Sure, store-bought toothpaste is convenient, but with that convenience may come chemicals that aren’t so great for your teeth. Try this super easy DIY baking soda toothpaste recipe instead.

When transitioning to a more au naturel beauty routine, toothpaste may be one of the last products you decide to switch up. Meanwhile, it’s by far one of the most important. The toothpaste options currently lining store shelves often contain icky ingredients like sodium fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), hydrated silica and triclosan, which might sound all scientific and necessary for strong and healthy teeth, but in reality they may do your teeth more harm than good.

SLS, the ingredient in toothpaste that gives it a foamy texture as you scrub, is particularly devilish. In a study published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, researchers found that SLS penetrated the skin and underlying tissue after topical application. What’s worse, SLS has been known to be contaminated with carcinogens—not exactly the kind of substance you want seeping into your body.

The following DIY baking soda toothpaste is as natural as it gets, and is super easy to make. It offers all the perks of a refreshingly minty scrub—minus the artificial add-ins. While this recipe isn’t as potent in its ability to fight bacteria or whiten teeth, it serves its purpose for those of us looking for a way to keep our smiles bright and clean sans harsh chemicals.

Baking Soda Toothpaste Recipe

Makes enough for one week

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 2 teaspoons fine sea salt
• 10-15 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, softened
• 3 tablespoons aloe vera gel

Directions:

Combine the dry ingredients. Use the back end of a fork to whisk in the oil and aloe vera until the mixture reaches a paste-like consistency. Use just a dime-sized portion at a time.

You can also play around with the essential oils to create customized lip-smacking flavors. Enjoy!

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Girl brushing teeth via Shutterstock

The post How to Make Your Own Baking Soda Toothpaste appeared first on EcoSalon.

You love your Dr. Bronner’s. Who doesn’t? Now there is more to love! The family-owned company has come out with a brand new toothpaste, safe and fair trade, of course.

Dr. Bronner’s has long been known and loved for its castile soaps. Big bottles of ultra-gentle cleanser in a wide variety of scents with so many uses. Fans have been known to use the soaps on everything from skin to dishes and laundry. Others create their own facial scrub and shampoo.

Some Dr. B fans have even used the soap as toothpaste. Think this is taking the love too far? No worries. The company recently added toothpaste to its popular line-up.

Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste is low-foaming, synthetic- and fluoride-free, vegan, and comes in three natural flavors – Cinnamon, Anise, and Peppermint.

We know synthetic-free cosmetics are a safer choice. But what is the big deal with fluoride? It is in conventional toothpastes, our drinking water, can even be purchased in bottled water, and dentists promote it. How bad can it be?

Regular use of fluoride is thought to have negative effects on teeth, gums, and overall health, including tooth discoloration, stomach ailments, allergic reaction, and skin irritation. Fluoride consumption is also linked to more serious health issues and diseases, from arthritis to reproductive issues. More than 95 percent of toothpastes sold in the US contain fluoride and the FDA now requires a poison warning on each fluoride-containing tube.

Another cool trick Dr. Bronner’s has utilized in its paste? Organic coconut flour acts as a mild abrasive. A much healthier choice than those plastic microbeads, both for our bodies and earth.

You can pick up a tube of Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste on the brand website (where they are currently selling for 15% off), Whole Foods Market, and many natural food stores across the country.

Have you tried the new toothpaste? Leave a comment and let us know what you think.

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Image courtesy Dr. Bronner’s

The post Dr. Bronner’s Magic Toothpaste? All-One for Healthy Teeth appeared first on EcoSalon.