We all want to know how to do it whiten teeth naturally but realization is another matter. Harsh whitening strips and pastes are a no-go for me. This charcoal whitening toothpaste recipe is an easy and gentler way to have a brighter smile.
Avoiding severe teeth whitening
Those smooth ads with gorgeous smiles can be pretty tempting, but our family avoids artificial whitening. Chemical bleach it can cause sensitivity, irritation and burning of the gums and permanent enamel damage. Scientists aren't entirely sure how teeth whitening works or the full extent of its effects.
Home bleaching treatments use hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and discoloration. Research shows that this may not be the best idea for dental health. Some studies show that hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents damage dentin, the layer of the tooth beneath the enamel. Weaker teeth mean a higher chance of tooth decay.
Just because something is approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) doesn't mean it's safe! Get fluoride 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 toothpaste and oral care. I wanted something safe enough for my kids to use and also not make my health issues worse. Plus, it was supposed to help prevent bad breath and have whitening properties.
I experimented with different ones natural teeth whiteners over the years (including turmeric). But I wanted to make a homemade toothpaste that had the same effect with less mess.
While you can buy many great natural toothpastes (one of yours truly!), I've used this cost-effective DIY recipe for years. (Because, um, 6 kids!). It's my favorite toothpaste recipe so far and the least expensive. It's also the best whitening paste 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 a lot of comments about substitutions and whether certain ingredients are necessary. Since other recipes use coconut oil, some people complain that the toothpaste is too hard to use when fresh.
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. My kids love the taste too and I don't have to worry if they swallow a little.
What does natural whitening toothpaste taste like?
Natural toothpaste may not be as sweet as regular toothpaste and has no foaming action. This recipe doesn't have any baking soda in it, so it's not as salty as some natural options. I add a blend of essential oils to our toothpaste to match the flavor. Essential oils also have antimicrobial properties that aid in oral hygiene.
Essential oils for toothpaste
Not every essential oil is safe put them in the mouth and some that are safe for adults are not safe for children. We also need to consider how much of each oil we use. Irritating essential oils like cinnamon and peppermint essential oil should be used more sparingly than something like orange.
The essential oils are optional, but they really help enhance the flavor. Peppermint, cinnamon, and cloves can be too harsh for little kids, but mine really love grapefruit or lemon!
Not only do they improve the taste of DIY toothpaste, but they have antimicrobial benefits for oral health. Here are some safe essential oil choices for your whitening toothpaste.
A strange way to whiten teeth
I have found that calcium and MCT oil do a good job of whitening 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 pretty skeptical at first, but this has really grown on me. AC is good at 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 will not remove minerals from the teeth. Charcoal improves the pH of the mouth and makes it more alkaline to help prevent cavities and gingivitis. That is why it is one of the main ingredients in My Wellness toothpaste with charcoal.
However, if you have any concerns about using your toothpaste with your dental work, check with your dentist first!
Xylitol Benefits and Warnings
If I add something sweet to our meals, I go for natural options like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Sweeteners such as xylitolI am not something you will see in my recipes. So why use it in toothpaste?
There is some evidence that xylitol benefits oral health. Specifically, it helps reduce plaque and cavities while killing bacteria. A word of caution here 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 little thick, so I put it in a 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 it was all creamy.
The blender was difficult to clean after my experiment, but a quick wipe with paper towels did the trick. After I got the leftovers, I washed the blender as usual.
MCT Oil for Teeth
Medium chain triglycerides or MCT oil it's my secret ingredient in this recipe. It is derived from coconut or palm oil, but remains liquid at different temperatures, so it is easier to work with. Fractionated coconut oil is similar to MCT oil, but is usually only for skin care and is not safe to eat.
It can be confusing because sometimes manufacturers use terms like liquid coconut oil or fractionated MCT oil. After all, we are using liquid coconut oil that is high in MCTs and food grade.
Homemade whitening toothpaste
This recipe uses activated charcoal to whiten teeth. Calcium, xylitol and coconut oil combine to keep gums healthy and prevent cavities.
Yield: 7 ounce
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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 in a blender until incorporated.
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Store in a glass jar or squeeze tube and wipe as usual.
- For easy blender cleaning, add a few drops of soap to the blender and then fill it a third full with warm water. Put the lid on tightly and mix on high. Discard the foam and rinse well.
- Storage and expiration date: Keep away from very warm 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 person in our family gets their own jar. This helps prevent bacteria from being swapped back and forth and everyone gets their favorite flavor. We just dip our toothbrushes into the jar, but a popsicle stick is another option. A clean popsicle stick can help prevent germs from growing in your toothpaste. If you are using essential oils, they also have some preservative properties.
Like most of me Recipes for toothpastes, I like to make this 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 apply your whitening paste if you notice any odor or color.
Shelf life depends on several factors, but mine usually lasts at least a few weeks. If you are not down with the jar, then a squeeze tube as this is another option.
Have you ever tried natural teeth whitening before? What has worked for you? Leave a comment and let us know!
