If you were to hop into the Way-Back Machine to when people cleaned their teeth before the onset of fluorides and industrial waste paste, you would have the chance to see how teeth and gums can be naturally cleaned.
Instead of acidic chemicals, the key to teeth cleaning was through the use of calcified shells of microscopic ocean creatures called diatoms. When these creatures die, they leave behind abrasive deposits that closely mimic soil when built-up over time. Combined with certain other household items, diatom shells are the perfect base to the best all-natural toothpaste.
Think about the true reason behind using toothpaste. Is it to smell minty fresh, or patronize a company that delivers a product in a fancy box? Absolutely not! The purpose of toothpaste is to provide a catalyst for a rough brush to rid the teeth and gums of food particles and certain bacteria. It doesn’t take a degree in chemical engineering to learn how to clean teeth.
Here is a simple recipe for homemade, all-natural toothpaste. You will need:
- Food Grade Diatomaceous Earth: This product can be purchased from any health food outlet for about $8-10 a pound. Don’t worry, a little earth goes a long way.
- Mint Extract, or Mint Leaf Puree: Mint has delivery properties and provides a traditional taste for homemade toothpaste.
- Tea Tree Oil: This extract kills many harmful bacteria types. It is also completely safe if swallowed while brushing unlike many ingredients in commercial toothpaste. Have you ever noticed the warning on commercial toothpaste that says, “call a poison control center if this product is swallowed?” Look for it, it’s there!
- Baking Soda: When soda is activated with other oils and water, its byproduct reaction aides in stain and particulate removal. There is a reason the most expensive commercial toothpastes contain this important ingredient.
- Distilled Water: This is a mixing agent that should be devoid of municipal additives like chlorine and fluoride.
Instructions
Using the above ingredients, create a paste that is easy to spread. There is no specific ratio of ingredients, but keep in mind that the diatomaceous earth should be the vast majority of the creation. The diatoms scrub surfaces in the mouth, the tea tree oil provides a defense against bacteria, the mint is almost exclusively for taste, and the water helps create a workable formula. It is advisable to experiment with small batches considering the expense and rarity of the ingredients used.
Like the best things in nature, a little goes a long way. Once you’ve discovered a mixture that is suitable, store it in a tightly-sealed glass container. Refrigerate if possible because the ingredients are biological, not chemical like commercial toothpaste. 2-4 weeks of storage is a safe window for storing batches of this all-natural toothpaste.
Informational Credit to C U Smile
