Most of us start our day by brushing our teeth, and many have strong opinions about which toothpaste they prefer.
Some prefer plain white toothpaste, some like mint-flavored and some like bubblegum-flavored. There are numerous choices in the market.
But are you sure that the toothpaste you are using is safe? You may be shocked to learn that most store-bought toothpastes contain a number of harmful ingredients and can cause more harm than good to your teeth and overall health.
Some of the toxic ingredients used in commercial toothpastes are triclosan, sodium lauryl sulfate, propylene glycol, microbeads and diethanolamine, to name a few. Also, commercial toothpastes are flavored with artificial sweeteners like aspartame.
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So, how do you keep your teeth clean if the commercial toothpaste you bought is not safe?
Well, a healthy diet and oil pulling can go a long way in maintaining your oral health. And for toothpaste, you can make your own at home. It is simple and inexpensive, and you’ll know you’re using safe ingredients.
For instance, you can make a natural whitening toothpaste with just three ingredients – activated charcoal, extra-virgin coconut oil and eggshell powder. This homemade toothpaste is far less abrasive than commercial whitening toothpastes and will not harm your teeth or gums.
Activated charcoal helps whiten your teeth by reducing stains and plaque on your teeth. In fact, the microporous charcoal works by binding to compounds that stain teeth, including coffee and red wine. Also, it improves the pH balance in your mouth and helps fight bad breath.
Another ingredient in this homemade toothpaste is eggshell powder. Being a rich source of calcium, eggshell powder helps strengthen your teeth. It even remineralizes your teeth over time.
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The last ingredient in this recipe is extra-virgin coconut oil, which is extremely beneficial for your oral health. It helps maintain good oral and dental hygiene and plays a key role in preventing bad breath, tooth decay, cavities and gingivitis. It also reduces tooth sensitivity.
It does so by attacking the harmful bacteria in your mouth, which in turn decreases plaque formation, the key reason behind several oral problems. It also helps whiten and brighten your teeth.
Caution: If you have caps on your teeth, consult your dentist before using this homemade activated charcoal toothpaste.
How to Make DIY Homemade Activated Charcoal Toothpaste for Teeth Whitening
Things you’ll need:
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- Activated charcoal – ½ teaspoon
- Eggshell powder – 1 tablespoon
- Extra-virgin coconut oil, melted – 1 tablespoon
Steps
1. Put ½ teaspoon of activated charcoal in a bowl.
2. Add 1 tablespoon of eggshell powder.
3. Then add 1 tablespoon of melted, extra-virgin coconut oil.
4. Mix the ingredients with a nonmetallic spatula or spoon until you get a smooth paste-like consistency.
5. Your homemade toothpaste is ready to use. Transfer it to an airtight container.
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How to use your homemade activated charcoal toothpaste
- Put a small amount of your homemade toothpaste on your toothbrush, using a small spatula or spoon.
- Brush your teeth as usual, giving equal attention to the front as well as the back of your teeth.
- Once you’re done brushing, rinse your mouth thoroughly with lukewarm water.
- You can use this toothpaste daily.
Additional Tips
- You can use pH strips to test the acidity of your homemade toothpaste. It should have a pH of 7 (neutral) or higher, which means this toothpaste is safe for use.
- This homemade toothpaste does not contain any baking soda, meaning it’s not abrasive on your teeth.
- You can buy activated charcoal in tablet, capsule, or powder form. If you buy the capsules, all you have to do is open them up. If using tablets, you can smash them into a powder form.
- You can make the eggshell powder at home. For the recipe, check this page.
- You can also add a little Himalayan salt to the toothpaste. It will help kill oral bacteria and reduce the risk of gum disease.
- As this toothpaste has a slight grainy texture, it helps break up the biofilm of various substances to keep your teeth stain-free.
- You can store the toothpaste in the medicine cabinet. There is no need to refrigerate it.
- The toothpaste will last for several months.
- If it begins to dry out, add a bit more melted, extra-virgin coconut oil and mix well before use.
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