DIY Paleo Toothpaste Recipe
Do you use regular shop bought toothpaste? You’re careful about what you eat – but what about what you brush your teeth with?
I just read the ingredients on two brands of toothpaste, Colgate and MacCleans – and was shocked by what they contained. I don’t even know what the ingredients actually are – and I certainly couldn't find them at the farmers market. Here are just some of the common ingredients I saw…
Glycerin, Silica, Flouride, Sodium Methyl Cocol Taurate, Disodium Phosphate, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Saccharin, Methylparaben, Propylparabem C173360, C174160, Sorbitol, PVM/MA Copolymer, Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS), Carrageenan, Triclosan, Mica, Brilliant Blue and Quinoline Yellow
Whilst you aren't supposed to swallow toothpaste, it’s fairly obvious that the ingredients can get into your blood stream. And that’s just adults – do children really manage to spit it all out?
Animals don’t use toothpaste – and clearly a few hundred years ago we wouldn't have been using such chemical laden products on our teeth. So is it really necessary?
Fluoride is a very controversial addition to toothpaste, and one that highly concerns me. From what I've read, Flouride seems to be highly toxic – and quite possibly not as great for teeth as the experts proclaim.
What’s The Alternative To Commercial Toothpaste?
Of course when you follow a Paleo diet, you won’t be eating the processed sugary foods that cause damage to teeth – this makes dental care a whole lot easier.
Instead of using a commercial toothpaste, you can go really basic and just floss and use baking soda to brush your teeth with. But baking soda can feel quite abrasive if you use it all the time – and also the taste might not be quite to your liking. You can also just use coconut oil. But, here’s a good recipe that I've tried. The peppermint oil takes the edge off the baking soda and leaves a “fresh” taste.
Ingredients:
- 8 teaspoons of baking soda
- 5 teaspoons of coconut oil (exactly what you use to cook with – hopefully unrefined, extra virgin)
- 10 drops of peppermint oil (adding cinnamon instead is another winning combination)
How To:
Mix the ingredients together thoroughly in a small pot.
When ready to used, scoop out onto your toothbrush with a small wooden stick (or similar)
Remember – It’s not going to taste like what you've been used to in the commercial toothpastes – but you’ll soon get used to it. Your health and teeth will thank you!
Why Make Your Own Paleo Toothpaste?
Making your own toothpaste might sound extreme at first, but for anyone following a Paleo lifestyle in Australia, it just makes sense. You’re already choosing real food, avoiding artificial additives, and being mindful of what goes into your body—so why not apply that same thinking to what goes in your mouth twice a day?
A DIY toothpaste recipe like this one avoids harsh chemicals, artificial sweeteners, and unnecessary foaming agents. It also lets you tailor ingredients to suit your preferences—whether that’s adding peppermint for freshness or cinnamon for a warming twist. Coconut oil offers natural antibacterial benefits, and baking soda gently cleans teeth without the synthetic extras.
If you're looking to align every part of your daily routine with Paleo principles, swapping out commercial toothpaste for a homemade version is a small but powerful step. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy—and cheap—to make your own.
What do you use to clean your teeth? If you've got a favourite recipe, I’d love to see it in the comments below!
