Making your Own Cheap, Safe Eco-Toothpaste

Toothpaste is under bad times. From unnecessary exotic additives from abroad in to sol called ecotoothpastes to questionable chemicals in mainstream brands, there are not many sustainably options that don't become very expensive. After a few years of frittering away money on good quality brands or just going without safe toothpaste, I decided to do it myself. I am going to share three easy and affordable methods to make a commercial toothpaste. The methods I will provide vary from easier to harder, but they are all fairly easy and forgo the use exact measurements. This way you can work on the taste and consistency you are looking for.


Trial and error is a good process to follow, though with these steps you shouldn't err too much. I started with this and then found the ratio I was comfortable with.


The simplest method is Method 1. You can find these materials at a store, though I recommend checking the ingredients in the packaging. Method 1 will last you a few days.

Method 1:

Take a quart jar.

Add aluminum-free baking soda.

Add a fine salt. (for that scrubbing feeling)

Add a cold herbal tea such as peppermint and stir.

Add the herbal tea and stir until you have the consistency of toothpaste.


Methods 2-3 uses an essential oil that will give you a long lasting toothpaste. (If you are not using peppermint essential oil, make sure the alternative can be used for internal use).


Method 2:

Take a quart jar.

Add aluminum-free baking soda.

Add a fine salt(for that scrubbing feeling)

Add five drops of an essential oil such as peppermint.

Add water and stir until you have the consistency of toothpaste.


 Method 3 uses Bentonite Clay or Zeolites or both, to give you a toothpaste with a cleansing effect. Using the Bentonite Clay or another edible clay gives the toothpaste it's best past effect. Bentonite Clay (Sodium Bentonite) is used for cleanses as well as for its ability to supply the body with trace minerals. Zeolite is used for nuclear engineers exposed to radiation as it binds with radioactive particles and they are transported out of the body. It can be used as a tonic by those in a post nuclear world. It also has a good scrubbing action.


Method 3:

Take a quart jar.
Add fine Zeolites, or Bentonite Clay or a combination of both.
(The particle size of the zeolites need to be small, otherwise they will be too abrassive)
(Add a fine salt, if you don't use Zeolite for that scrupping feeling)
Add five drops of essential oil such as peppermint.
Add water continually and stir until you have the consistency of toothpaste.

Sustainability is a work in progress. Bentonite Clay or Zeolites might not be available in your area. In this case baking soda will be fine. Essential oils are nice, but a tea will be as useful and keeps it simple. I recommend buying your sources of herbs and essential oils from small or medium sized private companies or a local farm. Often they are ethically minded in procuring and making their products. There aren't many local sources of herbal products and oils, but like local organic farms, they are growing quickly.

If you're interested in what forest people used without baking soda, then look up toothsticks.

My writing skills are a work in progress too. I hope you enjoy this information and I will do my best to improve the quality of the output. Thank you for your time.