I’ve made adjustments to my homemade toothpaste recipe. We had used the old recipe for awhile, then switched back to Tom’s of Maine until I finally got off my butt and experimented with new measurements and flavors. There seems to be a short adjustment period with stinky breath when making the switch; I haven’t quite figured out why. Anyone know?
Here’s the new recipe I’ve settled on for now; “parts” equals teaspoons for me:
4 parts baking soda (Or was it six? Dang!)
2 parts hydrogen peroxide
2 parts water
1 part aloe vera
1 part vanilla extract
I’m storing it in a small jar that used to hold yeast, cuz how else can those tiny jars be reused? And yes, I really am using vanilla extract. The peppermint flavor from the last toothpaste recipe was a bit blech for me. In all honesty, I don’t taste much vanilla at all. I might increase it next time. Or I might skip it all together. I only wanted to use it up so I can start using my homemade vanilla extract!
My name is Tara. I am a mama and a lover, a full-time nomad, a passionate devourer of Life and an Organic Life Coach.
I’d be interested in trying this recipe. We use Tom’s right now. Thanks for sharing this.
In my totally honest opinion, I’m not sure the hydrogen peroxide is necessary and completely safe Tara. Perhaps do some research on the net about using it regularly on the teeth. I do totally get you on the peppermint thing. In the UK, they sell ‘orange flower water’ and herbalists sell different flavoured flower waters as well which may seem nicer than the vanilla as well.
This is a really interesting process though, keep it up!
Too much peroxide undiluted is totally not safe. Small diluted amounts (of the 4% stuff, not the full strength stuff) don’t pose a problem. That’s why I have equal parts water/peroxide. As for unnecessary, yeah I could probably get away without using it. But it helps to kill germs/bacteria and yada yada. But who knows what’s safe anymore, right? I bet it safer than my tap water! HA
I’ve actually put more thought into the effects of using an abrasive every day (baking soda) but can’t seem to find any info stating the dangers.
We just started using toothsoap. (I bought it online.) I do agree about the bad breath. For the time being I am giving ppl lots of “face space” hoping it will get better.
I was under the impression it was better to use baking soda once a week b/c it can be harsh for daily use. It takes off enamel…..or so I was told.
Hillary, that’s what I thought, too. My aunt is a hygenist and my uncle a dentist and they said they prescribe it long term for their pateints. Of course, they’re also big fans of flouride (I’m really not) so maybe I should take it all with a grain of salt…or is it grain of sand? :/
Tara
You were interested in a soap without lye or something weren’t you? I may have made this up. Anyway, look up ‘soapwort’ – it’s a plant with pretty pink flowers. You use the root for soap. Also, ‘soapnuts’ which comes from a tree I think. Again, this is a ‘tree’ that could be planted in your back garden or front garden. I don’t know….anyway, look it up.
Very cool! I have yet to try out homemade toothpaste but have it on my to do list. Thanks for sharing yours.
The big deal with hydrogen peroxide for dental care is that it can react with the calcium (and calcum/tartar) in your mouth and cause black staining. Some folks who have used hydrogen peroxide for a long time as mouth wash (like years and years) develop black tongue. Hydrogen peroxide is an excellent antibacterial, it’s just this curious side-effect can be annoying. But using it in small amounts as you are is probably not a problem. I’ve heard glycerin also has anti-bacterial properlties, and can be used with baking soda to make more of a tooth paste. Brushing with vinegar once or twice a week supposedly reduces calcum/tartar deposits. Personally, I bath and brush with baking soda, diluted with water. I just put some in my mouth and brush, and it works fine. I’ve tried hydrogen peroxide as mouthwash, and it was just too harsh. I have yet to try the glycerin and vinegar. I like how fresh my mouth feels after using diluted baking soda, but it doesn’t last as long as I’d like. Some folks say once you clean your mouth of bad bacteria and food particles, you need to “plant the field” so to speak with good bacteria, so they rinse with dilute probiotic, like acidophilus, or eat a spoonful of yogurt. Another person I talked to says he eats 2 acidopholis pills, literally chewing them so the bacteria get into his mouth and gums. It works fine for him, but I get bad reactions from probiotics, so I’ve skipped that idea.
If you are using Hydrogen Peroxide for “germ killing” I highly recommend opting out for essential tea tree oil. It has been used for probably hundreds of years for its natural antiseptic, disinfecting properties. Just a few drops will do it, would probably taste best with citrus blends such as sweet orange and lemon oils, but I don’t see why you can’t use it with any other essential oils based on your preference.
@PipeDreams, tea tree oil would probably be a good alternative. I wish I wasn’t allergic to it.
How about tea tree oil, instead of hydrogen peroxide for “germ killing”. I dilute some in a spray bottle of water and spray it on my toothbrush, before and after I brush.
Seems to help with bad breath and keep down tarter, too.
While I am at it, I spray down the sink and counter and swipe it clean with a cloth.
I noticed several expensive electric toothbrush systmes recommended adding tea tree oil to the water used in the machines. That is how I got the idea.
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Adding glycerin might help cut out bad breath. Here’s a snipet from Wikipedia on Glycerol (glycerin):
It can be used orally to eliminate halitosis, as it is a contact bacterial desiccant.[Needs footnote.] The same property makes it very helpful with periodontal disease; it penetrates biofilm quickly and eliminates bacterial colonies.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Glycerol