no more toothpaste tubes

Homemade toothpaste may often be one of the first things people try when they decide to start reducing their waste. I've tried a few different recipes over the years. Baking soda alone felt a bit inadequate. I really liked this toothpaste recipe, but it only took me about three brushes to realize that coconut oil shouldn't be spit down the drain (because it will build up + cause a clog). There is advice out there to just wash it down with hot water, but that will only push it further down the pipes. And...I wasn't really into having a spit jar instead (is that just trash then?). ​

Then I came across the Wild Minimalist's coconut oil-free recipe. There were a few ingredients listed that I wasn't too sure about leaving on my teeth, so I started digging a little deeper. Here's what I found:

Baking soda :: Helps to remove plaque + reduces acidity. This is the main ingredient in most tooth powder/paste recipes. Though there are those who say it is too abrasive for everyday use, its abrasiveness is less than many commercial pastes. via

Aloe Vera :: Controls cavity causing organisms :: via :: choose dietary aloe vera, not topical

Bentonite Clay :: Antibacterial, absorbs toxins, + reduces acidity. via + via :: choose food grade (here or here)

Xylitol :: I chose xylitol instead of stevia, because xylitol reduces tooth decay + plaque and promotes the remineralization of teeth :: via + via :: choose xylitol from birch wood, so it's non GMO

Peppermint Oil :: antimicrobial properties, reduces cavities + freshens bad breath :: via

I found lots of information stating that fluoride is an essential toothpaste ingredient...and lots stating that it is a dangerous ingredient. I felt that this article struck a trustworthy balance.

Well...that all actually sounds pretty good to me, so I decided to give it a try. All of the ingredients were available at my health food store. While this is not entirely zero-waste toothpaste, I was able to choose products with mostly recyclable packaging (unlike regular toothpaste tubes)... + these ingredients will last for a long time.

Here are the adjustments I made for our recipe:
4 Tbsp. baking soda
1 Tbsp. bentonite clay
1 tsp. xylitol 
2 Tbsp. aloe vera
12 drops peppermint oil

Mix with non-metal utensil in non-metal bowl + put into non-metal containers. I split ours into individual containers (no germ sharing).  :) We just swipe a little out on our toothbrushes, wet, brush, + rinse well.

Allowing a little time to adjust to the taste + mouth feel is beneficial. Mr. Tribe says that he feels like his teeth are whiter. Jo + Julia agree. Jo says she can't express how much she was dragging her feet about this change, but that now it's one of her favorite things! All in all, I'm hopeful that this is the toothpaste recipe will help us to keep our teeth clean + healthy. In combination with dental lace (now coated in a natural wax instead of a petroleum product!) + bamboo toothbrushes...I feel good about our waste reduction in this department. No more toothpaste tubes! (Thank you so much, Lily!)

Do you have a toothpaste recipe that you love? Please share!!  :)

Love,
Jane