For years I suffered gum sensitivity and relied on commercial toothpastes that claim to help sooth sensitivity. Even though commercial toothpastes do help with reducing gum sensitivity, I found that after a few days of stopping them, the sensitivity returned.
Homemade toothpaste can also offer good solutions to tooth sensitivity. The recipe below is mineral-rich and can help rebuild teeth enamel and reduce sensitivity. Plus, using a natural toothpaste is another way to reduce the chemicals entering the body.
WHY USE A NATURAL TOOTHPASE?
Most store bought brands of toothpast are full of chemical ingredents:
- Sweeteners: Sorbitol, sodium saccharin and other artificial sweeteners give the commercial toothpaste its flavour, even though there is no evidence that these sweeteners provide any benefit to your teeth. Xylitol has shown some positive benefits for oral health in some studies, but it remains a controversial ingredient in toothpaste.
- Fluoride: A controversial toothpaste ingredient. According to studies, Fluoride affects your body leading to many health problems. For example thyroid disease, arthritis, dementia, reduced IQ in children and much more. Read more here Mercola.com.
- Triclosan: A chemical used in antibacterial soaps and products. Triclosan was recently found to affect proper heart function in a study at University of California Davis and the FDA is currently re-evaluating it for safety in human use.
- Propylene Glyco: Another controversial ingredient, which is a type of mineral oil used in paints, anti-freeze and enamels. Its known it irritate eyes, lungs and skin and can contribute to adding more toxins to the body.
- Microbeads: Microbeads are found in some toothpastes, claiming to help scrub the teeth. Dentists have found them embedded under patients gums which causes gaps for bacteria to enter, further helping gum disease and infection set in. In addition, the microbeads are spat down the sink washing away into our ecosystem, only to be absorbed by our sealife.
- Surfactants: Many toothpastes contain surfactants like sodium lauryl sulfate, which gives toothpaste its foam and lather. Some research shows that SLS can cause mouth ulcers and canker sores.
Many toothpastes also contain artificial colors/dyes or synthetic flavors. There are a few good natural toothpastes to buy, or you can try making this homemade natural peppermint toothpaste.
HOMEMADE NATURAL PEPPERMINT TOOTHPASTE.
- 1/2 tsp. salt.
- 2 tbsp. baking soda.
- 1/4 cup certified organic coconut oil.
- 3 to 5 drops of peppermint essential oil.
- Mix the salt and baking soda together in a bowl.
- Separately, warm the coconut oil.
- Add the salt, baking soda and peppermint essential oil.
- Mix until it forms a paste.
- Put mixture into in a jar with a lid.
- Place in the fridge until solid.
You will need to keep your Peppermint toothpaste in the fridge during hot summer days, as the mixture will turn back to liquid.
How to use
Simply wet your toothbrush and put a small amount on. Then brush as normal.
Thank you for reading and enjoy!