How to Make Kids' Toothpaste

More and more people are becoming concerned about additives in common household products and have begun searching for natural alternatives. One of these products is toothpaste. Fluoride, a staple in the manufacture of commercial toothpastes in the United States, has been banned as unsafe in several countries in Europe and elsewhere. In this country, fluoride in toothpaste has only been widely used since World War II. Potential health risks of fluoride, especially for children, are still being studied. In the meantime, if you would like to experiment with a natural alternative, then this project is for you. This homemade version of kids' toothpaste contains coconut oil, tea tree oil and spearmint oil---all natural anti-bacterial substances that also freshen breath and keep gums healthy. Baking soda is added to polish the teeth and to help whiten them. By mixing the coconut oil with the baking soda first, the baking soda is rendered slightly less abrasive, but no less effective. Creating your family's own natural toothpaste will take about five minutes, but will last several months.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Fork or small wire whisk
• Eyedropper
• 2 to 3 tablespoons coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons baking soda
• ½ to 1 small packet of stevia powder
• 3 drops of tea tree oil
• 10 to 27 drops of spearmint oil (begin with 10 drops, and adjust according to your preference)
• Pump dispenser bottle (less messy for small hands)

1. Place 2 to 3 tablespoons of coconut oil into a small bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of baking soda to the coconut oil and mix well.

2. Sprinkle ½ to 1 packet of stevia powder (herbal sweetener, found in health food stores) onto the mixture in the bowl.

3. Add 3 drops of tea tree oil with the eyedropper. Mix the contents of the bowl lightly just to combine the ingredients.

4. Add 10 drops of spearmint oil and stir the contents of the bowl for 60 seconds. Taste a small amount of the toothpaste. If more flavor is needed, add 2 or 3 drops at a time, mix again very well, and taste the toothpaste again until you are pleased with the result.

5. Place the toothpaste in a pump dispenser bottle and keep it in the bathroom. This natural toothpaste will last about three months for an average family of four.

Tips & Warnings

• Extra batches can be kept up to a year tightly sealed in plastic containers in your refrigerator. It will keep indefinitely in the freezer. When cold, this product will be very firm. Bring the contents to room temperature in order to soften the chilled toothpaste for use.

References

• Dental Care

Resources

• See a recipe for another homemade alternative to commercial toothpaste.