So chemicals. Not a fan. Not a fan at all.
A while ago I started buying Tom’s supposed natural toothpaste for my kids in an effort to cut down on harmful chemicals in our everyday routine. And then one morning I looked at the ingredients: Hydrated Silica, Carageenan, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Natural Flavors… Umm. Not okay.
And then I found out about Earthpaste. It’s toothpaste that is made from absolutely 100% natural and real ingredients. They make a flavor just for kids, Lemon Twist. Boom, baby. Only problem was the sticker shock. At $6.40/tube (Amazon pricing), it was a little more than what I wanted to spend on a semi-regularly made purchase.
After researching a little more into Earthpaste’s ingredients, along with other recipes I found online, I finally mixed together the perfect combo. It comes together in minutes and couldn’t be healthier, even if swallowed! And the best part is that my kids love it. LOOOOOVE it. My littlest one would brush his teeth all day long if I let him. I think it also has to do with the fact that I let them help me make it. It seems whenever I have my kids help me out in the kitchen, they are more open to trying new tastes/experiences (like gray toothpaste!).
Without further adieu, here are the ingredients for Homemade Kids Toothpaste.
4 T Coconut Oil (where to buy it))
2 T Redmond Clay (where to buy it))
2 tsp Xylitol (where to buy it)
Pinch or 2 of Redmond Real Salt (where to buy it)
2 tsp Organic Lemon Extract (where to buy it)
20-30 drops Liquid Stevia to taste, vanilla (where to buy it)
Directions
In a medium bowl, mix together coconut oil, clay, salt, and xylitol.
When smooth, add in lemon extract and liquid stevia to taste. I seriously just stick my finger in the bowl and taste it. Or have your kids try it. That’s even better, since it’s for them!
Mix well and put in container of choice. Makes enough to fill one 4 oz container. That’s it!
Feel free to experiment with the flavoring. Peppermint, coconut, orange…any flavor of extract would do. High quality essential oils would also work well for flavoring purposes.
I keep my homemade kids toothpaste in a 4 oz glass canning jar and it works great. But you could also use squeezable refillable tubes if you like:
I think these would be perfect for this recipe if you wanted something squeezable.
The softness of this toothpaste will depend on the temperature of your home because of the coconut oil. We keep our home around 70 degrees in the winter and the consistency has been great! Still soft enough that it hasn’t bothered my kids although I’m interested to see what it’s like come summer when things heat up a bit.
Now, let’s talk about the benefits of each ingredient.
- Coconut Oil: Gives it the smooth texture similar to other toothpastes, smells great, and has antimicrobial and antibacterial properties to keep your mouth clean.
- Redmond Benonite Clay: If you haven’t heard about this stuff, then it’s definitely worth some researching. The clay provides a mild abrasive that won’t harm your teeth while providing some other amazing health benefits. Go ahead and swallow!
- Xylitol: Prevents tooth decay by eliminating acidic bacteria and repairs damaged enamel naturally. Also provides a touch of sweetness.
- Redmond Real Salt: Another mild abrasive that also provides needed minerals for healthy systems.
- Organic Lemon Extract: Flavors safely and kids love it!
- Liquid Stevia: Made from the stevia plant, liquid stevia sweetens without the harm of normal sugars. Totally safe for the teeth and healthy too!
So, how does our homemade kids toothpaste price compare to Earthpaste?
Coconut Oil: I buy my coconut oil at Costco at about $22 for 78 oz. This recipe used about $.56 worth.
Clay: My container cost $10 at my local health food store. 2 T is approximately $0.65.
Xylitol: About $0.20.
Redmond Real Salt: Pennies, but for math purposes we’ll say $0.06.
Organic Lemon Extract: My extract cost about $4 for 2 fl oz. Using 2 tsp is approximately $0.66.
Liquid Stevia: Used about $0.20 worth.
Total Cost: $2.33
Our homemade version is more than 64% cheaper than the high quality brand, Earthpaste. That’s a win in my book, folks.
Now some may say $2.33 really isn’t that great of a savings when you compare it to normal, grocery store brands. And they would be right. But with all of the harsh chemicals found in typical toothpaste, it’s not something I would even want to compare to. Apples to oranges, people.
How about you? What products do you make from scratch to help your family stay healthy while still being frugal? Have you used homemade toothpaste before? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Wow! I want to trade kids! Really, my kids, one in particular, hates any toothpaste and I have to hold his head and do it myself (and he his 7!) I would love to have kids that are willing to try stuff like this!
Wow! I never considered making my own! Why is it only for kids? Would it be effective enough for adults, too?
Adults could totally use it too! 🙂
That looks awesome! Can’t wait to try it out. Have you heard or done anything with ground eggshells in toothpaste? Thanks. 🙂
Nope, I haven’t heard of using eggshells. I’ll have to look into it, thanks!
How long has it been since you were able to get coconut oil for that price?
I got my coconut oil last week, thanks for your question.
Just be sure to keep the Xylitol (and anything containing it), out of reach of dogs. It is extremely toxic to dogs, and can cause death. It is totally safe for humans, though. That said, the paste sounds awesome! I love the idea of making my own, and having total control of the ingredients. Thank you for all of your research Karrie, and for making it easy for the rest of us!
I would love to have a toothpaste for adults! This one looks easy and we need one for big people!
She said adults could use this too!!
You should compare your toothpaste to the price of children’s flouride free toothpaste. That stuff costs an ARM and a leg!
Stupid question..how do you get it on the toothbrush?
You can apply it using a mini spoon. Like what’s here https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=mini%20spoon or just make a tube of it. When I typed in empty containers for toothpaste…this is what I found https://www.google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=empty%20tubes%20for%20toothpaste
I’ve made this toothpaste for myself/husband for years. Some tips: spit out into the garbage (not the sink) and keep hand soap handy for thoroughly washing the toothbrush when you’re done (the oils cause serious build up in the pipes). My son won’t use this because he prefers fruity flavors and I haven’t been able to create the flavor to his preference. So, for now, we use flouride free in the hopes he’ll soon turn around 🙂
This looks awesome, but what I picture is everyone dipping their toothbrush into the jar and that gave me an eww factor. How sho you get the paste from the jar into their toothbrush?
You could use a popsicle stick to take a bit out, or the back end of a spoon. You just have to be careful about germs getting in there. Another option if you want is to get squeezable tubes and add them in that way –> travel tubes: http://amzn.to/1c50JUt
I’ve seen people use soap dispensers too 🙂
That’s very similar to the toothpaste I make for myself and my husband. I can’t get my 5 year old to use it though. I never thought of using lemon flavoring, I bet she’d use that. Thank you.
Started reading and thought “what is the purpose of that ingredient…and that one.” and then you answered me. Also curious about best way to dispense it without sticking a toothbrush into it. I’m wondering if one of those pouches designed to do your own fruit squeezes would work. Things that make you go “Hmmm”!
Great idea! Let me know if you find something that works better!
What about one of those frosting piping bags? (I know, plastic…) Maybe a cleaned out baby food jar for each person to dip their toothbrush into? I’m actually fine with a shared jar. The toothpaste sticks to the toothbrush and lifts right out, I assume?
I just found these awesome squeezable refillable tubes on amazon —
3-pack Humangear 3oz. travel tubes: http://amzn.to/1c50JUt
1 Single Humangear 3 oz travel tube: http://amzn.to/LCsRHC
I think these would be perfect for this recipe if you wanted something squeezable.
I would think you could turn any kind of used containers like squeezable ketchup bottles. But I also found these squeezable refillable tubes on amazon —
3-pack Humangear 3oz. travel tubes: http://amzn.to/1c50JUt
1 Single Humangear 3 oz travel tube: http://amzn.to/LCsRHC
I think these would be perfect for this recipe if you wanted something squeezable 🙂
This sounds amazing!! Thank you so much for this, cant wait to try it!
So I was wondering where did you get the mason jar for storing your toothpaste? I’ve been on the look out for smaller glass jars that still have tight lids and so far I haven’t had any luck…):
I found some on Amazon at this link: http://amzn.to/MgB3gC
Locally, I would check any store with canning supplies. I have found them at Walmart, Bed, Bath and Beyond and even some thrift stores. Happy hunting!
Karrie, you’re my kind of gal! Little by little I’ve been switching my family to more organic products and foods. Last year I made toothpaste using baking soda, coconut oil, stevia and peppermint essential oil. Good to know about putting xylitol in it. My mouth feels super clean and my dentist noted this last check-up: no cavities! I can count on one hand how many times that’s happened in my life. I also make my own pit paste & face wash with similar ingredients. I actually had a real medical doctor tell me this week that there are too many toxins in our 21st century environments and he advocated changes like this. Keep up the good work!
Tari,
Can you share what you use for your pit paste? Been trying a few and haven’t found one that works.
Thank you,
Michelle
I’m too cheap to get a tube. You can probably just get a ziplock bag and cut a hole in the corner and squeeze it out.
I would caution against using lemon flavoring due to the possibility of the acid erosion of tooth enamel.
Wondering what I could use in place of coconut oil? One of my kids is allergic!
Veronica, I’ve seen some recipes that use purified or distilled water instead of the coconut oil. That might work for you. Maybe just add a little at a time until you get the consistency you like.
I will definitely give this a try!
This looks great! I’d make it right now but I don’t have a couple of the ingredients… are there regular stores you can find xyletol or the clay at rather than needing to order online?
I’ve been making homemade toothpaste for about a year now. I use coconut oil, xylitol, and a little bit of baking soda. I love it unless I put too much baking soda! I’ll have to try your recipe! Thanks!
Thanks for another great Natural Toothpaste Recipe! I really appreciate that you took the time to link to the products, as well as mention their benefits! I just wanted to caution you, that the Redmond Clay contains trace amounts of lead and may not be “appropriate” for children and pregnant women. I don’t know how much is considered un-safe, but I thought I’d throw it out there! Thanks for the recipe – I pinned it 😉
We did it! We used a different clay brand and my daughter commented the color was similar to things found in our chicken coop, but YUM! Once you get over the color (don’t smile in the mirror with this on your teeth), it is great. We both love the taste and feel. And I have also noticed my mouth actually feels cleaner for a longer period of time. Thanks for all of the hard work on this.
I have gobs of ingredients left over as most came in jumbo sizes, so if you have any recipes that use similar ingredients, let us know!
Thanks-
Also, I meant to add with regards to the caution about tooth enamel and lemon flavoring: my understanding was that Lemon Flavoring was mostly lemon oil which is very low in acid.
Hi, Love the toothpaste but find it turns to liquid very easily, any ideas on stopping this??
Have you wondered about the caution label on the Redmond clay and the Earthpaste tube? It mentions the lead risk found in the clay. I’m curious about that warning! Thanks~
Small heads up from a dental hygienist here. Toms of Maine gets their ingredients from natural sources rather then create them chemically in labs. I have seen first hand that people who have issues with SLS in other products dont with the SLS in toms because they take it straight out of a tree.
With that in mind, xylitol is AWESOME for all things oral because it inhibits bacteria which causes both gum disease and tooth decay. Xylitol can be very abrasive though depending on the grain you get so just be aware of that. Toothpaste is actually not necessary in the cleaning process so if kids dont like it and will brush without it, great. The only reason why we push it is to expose your teeth to fluoride (which us also a totally awesome and natural ingredient if extracted that way. Chemical make up does not tell the whole story.) or xylitol or desenitizers.
Here’s an option for the red clay, bentonite clay is white and actually used to eliminate toxins in the body. So this clay can be swallowed without concern, not harmful for children. From a dental hygienist also baking soda is a finer grain and better option. Lastly the baking xylitol would also be a smaller grain. Love your site, just found it.
I want to make some of this to put in Christmas Baskets this year along with the recipe to help my whole family try some healthier toothpaste, but I need to let them know the expiration date so I don’t make anyone sick. From the time it is made or opened when does it get old?
I made the recipe and the next day it was hard as a rock. I think this is due to the coconut oil. Did I add too much coconut oil? What should I do?
Also just wanted to advise everyone that since the clay absorbs be careful and don’t swallow if you are on medication. It will lessen your medication effect. This happened to my ADHD son. He couldn’t focus the next day. We got notes from school and he was pulled out of karate. After two days I started to think about the clay and how it could be absorbing his meds. We switched him back to regular toothpaste and the next day he was back to normal (or at least normal on meds).
I am not exactly sure. You could try warming the container to see if the coconut oil has solidified before using.
any reccomendations for bubblegum or strawberry flavoring? I’m excited to try this recipe 🙂
Here are a couple extracts for those flavors from Amazon! Great idea on flavors!
Strawberry extract – http://amzn.to/1nigqlZ
Bubblegum extract – http://amzn.to/1nigqCI
I am going to have to try this! I also have been looking to find some gluten free vanilla extract and the link to the lemon extract showed some below it. Thanks for posting this awesome recipe!
I make this for our house to and I love it plus it helps with cavities and my bleeding gums. The only thing I would comment is not to use any metal when mixing the clay as it breaks down all the healing properties. I also use liquid stevia instead of the powder. And I use peppermint essential oil but I never thought of lemon , ul you could also use orange, I also add 4 drops of tea tree to help kill bacteria.
I know cinnamon helps whiten teeth, which you could add to your coconut oil. I add a extra step. Before brushing, use a mouthwash of !/2 c salt, 1/2 c baking soda. I make a small 1 cup jar worth and put 1 tbsp in a cup mixed with water. I worry that this would be too abrasive as a toothpaste, so I put a tbs in 1/3 cup of water (I use an individual apple sauce cup) which lasts 3 times.
You could also add ground (and cleaned) egg shells for calcium or ground calcium pills, 1tsp black pepper (prevents cavities, gum disease cures toothache), or 4 drops of cinnamon oil (whitens teeth) when making the powder mouthwash. I can remember there use to be a cinnamon toothpaste out there.
http://www.naturelivings.com/2012/02/black-pepper-how-healthy-7-surprising.html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/284574-cinnamon-oil-for-cavities/
I didn’t read every single comment, though I did read most of them, and I saw one comment about this.. but oils are not drain safe. I hope everyone realizes this. I would spit the toothpaste into the trash, as was statd earlier. The coconut oil in the drains wouldnt be good at all, especially if this is something you would be using all the time.
I’m going to make a batch of this soon as I have recently gotten a little patch of dermatitis near my mouth that may be caused by fluoride
Suggestion: If using essential oils, use a glass container. Oils will break down plastic and then you’ll have nasty chemicals leaching into your healthy toothpaste.
Is there an alternate salt you could use? I have both Himalayan salt and Celtic salt. Would either of them work. I’d just hate to purchase another package of something when I have quite a bit of both of those still, as we buy them in bulk.
I haven’t used either salt in my recipe but I think it is worth a try as you have it on hand. I would just make sure that it is ground down fine enough to blend with the other ingredients.
I have made toothpaste with a similar recipe to yours. I make my own melt and pour organic bar soap. I have also made deodorant.
Great idea! Thanks for the recipe!
Great tooth paste I use on my toddler and myself. Although, bentonite clay should never be stored in a jar with metal. And should never be mixed with a metal spoon- this gives the bentonite clay a negative effect. I use the go-toobs I found on Amazon. And mix together with a plastic spoon
Great tip on the clay, mine is in a glass jar and I mix with a mini spatula.
Love this! Didn’t even think about lemon flavour. Fun to mix it up. I have been making mine for years but use the coconut oil, bentonite clay (leeches toxins out of gums!), baking soda, clove essential oil (antiviral) and cinnamon oil… can’t have enough cinnamon in my life and it goes nicely with the clove oil.