As you look at the mass of products on your bathroom shelf you can’t help but wonder what’s really in them. So making your own DIY toothpaste might be the perfect place to start. Creating toothpaste is a lot simpler than it seems, and has a real sense of satisfaction to it.
Being completely in charge of the ingredients is just the beginning.
If you want something very minty, you can go for it, or if you prefer a milder flavour, that’s perfectly fine. You can skip the artificial colours, strong detergents and any ingredients that might be harsh on your teeth or gums.
There’s something empowering about rummaging through your kitchen for a handful of basic ingredients and turning them into something that you use every day.
Coming from the kitchen to the bathroom, there’s also the benefit of reusing jars, cutting down on plastic tubes and sending less rubbish to the landfill. Every little bit counts and knowing you’re doing your part for the planet is a lovely bonus to your daily routine.
Making your own DIY toothpaste is basically a hobby, and one that’s lots of fun. Combining baking soda with coconut oil and trying out different natural flavours is similar to being a free spirit in a chemistry lab. You get to fiddle with textures, test new combinations, and celebrate when you’ve nailed a recipe that suits you down to the ground.
Of course, DIY toothpaste isn’t a replacement for dentist-approved formulas that contain fluoride, but as an occasional, simple and customisable option it’s a great way to take control of what goes into your daily routine.
But the bottom line is that you could pretty much do without them since there are natural and much more stable natural alternatives you could opt for.
This is exactly what you will see below, where we have listed some easy-to-make homemade toothpaste recipes.
4 DIY Toothpaste Recipes
Recipe #1
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unrefined coconut oil
- 1/4 cup baking soda (depending on the toothpaste consistency that you like, you can increase this amount as well)
- 2 tablespoon bentonite clay (optional – helps add remineralizing properties to the toothpaste!)
- essential oils or flavor extracts to flavor your toothpaste
- 2-4 tablespoon xylitol
Directions: First combine the coconut oil and the baking soda. If you choose to melt the coconut oil beforehand, you need to thoroughly stir it and let it cool down to room temperature.
Add the essential oil and xylitol according to personal taste.
Store the paste in a mason jar with a lid and make sure to dip the brush in before you wet it.
Recipe #2
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground
- 1 drop peppermint, clove, or citrus pure essential oil
- A few drops of water
Directions: Simply mix everything until it becomes an even pasty consistency and then scoop on top of your toothbrush.
This recipe is for a single-use only, so if you wish to use it other times as well, adjust the measurements accordingly.
Recipe #3
Ingredients:
- 5 parts calcium powder
- 1 part diatomaceous earth (optional- contains trace minerals and silica.)
- 2 parts baking soda
- 3 parts xylitol powder
- 3-5 parts coconut oil to get desired texture
- Optional ingredients: essential oils for flavor (mint, cinnamon, and orange), myrrh and trace minerals
Directions: Start by mixing all the powdery ingredients in a bowl and then start gradually adding the coconut oil, one part at a time.
Keep mixing until you get the desired consistency. Finally, add your optional ingredients if you wish and store in a pint glass jar.
Recipe #4 (Vegan Friendly)
Ingredients:
- 2 teaspoons vegetable glycerin
- 4 tablespoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon guar gum
- 8 tablespoons water
- 5 drops peppermint, clove, or citrus pure essential oil
Directions: Add all ingredients except for the essential oil to a pot and start cooking on low heat.
Stir continuously for around five minutes until everything comes together in a pasty texture.
Let the mixture cool down before you add the essential oil.
Finally, store in a lidded, sterile jar, at room temperature.
Practical Advice for Making Your Own DIY Toothpaste
Making toothpaste at home is easy, but there are a few helpful hints that can help the process go even more smoothly.
1. Begin small
Start with small batches until you get the perfect flavor and texture. This lets you experiment freely and keeps ingredients fresh.
2. Modify the texture
Add a tiny bit of distilled water or coconut oil if your paste seems too thick. Add a little more clay or baking soda if it’s too thin.
3. Store properly
Store your toothpaste at room temperature in a sterile, airtight container. It’s normal for coconut oil to melt in a warm home; just stir it before using.
4. Make use of clean instruments
Try not to dip a wet toothbrush straight into the jar to preserve the freshness of your mixture. Instead, use a clean utensil to scoop out a small amount.
5. Maintain reasonable expectations
Commercial and natural toothpastes don’t always feel the same. The absence of ultra-strong flavor or foam doesn’t indicate that they aren’t working; rather, it just indicates that certain additives aren’t present.
4 Bonus DIY Toothpaste Recipes
Recipe 1: Classic Coconut Oil Mint Toothpaste
This is the most popular entry point into homemade toothpaste—and for good reason. It uses just a few ingredients, tastes fresh, and has a smooth, easy-to-apply texture.
Why it works:
Coconut oil provides a creamy base, baking soda offers gentle polishing action, and peppermint essential oil leaves your mouth feeling fresh.
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons organic coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 10–15 drops peppermint essential oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon xylitol powder (for mild sweetness)
Instructions
- If your coconut oil is solid, gently soften it by placing the jar in warm water (avoid microwaving).
- In a small bowl, mix coconut oil and baking soda until smooth.
- Add peppermint oil and optional xylitol.
- Stir thoroughly until evenly blended.
- Store in a small glass jar with a lid.
How to use:
Dip a clean toothbrush lightly into the paste or use a small spoon to scoop a pea-sized amount onto your brush.
Customization tip:
Swap peppermint oil for spearmint or a citrus oil if you prefer a softer flavor.
Recipe 2: Gentle Clay Toothpaste for Sensitive Teeth
If your teeth tend to be sensitive, this mineral-rich clay recipe may feel more comfortable than baking soda-heavy pastes. Bentonite clay is commonly used in natural personal care because of its ultra-fine texture.
Why it works:
Clay provides a silky texture and mild cleansing properties while helping create a smooth, easy-spread paste.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
- 2 tablespoons coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon distilled water
- 8–10 drops peppermint or cinnamon essential oil
- Optional: ½ teaspoon finely ground sea salt
Instructions
- In a non-metal bowl (clay can react with metal), combine bentonite clay and coconut oil.
- Add distilled water slowly while mixing until a paste forms.
- Stir in essential oil and optional sea salt.
- Transfer to a small airtight container.
Important note:
Use wooden, plastic, or silicone utensils when working with clay to preserve its properties.
Customization tip:
Add a tiny drop of vanilla extract alongside mint oil for a subtle “mint-vanilla” flavor.
Recipe 3: Whitening Strawberry Baking Soda Paste
This recipe is fun, simple, and perfect as an occasional polishing treatment rather than a daily toothpaste. Strawberries naturally contain malic acid, which can help brighten the appearance of teeth.
Why it works:
The fruit helps create a soft paste while baking soda provides mild polishing.
Ingredients
- 1 ripe strawberry
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Instructions
- Mash the strawberry thoroughly with a fork until smooth.
- Mix in the baking soda to form a soft paste.
- Apply to teeth using a toothbrush and brush gently for about one minute.
- Rinse thoroughly and follow with regular toothpaste if desired.
How often to use:
Because of the natural acids in fruit, this recipe is best used occasionally rather than daily—think once a week as a brightening boost.
Customization tip:
For a smoother texture, strain the mashed strawberry through a fine sieve before mixing.
Recipe 4: Herbal Fresh Breath Tooth Powder
Not every DIY oral care product has to be a paste. Tooth powders are lightweight, long-lasting, and incredibly easy to make. This herbal blend is especially refreshing if you enjoy botanical flavors.
Why it works:
Powders can help polish teeth gently while herbs add natural freshness.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon finely ground dried sage
- 1 tablespoon finely ground dried mint
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
- Grind dried sage and mint into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- Combine with baking soda and sea salt in a small jar.
- Shake well to mix thoroughly.
How to use:
Lightly dip a damp toothbrush into the powder, tap off the excess, and brush as usual.
Customization tip:
Add a small amount of finely ground clove for an extra-fresh herbal flavor.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. Is it true that homemade toothpaste cleans teeth?
One of the most crucial aspects of oral hygiene is brushing. When used properly, gentle polishing agents like clay or baking soda can aid in removing surface accumulation.
2. Is it less expensive to make your own toothpaste?
Usually, yes, particularly after you buy basic ingredients like baking soda or coconut oil, which can be used for a variety of other do-it-yourself beauty projects.
3. Are these recipes suitable for children?
For kids, many families modify natural toothpaste recipes by substituting milder flavors like vanilla or orange. Make sure essential oils are used sparingly and safely at all times.
4. How long does toothpaste made at home last?
When kept in a sealed container, the majority of small batches last for several weeks. It’s best to make a new batch if you notice any changes in texture, color, or smell.
5. Is DIY toothpaste safe to use every day?
Many simple DIY toothpastes can be used daily when made with gentle ingredients. However, very abrasive or acidic recipes (such as fruit-based pastes) should be used only occasionally.
6. Why doesn’t DIY toothpaste foam?
Most commercial toothpastes include foaming ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate. Homemade versions usually skip these additives, so the lack of foam is completely normal and doesn’t mean your teeth aren’t being cleaned.
7. Do I need preservatives in DIY toothpaste?
Many recipes that use dry ingredients or coconut oil don’t require preservatives if made in small batches. Recipes containing water or fresh fruit should be used quickly.
8. What can I use instead of coconut oil?
Alternatives include food-grade glycerin, olive oil (in small amounts), or a dry tooth powder if you prefer to avoid oils entirely.
9. Is baking soda too abrasive for teeth?
Used in moderation, baking soda is considered a mild polishing ingredient. However, extremely high amounts or aggressive brushing can increase wear over time, so balanced recipes are best.
10. How should I store DIY toothpaste?
Store it in a clean glass jar or airtight container at room temperature. If your home is warm and the paste softens, simply stir before using.
11. Can I customize the flavor?
Absolutely. Peppermint, spearmint, cinnamon, orange, and vanilla extracts or essential oils (used safely) are popular ways to personalize homemade toothpaste.
Why People Adore Do-It-Yourself Dental Care
Making your own daily necessities is incredibly fulfilling. Beyond the obvious advantages, do-it-yourself dental care promotes mindfulness by transforming a routine activity like brushing your teeth into a tiny act of deliberate self-care.
Additionally, a lot of people like being able to:
- Ingredient control
- Cut back on plastic packaging
- Tailor the taste and consistency.
- Over time, save money.
- Examine natural beauty practices.
Above all, do-it-yourself recipes serve as a reminder that beauty regimens don’t have to be difficult. The most satisfying blends are sometimes the easiest ones, created with well-known kitchen ingredients.
Identifying the DIY Toothpaste Recipe That Suits You
It’s quite normal for not all homemade toothpastes to feel flawless the first time. Consider these recipes as a place to start.
You may find that you like the simplicity of a herbal powder, a minty coconut oil blend, or a smoother clay paste. Depending on your needs, you can experiment with different flavors, adjust ratios, or switch between recipes over time.
You can keep your routine fun and effective by alternating between a mild clay blend in the evening, a refreshing mint paste in the morning, and an occasional fruit polish for brightness.
Concluding remarks
Making the switch to homemade toothpaste doesn’t have to be a binary decision. A fun first step toward a more customized, mindful approach to beauty and self-care can be implementing even one homemade recipe into your routine.
You can make toothpastes that feel natural, fresh, and specifically customized for you with just a few ingredients and a few minutes of preparation.
At Beautifully Alive, we think that even seemingly insignificant routines, like brushing your teeth with a homemade toothbrush, can bring a surprising amount of happiness to daily life. So get some ingredients together, pick a recipe that sounds good, and have fun. Your inventiveness and smile will appreciate it.
So, in conclusion, most DIY toothpaste recipes have the same common ingredients. If you can prepare one, you can try out the others with no problem.
Surely, it takes more time than it would simply squeezing the paste out of the tube, but your teeth will probably thank you.
At the end of the day, it’s all about trying to severe ties with any synthetic ingredient that can do more harm than good.
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