BASE IS EVERYTHING

Let's start with the base for homemade toothpaste. It requires only two ingredients and a storage container. Depending on the desired effects, we will upgrade it with additions. You need the following: 

• 100 percent coconut oil
• baking soda
• glass jar with lid 

Most likely you already have all the ingredients at home. If you don’t, you can find them at any convenient store. Once you have them, they will last for a long time.  

PEPPERMINT FOR REFRESHMENT 

Peppermint essential oil will add antimicrobial and protective properties to the base paste and prevent the spread of unwanted microorganisms. Peppermint’s icy freshness relieves bad breath and cravings for chewing gum. Mix the following ingredients in a glass jar: 

• 4 tablespoons of coconut oil 
• 4 tablespoons of baking soda 
• 20 drops of peppermint essential oil 

Coconut oil is usually in solid form at room temperature, so it might be a nuisance to combine it with baking soda. Warm it up and make the process easier. In doing so, make sure you heat it enough to go into a liquid state - you don’t want it hot. Once you have mixed the coconut oil, baking soda and peppermint, the paste is ready to use! You can apply it to your toothbrush with a spoon or "grab" it with a brush directly from the bowl if you are the only one using it. Make sure to wash or disinfect the toothbrush well after use, avoiding the party of unwanted microorganisms into the paste container with each subsequent use. 

PEPERMINT + SPEARMINT = SWEET REFRESHMENT 

In addition to peppermint, you can enhance your base paste with the properties of spearmint. This works great for those who find peppermint too strong or pungent. Spearmint is sweeter, while retaining freshness. Try this mixture: 

• 4 tablespoons of coconut oil 
• 4 tablespoons of baking soda 
• 10 drops of peppermint essential oil 
• 10 drops of spearmint essential oil 

Heat the coconut oil to make it liquid if necessary. Once you combine the base mixture with the essential oils, the paste is ready to use. Apply it to the toothbrush with a spoon or "grab" it from the container. If your paste is still too strong, reduce the amount of peppermint and add more spearmint - find the ratio that suits you best.

PEPERMINT + SPEARMINT + CLOVE = SWEET REFRESHMENT WITHOUT PAIN AND SENSITIVITY 

Clove essential oil has traditionally been used in dentistry for its antiseptic and analgesic properties. It contains one valuable compound – eugenol- responsible for its antiseptic and analgesic effects. If you have a toothache, struggle with frequent gingivitis, or oversensitivity- try this recipe: 

• 4 tablespoons coconut oil 
• 4 tablespoons baking soda 
• 5 drops of peppermint essential oil 
• 10 drops of spearmint essential oil 
• 3 to 5 drops of clove essential oil 

Mix the ingredients well and you will be ready to provide natural care and protection to your teeth and gums. Apply the mixture to the toothbrush with a spoon or "grab" it from the bowl in which you stored it, making sure the brush is clean each time. Feel free to find the ratio of peppermint and spearmint that suits you best. As for clove, do not exceed the amount of 5 drops - the oil is strong and can irritate the mucous membranes in excessive amounts. Rather start with less oil and gradually reach 5 drops if it doesn’t bother you. 

CLOVE MOUTHWASH 

Keeping in mind the above properties of clove essential oil, include a clove mouthwash in your daily oral hygiene routine. It is simple and requires minimum time. In a glass jar with a lid, mix the following: 

• 500 ml of boiled and then cooled water 
• 3 to 5 drops of clove essential oil 
• 2 teaspoons of salt (plain or Himalayan) 

After placing all the ingredients in a bowl, close it tightly and shake well until the salt is entirely dissolved. Over time the essential oil will separate and gather on the surface of the liquid, worry not, just shake well before every use. Shake it thoroughly in your mouth and gargle. After you have shaken well, spit out the liquid – do not ingest.  

DIY 

All these recipes are simple and practical ways to take your oral hygiene one step further, with bonus of not polluting your environment. All you need is within reach. What you do need is a little time - at least initially. Once stored, you can use the paste and keep it closed for up to three months. In the long run, the benefits are myriad - for you, and the environment.