I have mentioned before how I stopped tooth decay and helped remineralize teeth. For healthy tooth enamel, it's important to focus on good nutrition and have an excellent oral care routine. If you're dealing with sensitive teeth, this homemade remineralizing toothpaste helps reverse and prevent demineralization!
When I was actively working on my cavities, I used a two-part approach. First, I addressed my mineral levels through what I ate and drank. I also used a natural remineralizing toothpaste for enamel repair. Since then I have noticed a huge improvement in tooth sensitivity and no new cavities!
A remineralizing toothpaste
There is a lot of information about tooth remineralization, a process that many dental health professionals previously considered impossible. This article details the science behind tooth remineralization and what foods to eat (and avoid!) for success. You'll also learn why most toothpaste ingredients, even those with natural ingredients, aren't the best.
Conventional formulations such as Sensodyne reduce tooth sensitivity with fluoride and potassium nitrate. While I'm not a fan of fluoride, there are other issues with some brands that claim to be remineralizing.
Silica, especially in whitening toothpastes can sometimes be too harsh. SLS added to the foam may cause sensitivity in the mouth and gums. Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste has recently gained popularity as an alternative to fluoridated toothpaste, but it also presents problems. You can read more for that here.
Over the years I have discovered a lot about having a healthy mouth. What I found reflects my experience with natural fluoride-free toothpaste and a remineralizing diet.
Don't want to make it? Try remineralizing tooth paste in wellness!
Natural toothpaste
I have definitely noticed huge changes in my teeth after using this toothpaste. It removes build-up to help whiten teeth and makes them feel really clean. Others who have tried it have told me the same thing.
The most surprising change in my teeth was that they are no longer sensitive to cold! For as long as I can remember, biting into anything cold (or even thinking about it!) made me shiver and hurt my front teeth. After changing my dental care, I noticed that I could eat cold foods without hurting my teeth. I have never been able to do this before!
This toothpaste recipe is kid-approved, and since it has without fluorideit is safe for babies, toddlers and those with thyroid problems.
Ingredients and substitutions
I have made several toothpaste recipes over the years with different ingredients. All have ingredients that help strengthen enamel (and improve sensitivity) to some degree. Here are the ingredients and what they do for a healthier mouth
- Calcium – I used calcium carbonate in this recipe to help rebuild the enamel. While still a good option, calcium phosphate is even better. You can also use finely powdered dried eggshells for calcium if you prefer. A coffee grinder works well for this.
- Baking soda – A mild abrasive that helps clean teeth and reduce plaque build-up.
- Diatomaceous earth – Rich in minerals and full of silica for strong teeth and bones. It is also slightly abrasive to clean teeth.
- Xylitol – Adds a little sweetness to balance the mineral taste. Xylitol also has a lot oral health benefits and helps prevent caries. If you prefer not to add it, you can replace it with a little stevia for taste.
- Coconut oil – This helps to bring everything together and turns it from a powder to a toothpaste. Coconut oil also helps reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis and balances oral bacteria. If your home is cooler, you can replace half of the solid coconut oil with fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil.
- Essential oils – These add antimicrobial properties for oral health and freshen breath. Some good options include cassia cinnamon, cloves, peppermint, spearmint, myrrh, or sweet orange. Start with a little and add as needed to the recipe to avoid any irritation.
- Oral ointment – Instead of adding essential oils, try a pre-made healthy mouth oil. I like this from Wellnesse containing ingredients such as manuka, and essential oils of cinnamon and peppermint.
A note on corrosion: There has been some concern that diatomaceous earth or baking soda may be too harsh on teeth. While we don't want to remove the enamel, DE and baking soda can be gentle options. Baking soda ring is 2.5 on the MOHS hardness scale compared to silica at 6 or 7. DE is even softer than that with a score of 1 to 1.5.
Recipe for remineralizing toothpaste
Make a remineralizing toothpaste to freshen bad breath and strengthen teeth with healthy enamel ingredients.
Yield: 4 ounce
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In a bowl, mix together the calcium, diatomaceous earth, baking soda and xylitol.
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Add the coconut oil a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
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If using, add essential oils or balanced mouthwash.
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Store in small glass jar.
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Use a clean popcorn stick or spoon to scoop some up and onto a toothbrush. Do not submerge the toothbrush in the jar as this introduces bacteria and causes it to spoil faster.
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Storage and storage period: Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight for up to 2 years. Replace if it starts to smell or look discolored.
- The amount of coconut oil can vary you need to form a paste consistency can range from 1 and 1/2 TBSP to 2 and 1/2 TBSP coconut oil. You can also replace half of the solid coconut oil with fractionated or MCT oil if your house is cold. This keeps it from becoming too difficult!
- If you don't have a 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoon, it's the same as 1 and 1/2 teaspoons.
More natural oral care options
Oral hygiene involves more than just toothpaste! Here are some other healthy mouth products to make or buy. I've included my Wellness brand for those who are too busy or just want a pre-made option.
The inner side of remineralization
Remineralization doesn't just happen in the mouth. Simply using a toothpaste with a higher concentration of minerals is likely not enough to help your teeth. Remineralization is a process throughout the body. In order for that to happen, we need enough of certain nutrients, especially fat-soluble minerals and vitamins.
When I was actively working to remineralize my teeth, I focused on a specific nutrient-dense diet. I also avoided foods high in sugar and phytic acid and added other lifestyle factors to increase nutrient levels. You can read my daily oral health routine in this post.
Getting enough minerals and fat-soluble vitamins are important not only because they support the body as a whole, but also create more mineral-rich saliva. Our body needs healthy saliva to deliver the necessary nutrients to the teeth.
I saw the best results with this dual approach: eating for oral health and using this remineralizing toothpaste!
Have you ever tried remineralizing toothpaste? Let us know how it worked!
