How to Make Your Own Clay-Based Toothpaste
Ever wonder what those crazy sounding ingredients are in your store bought toothpaste? You know what I’m talking about — those scientific sounding names that might as well be a foreign language to the rest of us. You know, names like Propylene Glycol or Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.
And you’d have to be living in a cave if you haven’t heard the bad publicity parabens get these days. So how about you toss that old tube in the trash and start fresh with your very own DIY clay-based toothpaste that only takes about ten minutes to make. I promise your mouth will thank you for it!
First you will need four tablespoons of bentonite clay. Now if you’re not familiar with bentonite clay, it’s essentially volcanic ash found mostly around Benton, WY (hence the name), but it’s also been discovered in France, as well. Any why would I want to scrub my teeth with volcanic ash, you might ask?
Well because this miracle clay is a powerhouse of minerals, that’s why! Bentonite clay contains silica, sodium, copper, iron, potassium, calcium and magnesium, which are must-have minerals for all of us to thrive optimally, but which many people are deficient in. It was used traditionally throughout history to treat different illnesses with very effective results. That’s because the clay pulls out toxins due to its negatively charged molecules coming into contact with the positively charged molecules found in various toxins and heavy metals.
Bentonite clay is a fabulous choice for detoxifying from heavy metals because of its marvelous ability to eliminate so many toxins from the body. Now you don’t want to let the clay come into contact with any metal, though, as it will pull the toxins from the metal and its healing properties would be diminished. So watch those forks and mixing bowls, and make sure that you hand mix your ingredients instead of using a blender with the metal blades.
This little miracle clay is used in many different ways. It’s beneficial for treating any skin irritation, from acne to poison ivy and anything in between. As a toothpaste ingredient it helps prevent undesirable bacteria from entering the gut and causing gastrointestinal problems like IBS and digestive upset. It can even knock out a nasty stomach virus or better yet, prevent one from happening in the first place. That’s some miracle volcano dust there!!
Next mix that with 3/4th cup of warmed up coconut oil, which has anti-microbial properties that can help prevent the growth of cavity-inducing bacteria. Then I add a tablespoon of dolomite powder, which is a type of limestone consisting of calcium and magnesium. It’s a magical combination that, when added together, creates a synergistic effect in the body.
We have all grown up with the idea that milk does a body good because of its calcium content, but calcium is high in lactic acid, which directly contributes to cavity production. But if you put calcium and magnesium together, it creates a symbiotic effect that is very beneficial to the health of your teeth.
Next add a fourth teaspoon of sea salt, which is high in trace minerals and electrolytes. I also add twenty drops of trace minerals, which is optional, but it’s useful in that it provides a ton of vital minerals that’s an equivalent to the mineral content found in ½ a cup of sea water. So if you happen to have it, throw some in, but if not, that’s OK, too.
Now add a teaspoon of xylitol to sweeten the deal, but don’t be fooled that this is just a sweetener to help make the toothpaste palatable. Xylitol has the remarkable ability to prevent tooth decay and harden enamel, thus keeping cavities from forming. There’s also a promising study administered on lab rats that shows how xylitol can even protect against the H1N1 flu virus. How cool is that?
Now xylitol has been known to cause gastrointestinal distress in some people because it acts like a fiber in the large intestine. But it’s recommended to not ingest more than fifty grams a day, so I don’t think a little bit in your toothpaste will matter much on that count. But if stevia is more your thing, go for it, just cut the amount down to a half teaspoon because that is one potent little plant.
I add my essential oils last, and my favorite for toothpaste is peppermint for its zingy flavor, plus it has the added benefit of being anti-microbial, making it an all-around excellent choice for oral health. You could also use clove or orange oil, and they are both beneficial in their own way. I usually put in about twenty drops, but I never know for sure until I taste test it, so do your own thing there to adjust to your particular taste buds. After all, you want to enjoy your new toothpaste so you feel inspired to make more in the future!
So there you have it. Now you will have to scoop it out of your jar with a knife or spoon to get it onto your brush, just remember not to use any metal. And I have to admit, I’m kind of addicted to the way it makes my teeth feel. It’s interesting because when I occasionally run out of it, I’ll resort to my hubby’s regular grocery store stuff and my teeth never feel as clean as they do with my DIY version.
So I hope you enjoy making your own toothpaste as much as I do because you know what? It feels good, intrinsically good, to take control of your own oral health instead of relying on grocery store brands that are not looking out for your best interest. Plus I got a thumbs up from my holistic dentist and that deserves a little pat on the back, don’t you think? Anyway I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Now mix all those ingredients together and go brush your teeth!
