flavor)

30 drops Spearmint Essential Oil

Blending Instructions:

Gather your ingredients.

Melt the coconut oil in a double boiler until liquid.

Combine the dry ingredients (baking soda, clay & myrrh powder) in a mixing bowl.

Pour the liquid coconut oil into the bowl and mix well.

Add the tinctures and essential oils and mix well.

Stir until the coconut oil cools and you get a nice thick paste (this step is important.  If you pour into you containers while the coconut oil is still warm, it may separate in your container).  Once the mixture is cool and you have a nice thick paste, spoon into your containers.

Yields approx 4 ounces of toothpaste

To use, apply a small amount of paste to your toothbrush and brush as normal.