Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate, is a popular ingredient used for baking and cooking. However, baking soda also has many other uses, including as an abrasive cleaner, a natural deodorizer, and even as a teeth whitening agent. When mixed with some other common household ingredients, baking soda can make an effective and natural toothpaste.
The main question is: what should you mix with baking soda to make a good natural toothpaste? There are a few common options that work well.
Water
One of the simplest mixes is to combine baking soda with water. You can add just enough water to form a paste-like consistency that can be applied to a toothbrush. The baking soda will provide gentle abrasion to help scrub away stains, while the water allows it to form a paste.
This basic mix of baking soda and water can be used on its own as a simple homemade toothpaste. Some people prefer to mix in a pinch of salt as well, to add some mild antiseptic properties. While baking soda and water alone won’t provide the fluoride that commercial toothpastes have, it can still be used for occasional cleaning.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has gained popularity in recent years as an ingredient in natural toothpaste and dental care products. The lauric acid in coconut oil helps kill bacteria in the mouth, acting as a natural antiseptic. Coconut oil also helps provide thickness to baking soda to form a toothpaste consistency.
To make a baking soda toothpaste with coconut oil, start by combining 3 parts baking soda with 1 part coconut oil. Mix the coconut oil and baking soda together well until a paste forms. You can store this homemade toothpaste mix in a small jar, and scoop some out to apply to your toothbrush as needed.
Some people like to add a few drops of peppermint, clove, or cinnamon essential oils to this mix, to provide a fresh flavor. The antimicrobial properties of these oils add to the toothpaste’s bacteria-fighting abilities.
Hydrogen Peroxide
Hydrogen peroxide is another common household ingredient that mixes well with baking soda for oral care applications. Hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that can help kill germs in the mouth while also whiting teeth.
To make a baking soda toothpaste with hydrogen peroxide, use a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide and mix with baking soda. Use approximately 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide to every 3 teaspoons of baking soda. Stir these together and let the mixture fizz and bubble for a few minutes.
You can also add a pinch of salt to this mix to make a simple but effective baking soda toothpaste. The hydrogen peroxide gives it natural whitening and antiseptic abilities. Just be careful not to swallow the toothpaste, as large amounts of hydrogen peroxide can cause stomach upset.
Lemon Juice
Lemon juice is a natural source of citric acid. When mixed with baking soda, lemon juice interacts to form a bubbling reaction. But aside from being fun to mix together, lemon juice also brings the benefit of acting as a natural bleaching agent.
The citric acid in lemon juice helps remove stains from teeth to naturally whiten them. To make a lemon juice baking soda toothpaste, simply combine 2 teaspoons of baking soda with 1 teaspoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice. Mix these together quickly and apply to your toothbrush.
The baking soda scrubbing action along with the bleaching power of lemon juice can help remove discoloration from your teeth with regular use. Rinse your mouth thoroughly after brushing to avoid erosion of tooth enamel from overexposure to the citric acid.
Strawberries
Strawberries contain an enzyme called malic acid, which acts as a natural astringent and can help remove surface discoloration on teeth. For a tasty natural toothpaste, you can mash up fresh strawberries into a paste and mix with baking soda.
Simply take 2 or 3 medium sized fresh strawberries and thoroughly mash them into a pulpy paste. Then combine the strawberry paste with 2 teaspoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water. Mix these ingredients together, adding a bit more water if needed to reach a toothpaste consistency.
Brush gently with this strawberry baking soda toothpaste. The malic acid in the strawberries combined with the baking soda will provide effective scrubbing action and whitening benefits. The fruit enzymes help remove surface stains while the baking soda lifts deep set discoloration.
Essential Oils
There are a variety of essential oils that can be added to baking soda toothpaste mixes to provide fresh flavor and additional cleansing properties. Oils such as peppermint, spearmint, wintergreen, tea tree, clove and cinnamon all have antibacterial and antimicrobial effects to enhance oral hygiene.
Here is a simple recipe for a baking soda toothpaste using essential oils:
– 3 teaspoons baking soda
– 1 teaspoon water
– 2-3 drops essential oil of your choice
Mix the baking soda and water to form a paste. Then add several drops of whichever essential oil you want for flavor. Mix together thoroughly before using. The oils not only make it taste pleasant, but also have added health benefits for your teeth and gums.
You can experiment with different combinations of oils to see what flavors appeal most to you. Just be sure not to swallow the toothpaste, as larger amounts of essential oils can sometimes cause upset stomach or irritation.
Aloe Vera
The ooey, gooey gel from aloe vera plants has soothing antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it ideal to mix with baking soda for oral health. It helps soothe swollen gums and rinses away bacteria.
To incorporate aloe vera, break off a leaf from an aloe plant and squeeze it to extract the clear gel. Mix together equal parts baking soda and aloe gel, stirring well to combine. Brush your teeth as normal using this mixture.
The aloe vera may help provide relief if you suffer from chronic gum inflammation or swelling. Be sure to rinse thoroughly after to avoid ingesting too much of the aloe vera gel, which can act as a laxative.
Calcium Powder
For an extra remineralizing and enamel strengthening boost, you can add calcium powder to your homemade baking soda toothpaste. Calcium helps reinforce the tooth crowns and enamel to protect against cavities and acid erosion.
Simply mix some calcium powder in with baking soda and water to make a paste. The calcium powder dissolves as you brush. This adds an extra layer of protection and can help with sensitive teeth.
Make sure to get food-grade or supplement-grade calcium powder to use, not antacids which may contain unwanted additives. Choose calcium carbonate, calcium citrate or calcium phosphate supplements to mix with your baking soda toothpaste.
Charcoal Powder
Activated charcoal powder has gained popularity in recent years for its reported teeth whitening benefits. The fine black powder is believed to bind to and absorb surface stains on teeth. Mixing activated charcoal powder with baking soda can provide a potent stain-removing toothpaste.
To make an activated charcoal baking soda paste, mix together:
– 1 teaspoon baking soda
– 1/2 teaspoon activated charcoal powder
– 1 teaspoon water
The charcoal gives the toothpaste a black color, but it rinses away cleanly. Use this charcoal and baking soda paste 1-2 times per week to help lift stains from coffee, wine, smoking and other discoloring culprits. The abrasive action of the charcoal combined with the baking soda provides effective polishing.
Just take care not to swallow the charcoal toothpaste, and rinse very thoroughly after brushing. Activated charcoal can interfere with some medications if ingested. Monitor for tooth sensitivity when using, as charcoal may be abrasive with frequent use.
Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sugar alcohol that helps fight cavities and remineralize tooth enamel. Adding xylitol to a baking soda toothpaste base allows you to enhance the protective abilities.
To make a xylitol baking soda toothpaste:
– Combine 2 tablespoons baking soda with 1 tablespoon xylitol powder
– Add just enough water to form a paste
– Stir well until the xylitol fully dissolves
This recipe allows you to benefit from the bacteria-fighting power of xylitol along with the cleaning action of baking soda. Xylitol helps reduce acid levels in the mouth for a less hospitable environment for the bacteria that cause cavities and tooth decay.
Look for xylitol powder that is 100% pure, without added sugars or artificial sweeteners. Xylitol has a naturally sweet taste to improve flavor. Just avoid giving homemade xylitol toothpastes to dogs, as xylitol can be toxic for canines.
Bentonite Clay
Bentonite clay is an absorbent powder that can be combined with baking soda to provide a tooth-brightening effect. The clay helps lift stains while the baking soda scrubs away tartar.
To make a bentonite clay toothpaste:
– Mix 1 tablespoon baking soda with 1 teaspoon bentonite clay powder
– Add water dropwise until a thick paste forms
– Stir thoroughly to combine
Bentonite clay has naturally occurring minerals like calcium and magnesium that help strengthen enamel. Along with the stain-removing properties, this makes an effective baking soda toothpaste blend.
Introduce the bentonite clay toothpaste slowly if new to using clay, as it may cause initial dryness. It’s normal for the clay to act as an astringent and draw oils from the gums. Reduce usage if excessive gum irritation occurs.
Conclusion
Baking soda is a versatile base that can be combined with other household ingredients to make effective natural toothpastes and dental care products. Mixing baking soda with items like hydrogen peroxide, lemon juice, essential oils, or charcoal powder allows you to take advantage of their complementary oral health benefits.
Be sure to rinse thoroughly after using any homemade baking soda toothpaste recipes. While the ingredients are natural, swallowing large amounts could potentially cause stomach upset. Store any blended pastes in the refrigerator to maintain freshness.
Making your own baking soda toothpaste can save money while providing a more natural way to care for your teeth and gums. Pay attention to how your mouth feels when using different combinations, and adjust recipes as needed to find your perfect balance of cleansing, brightening and freshening abilities.
