We all want to know how whiten teeth naturally, but getting there is another matter. Hard whitening strips and pastes are not possible for me. This charcoal whitening toothpaste recipe is an easy, gentler way to get a brighter smile.
Avoid brutal teeth whitening
Those clever adverts with gorgeous smiles can be quite tempting, but our family avoids artificial whitening. Chemical bleaches can cause sensitivity, irritation and burning of the gums and permanent damage to the enamel. Scientists don’t know exactly how teeth whitening works or how far-reaching its effects are.
At-home whitening treatments use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and discoloration. Research shows that this may not be the best idea for dental health. Several studies show that hydrogen peroxide bleaches damage dentin, the tooth layer beneath the enamel. Weaker teeth mean a higher risk of tooth decay.
Just because a product is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) does not mean it is safe! Take fluorine for example.
A natural way to whiten teeth
I write a lot about oral health, and I’m fascinated by how it affects the whole body! I have spent years creating natural toothpastes and oral care products. I wanted something safe enough for my kids to use and that wouldn’t aggravate my health issues. Additionally, it was believed to help prevent bad breath and have whitening properties.
I have experienced various natural teeth whiteners over the years (including turmeric). But I wanted to make a homemade toothpaste that would have the same effect with less mess.
While you can buy many great natural toothpastes (including one of your own!), I’ve been using this cost-effective DIY recipe for years. (Because, uh, 6 kids!). This is my favorite toothpaste recipe so far and the cheapest. It’s also the best whitening toothpaste I’ve used, especially when combined with oil pulling.
Natural Oral Care Options
Some of my favorite healthy mouth recipes to date are:
My other toothpaste recipes get lots of comments about substitutions and if certain ingredients are necessary. Since the other recipes use coconut oil, some people complain that the toothpaste is too difficult to use when it’s cold.
This whitening toothpaste recipe is simpler and uses only the most beneficial ingredients. It’s the same consistency at any temperature, works well and tastes great. Even my kids like the taste, and I don’t have to panic if they swallow it.
What does natural whitening toothpaste taste like?
Natural toothpaste may not be as sweet as conventional toothpaste and does not have foaming action. This recipe does not contain baking soda, so it is not salty like some natural options. I add an essential oil blend to our toothpaste to customize the flavor. Essential oils also have antimicrobial properties that contribute to oral hygiene.
Essential oils for toothpaste
Not all essential oil is safe to put in your mouth, and some that are safe for adults are not safe for children. We also need to consider the amount of each oil we use. Irritating essential oils like cinnamon and peppermint essential oil should be used more sparingly than something like orange.
Essential oils are optional, but they really help improve the taste. Peppermint, cinnamon, and clove may be too harsh for young children, but mine really love grapefruit or lemon!
Not only do they improve the flavor of homemade toothpaste, but they also provide antimicrobial benefits for oral health. Here are some safe essential oil choices for your whitening toothpaste.
A strange way to whiten your teeth
I have found that calcium and MCT oil whiten well on their own, but there is a way to increase the whitening power. Activated charcoal (AC) is one of my favorite ways to whiten teeth. I was quite skeptical at first, but it really took hold of me. AC is effective in removing surface stains on tooth enamel from foods like coffee and tea.
From the research I have done, I have found that AC is safe to use with fillings and veneers and does not leach minerals from teeth. Charcoal improves the pH of the mouth and makes it more alkaline to help prevent cavities and gingivitis. This is why it is one of the main ingredients of my Wellnesse charcoal toothpaste.
If you have any concerns about using your own toothpaste for your dental care, consult your dentist first!
Benefits and Precautions of Xylitol
If I’m adding something sweet to our meals, I opt for natural options like honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar. Sweeteners like xylitoI’m not something you’ll see in my recipes. So why use it in toothpaste?
There is evidence that xylitol benefits oral health. Specifically, it helps reduce plaque and cavities while killing bacteria. Be careful though… xylitol, even in small amounts, can be deadly to dogs. So don’t keep your toothpaste where Fido can eat it!
The xylitol I use is a bit coarse, so I put it through the blender first. You can also use a coffee grinder. The second time I made the toothpaste, I just put all the ingredients in the blender and the result was all creamy.
The blender was difficult to clean after my experience, but a quick wipe with a paper towel helped. Once the residue was collected, I washed my blender as usual.
MCT oil for teeth
Medium chain triglyceride or MCT Oil is my secret ingredient in this recipe. It is derived from coconut or palm oil but remains liquid at different temperatures, making it easier to work with. Fractionated coconut oil is similar to MCT oil, but it is typically intended for skin care only and is not safe for consumption.
This can be confusing because manufacturers sometimes use terms like liquid coconut oil or fractionated MCT oil. Ultimately, we use MCT-rich, food-grade liquid coconut oil.
Homemade whitening toothpaste
This recipe uses activated charcoal to whiten teeth. Calcium, xylitol and coconut oil combine to maintain healthy gums and prevent cavities.
Yield: 7 ounces
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Make sure the xylitol is finely ground and not coarse. Grind it in a blender or coffee grinder if necessary.
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Mix all ingredients by hand in a small bowl or with a blender until incorporated.
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Store in a glass jar or squeeze tube and brush as usual.
- For easy blender cleaning, add a few drops of soap to the blender, then fill it one-third full with warm water. Close the lid tightly and mix on high. Discard the foam and rinse well.
- Storage and shelf life: Keep away from very hot areas and do not allow water to enter the toothpaste jar. For longer shelf life, use a clean popsicle stick or other utensil instead of dipping the toothbrush directly into the jar.
How to Store Natural Whitening Toothpaste
When I make toothpaste, each member of our family gets their own jar. This helps prevent bacteria from being exchanged and everyone gets their favorite flavor. We simply dip our toothbrushes in the jar, but an ice cream stick is another option. A clean ice cream stick can help prevent germs from growing in toothpaste. If you use essential oils, these also have preservative properties.
Like most of my toothpaste recipes, I like to make it in small batches because the shelf life is not as long as store bought. If your family is much smaller than mine, you can also cut the recipe in half. Be sure to toss your whitening toothpaste if you notice an unpleasant odor or color.
Shelf life depends on several factors, but mine usually lasts at least several weeks. If you don’t agree with the pot, then a squeeze tube like this is another option.
Have you ever tried natural teeth whitening? What worked for you? Leave a comment and let us know!