When I learned I was sensitive to titanium dioxide, a carcinogen, I ditched make-up and lotions with it. When I still felt tired in the morning, I checked my toothpaste. And there it was, one of the ingredients! I tried an experiment. One night I brushed with only organic peppermint oil. The next day I woke up feeling refreshed! What a difference. Titanium dioxide is a carcinogen, and for me, absorbing it through toothpaste was contributing to chronic fatigue.

I searched online and the local drugstore for a titanium dioxide-free toothpaste, and it was almost impossible to find in conventional brands. I ordered a few natural ones – one arrived with a “contains lead” warning. That went into the trash. The other had silica/silicon dioxide, another filler that contributes to fatigue and fibromyalgia-like pain. Done dealing with fillers, I decided to make my own. I’m so glad I did!

This is a simple recipe I created myself. My mouth is perfectly clean and happy using just mint and baking soda, but I experimented with clay to create more of a paste, and it worked well so I’m including it here. If you don’t like clay, you can try just the mint and baking soda. Just make sure you buy organic peppermint oil and a pure baking soda.

The Ingredients

Bentonite Clay binds toxins and bacteria around the teeth, on the tongue and gums. A natural antibacterial, it’s often used in natural toothpaste formulas. Here’s a link to what I use: Aztec Secret Indian Healing Clay Deep Pore Cleansing 2 Pounds

Organic Peppermint Oil has been used for over 1,000 years to naturally freshen breath. Studies have shown that peppermint oil reduced cavities more effectively than mouthwash chemicals. Here’s a link to what I use: USDA Certified Organic Peppermint Essential Oil. 30 ml (1 oz). 100% Pure, Undiluted, Therapeutic Grade.

Baking Soda naturally whitens teeth but did you also know it promotes healthy probiotics in your mouth, reducing tooth decay? Bad bacteria in our mouth flourish in an acidic pH of 5.5. Baking soda is alkaline at  8.3 pH, promoting a positive oral microbiome. Baking soda is a salt, naturally antimicrobial, and can reduce periodontal pathogens, and it removes plaque. I use Bob’s: Bob’s Red Mill Baking Soda, 16 oz

Ozonanted Water is known for killing bacteria, freshening breath, healing gums and whitening teeth. I use this ozone water purifier: Signstek 10W 50Hz 400mg/h Air Water Purifier Disinfector Ozone O3 Generator Function Machine

And if you like the little mixing bowl I use, here ya go: GBSTORE 4 In 1 Facial DIY Skin Care Mask Mixing Bowl Stick Brush Gauge Spoon Set Pink

How To Do It

Mix together one teaspoon baking soda, one teaspoon clay and about 1/2 teaspoon water. Baking soda is salty. If you want it less salty, add half the amount of baking soda or even just a pinch if you’re really sensitive to it.

Add enough water to make it pasty. If it comes out to liquid, just add a bit more clay or soda.

Add 10-20 drops of peppermint oil, depending on how minty you like it. It will get mintier when your toothpaste marinates for a while.

Your toothpaste will look like this, the same consistency as store bought.

Store in an airtight container. I used a glass bowl and Ziplock bag for this first effort. You could use a piping/pastry bag to store it, too, or make your own piping bag by cutting a hole in the corner of the Ziplock bag. Just make sure you store the bag within a bag to keep it airtight. Small spice jars and empty baby food containers are also great storage options.

Put some on your toothbrush and brush away!

Keep this in mind – baking soda is abrasive so don’t brush hard! Brushing your teeth with too much pressure hurts your enamel, even without baking soda. My absolute FAVORITE toothbrush (and I’ve tried a lot) was recommended by one of my favorite dentists, Dr. Kay in New York. It’s Philips Sonicare 3 Series for gum health. I had dramatic results in my gum health after just one week. No more sensitive gums! You don’t need any pressure when using this baby, just gently glide it across your gums and this powerhouse brush will do all the work! Here’s a link: Philips Sonicare 3 Series Gum Health Sonic Electric Rechargeable Toothbrush, HX6631/30

Be aware, this homemade toothpaste is unsweetened, unlike every other toothpaste on the market. It’s counterproductive to add sugar to toothpaste when you think about it, yet every toothpaste has some sort of sweetener to make it taste better. If you really can’t tolerate the flavor of your unsweetened homemade toothpaste, try adding organic orange or vanilla extract or solid (not melted) coconut oil for natural sweetness.

Cheers to healthy and happy teeth and gums!