Most of us have favorite brands of toothpaste that we faithfully purchase repeatedly. I know that I was swayed by the advertisements promising sparkling teeth that would attract love, romance, excitement, and the fame and fortune that only that particular brand of toothpaste could offer. Brightly colored boxes housing the tubes and sometimes the swirls of color within the toothpaste all promised dazzling, perfect teeth.
But, why do we bother brushing our teeth to begin with?
Reason Number 1
We brush to make our teeth and breath clean and sweet-smelling. We do that by getting rid of the films of bacteria that colonize our tooth surfaces and reside in crevasses within the gums. It's this bacteria that eat away at the particles of food left behind after we consume anything and create acids that dissolve tooth enamel and cause bad breath.
Reason Number 2
The second reason we brush is cosmetic: to remove stains from tooth surfaces – to keep tooth surfaces white – pleasing to the eyes. Unfortunately these benefits are the ones most highly advertised and probably the primary reason most of us choose our particular brands.
Growing up in a Colgate-only family, I learned to hate the taste of that stuff, so I immediately switched to Crest when I left home. Then switched to sexy Close Up, then to striped Pepsodent, then to Aim, then back to updated Crest, then to Tom's of Maine, then lately, to Neways UltraShine Radiance... Yes, I was a toothpaste "player".
At first it was the taste that caused me to be so fickle about my choices. Later, the main thing that spurred me on was my worry about fluoride. I kept coming across articles that spoke of fluoride as a poison that is routinely added to children's toothpaste. All fluoride-containing toothpastes carry a warning label mandated by the FDA:
"WARNINGS: Keep out of reach of children under 6 years of age. If you accidentally swallow more than used for brushing, seek PROFESSIONAL HELP or contact a POISON CONTROL center immediately."The more I read the more worried I became ("fluoride is more poisonous than lead and just slightly less poisonous than arsenic").
You might be interested in this list:
7 Reasons Why Not to Use Toothpaste with Fluoride
1. Fluoride Doesn't Prevent Cavities
The world’s largest study on dental tooth decay observed 400,000 students. It revealed that decay increased 27% with a 1 part per million fluoride increase in the drinking water. In 1998, the results of a 50-year fluoridation experiment inKingston, New York (unfluoridated) and Newburgh, New York (fluoridated) were published. In summary:
“There was no significant difference in rates of dental decay in children in the two cities, but children in the fluoridated city showed significantly higher rates of dental fluorosis than those in the unfluoridated city.”2. Fluoride Can Cause Dental Fluorosis
Fluorosis is the discoloration (turning yellow) and, in advanced cases, the pitting of your teeth. The Centers of Disease Control report that at least 22% of all American children now have dental fluorosis as a result of ingesting too much fluoride, and the rate may be 69% in children from high socioeconomic-status families and those who live in fluoridated communities.
3. Fluoride Linked to Cancer
In 1977, epidemiological studies by Dr. Dean Burk, former head of the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s cell chemistry section, and Dr. John Yiamouyiannis, a biochemist president of the Safe Water Foundation (SWF), showed that fluoridation is linked to about 10,000 cancer deaths yearly. “Over 120 million Americans are being chronically poisoned by fluoridation,” he told the SPOTLIGHT. “In addition,” he said “fluoridation is responsible for 40 million cases of arthritis, dental deformity in 8 million children, allergic reactions in 2 million people and overall 10,000 unnecessary cancer deaths every year.” “Research from St. Louis University, the Nippon [Japan] Dental College and the University of Texas show that fluoride has the ability to induce tumors, cancers and stimulate tumor growth.”
4. Fluoride Linked to Bone Disease
The World Health Organization warns that a chronic fluoride intake of 2.0-8.0 mg per day can lead to skeletal fluorosis, a debilitating and sometimes crippling bone disease. Studies now show that, far from clearing quickly from the body, fluoride accumulates over time, reaching toxic levels as a person ages. Fluoride has a particular affinity for bones and has been widely linked to the development of osteoporosis and a high rate of hip fractures.
5. Fluoride Leads to Tooth Loss
Dr. A. K. Susheela, the Director of Fluorosis and Rural Development Foundation, New Delhi, India states “Fluoride enters the bloodstream within minutes after tooth brushing with fluoride toothpaste”. “We have seen from the research that fluoride negatively affects health. In those who use or ingest fluoride, it has been observed that muscles and bone tissue undergo degenerative changes. This in turn leads to tooth loss. Fluoride may well be one of the factors responsible for us becoming toothless. What started off as a good idea (fluoride in toothpaste) has in all probability been a major cause of tooth loss and degenerative disease.”
6. Fluoride is Danger in the Bathroom
According to Dr. Ted Spence, naturopath, Ph.D. nutritionist and dentist, fluoride does the following:
• Inactivates 62 enzymes
• Increases the aging process
• Increases the incidence of cancer and tumor growth
• Disrupts the immune system
• Causes genetic damage
• Interrupts DNA repair-enzyme activity
• Increases arthritis and is a systemic poison
7. Dentists Sue American Dental Association
In 1990 forty US dentists brought a case against the American Dental Association contending that the Association purposefully shielded the public from data that links fluoride to genetic defect, cancer and other health problems. Since 1990 over 45 US cities have rejected fluoridation. Ninety seven percent of Europe’s drinking water in now fluoride free. In February 1997, The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), representing 35,000 dentists, warned parents to limit their children’s intake of juices due to fluoride content.
So I started reading the backs of toothpaste boxes looking for only those that didn't carry the FDA warning. I found and used some good toothpastes but finally wanted to try my hand at making my own. Surely, it couldn't be that hard AND I'd be able to control what went into it.
Researching for my last post on deodorants gave me a new reason to avoid storebought toothpastes - they contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS). That's the stuff that makes your paste foam as you brush it around in your mouth. It is also a skin irritant that can cause canker sores.
I suffered from mouth canker sores the entire time I was growing up and into my early adulthood. I HATED them for their ability to make me feel miserable for days at a time. Now my granddaughter is suffering from them too. It's hard to believe that a product that we use to stay healthy might be the very thing that brings misery.
The other minor problems with SLS is that studies show that it can cause cancer, cause reproductive problems, cause organ toxicity, cause cellular level changes, is a neurotoxin, and is an endocrine disruptor. Seems like good enough reasons to make my own toothpaste.
Actually, I started thinking about making toothpaste a few years ago after I read the children's book, "The Toothpaste Millionaire
" by Jean Merrill. I loved the entrepreneurial slant and the idea that toothpaste ingredients are cheap. So off to the Internet I went searching. I was surprised to find out that people have been making their own toothpastes for a long time. There were dozens of recipes.
Let's start with a list of ingredients that are antibacterial; some are actually used in homemade toothpastes. Then we'll follow with the toothpaste recipes.
This list is found at Fat Free Kitchen although the original (and much wordier) list is located here:
The following ingredients have been used for many years for their antibacterial potentials. They can even control the bacterias that cannot be removed with brushing, flossing or similar methods.
1. Baking Soda (Sodium bicarbonate)
Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda), a mild abrasive powder can kill all the motile microorganisms in the mouth that are responsible for periodontal infections and other disease related bacteria. It will reduce the formation of plaque. It also act as a whitener.
2. Sodium chloride (Common table salt)
A concentrated solution of salt can kill all motile microorganisms in the mouth that are responsible for periodontal infections. However, common salt is not as powerful as sodium bicarbonate, but it is an antiseptic.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide causes a foaming action, which helps to move away the bacteria from the teeth surfaces.
4. Glycerin
Studies have shown that glycerin has an antibacterial property.
5. Unsweetened Cranberry Juice
Cranberry juice has the potential of killing the bacteria so it can be used as a mouthwash. This is great to use with young children or with an invalid that you are helping with their dental care.
6. Vinegar
A 50% solution of vinegar or apple cider vinegar can help to dissolve deposits of calculus.
Mint Toothpaste Recipe
2 Tablespoons baking soda
1/3 teaspoon salt
4 teaspoons glycerin
15 drops peppermint or wintergreen extract
Mix thoroughly. Should be a tooth paste consistency. Store in a container. You'll be surprised with how fresh your mouth feels.
Note: 15 drops = 1/8 teaspoon
Note 2: 6/8/10 I finally found a source for glycerin here in Hawaii (Longs Drug NOT the grocery stores! Why did that take me so long to figure out?) and could finally make this recipe. Gotta say the recipe needs work. It's too salty and not minty enough, although it DOES clean teeth and we all agree that it makes our mouths feel clean. We'll use up this batch and I'll make some alterations then return and report. BTW, I 4X the recipe so it'll be a little while before we use it up. NEXT batch I'll just make a normal recipe amount first!
Super Cleanser
Hydrogen peroxide (a few drops)
Baking soda
Make a paste by combining the two ingredients. Use this paste on your teeth and also gently rub along your gums two times a week.
Toothpaste Recipe
1/4 tsp peppermint oil
1/4 tsp spearmint oil
1/4 cup arrowroot
1/4 cup powdered orrisroot
1/4 cup water
1 tsp ground sage
Mix all dry ingredients in a bowl. Add water until paste is desired thickness / consistency. Store at room temperature in a tightly covered jar.
Substitute 1/2 tsp each of oil of cinnamon and oil of cloves for peppermint/spearmint if desired.
Old Fashioned Tooth Powder
2 Tbsp dried lemon or orange rind
1/4 cup baking soda
2 Tsp salt
Place rinds in food processor, grind until peel becomes a fine powder. Add baking soda and salt then process a few seconds more until you have a fine powder. Store in an airtight tin or jar. Dip moistened toothbrush into mixture, brush as usual.
Loretta's Toothpaste
1 Tsp baking soda,
1/4 Tsp hydrogen peroxide
1 drop oil of peppermint
Mix to make a paste, dip toothbrush into mixture, brush as usual.
Basic Toothpaste
1 Tsp of the Old Fashioned Tooth Powder
1/4 Tsp Hydrogen peroxide
Mix into a paste and brush as usual.
Strawberry Tooth Cleanser
1 Tsp of the above Old Fashioned Tooth Powder
1 Tbsp crushed ripe strawberries
Mix strawberries and powder into a paste and brush as usual.
Vanilla & Rose Geranium Toothpaste
1/2 ounce powdered chalk
3 ounces powdered orris root
4 teaspoons of tincture of vanilla
15 drops oil of rose geranium
Honey, enough to make a paste
Combine all ingredients and mix until you have a paste the consistency you like. Store in an airtight container. Use a clean stick (popsicle) to scoop paste onto brush. Store the stick in same container.
Ben Franklin's Toothpaste
Honey
Ground charcoal
Mix into a paste and rub on teeth for whiteness.
Lemon Clove Tooth Cleanser
Mix:
Small amount of finely powdered sage
1 ounce of finely powdered myrrh
1 pound powdered arrow root
3 ounces powdered orris root
20 drops oil of lemon
10 drops oil of cloves
12 drops oil of bergamot
Rub oils into the powdered ingredients until thoroughly mixed
Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
Vegetable Glycerin, 1/2 cup [base]
Cosmetic clay, white, 1/2 cup [mild abrasive]
Tincture of myrrh, 35-40 drops [gum inflammation]
Peppermint or Spearmint mint oil or Pudinhara, 7-8 drops [fresh breath]
Clove essential oil, 7-8 drips [mild anesthetic, for toothache]
Mix all the ingredients thoroughly. Adjust the quantity of glycerine to get toothpaste consistency. Store in a wide mouth bottle.
Homemade Toothpaste:
2 tablespoons coconut oil
3 tablespoons baking soda
1/2 small packet of stevia powder
20-25 drops of peppermint oil*
Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl, using a fork.
*Add about half of the amount of peppermint oil to start, and test the toothpaste to see how much you want/like. I used NOW brand peppermint oil, and ended up stopping at 25 drops which is still not as strong as I am used to, though it does taste nice and minty! Julie noted in her instructions that using part spearmint oil will make the toothpaste not as "hot" as using all peppermint oil.
Tooth Powder
3 parts baking soda
1 part sea salt
3 parts calcium-magnesium-vit c powder*
3 parts finely ground prickly ash bark
1 part echinacea powder
1/2 part goldenseal powder
Optional: peppermint essential oil to taste
Combine the ingredients and shake well. Use about 1/4 tsp on a wet toothbrush.
*This recipe uses Wachter's Cal-Mag-Vit C Powder which adds a nice flavor. All ingredients are available at a health food store.
And now, for your amusement and distraction; toothpaste for your dog!
Organic Dog Toothpaste Recipe
The main ingredients of dog toothpaste include baking soda, salt and glycerin. In an airtight container, mix the following:
6 teaspoons of baking soda
1/3 teaspoon of salt
4 teaspoons of glycerin. If you are a vegetarian or vegan dog owner, you can opt for the glycerin that comes from plants.
In addition to these ingredients, you can either mix in 2 teaspoons of organic, low-sodium beef broth or 2 teaspoons of peppermint extract.
When everything is mixed, the texture should be similar to that of your own toothpaste. Also, remember to store the dog toothpaste in the refrigerator.
Toothbrushing Supplies
In order to brush your dog’s teeth, you will need a toothbrush similar to the one you have for yourself. At a pet store, you can find toothbrushes on a rubber cap that fit over your finger, and these can be more comfortable and convenient for you and your dog. To make cleaning up even easier, keep a washcloth nearby.
Brushing your dog’s teeth at least twice a week preserves your dog’s teeth and overall health. To help the dog get used to this being a part of its grooming session, you can smear a small amount of the toothpaste onto a few teeth and gradually increase the amount you use until you are brushing all of them. In the long-term, you will save money on veterinary bills and preserve your dog’s periodontal health.
Homemade Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash
Ingredients:
2 1/2 cups distilled or mineral water
1 tsp fresh mint leaves
1tsp rosemary leaves
1 tsp anise seeds
Boil the water, add herbs and seeds, infuse for 20 minutes. Cool, strain and use as a gargle/mouthwash. If you wish to make up a larger quantity, double or triple the recipe then add 1 tsp of tincture of myrrh as a natural preservative.
Homemade Spearmint Mouthwash
Ingredients:
6 ounces water
2 ounces vodka
4 teaspoons liquid glycerine
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
10-15 drops Spearmint essential oil
Boil water and vodka, add glycerine and aloe vera gel. Remove from the heat, let cool slightly. Add spearmint oil, shake well. Pour into bottle, cap tightly.
A very simple homemade mouthwash
Wash your mouth with half a glass of warm water containing a teaspoon of table salt.
Baking Soda Mouthwash
Mix 2 ounces of Water, 1/4 Teaspoon of baking soda or Sea Salt, 1 drop of Pure Peppermint Oil, and 1 drop of Tea Tree oil. This Homemade mouthwash recipe leaves a great refreshing minty taste in your mouth and helps prevent bad breathe.
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