This homemade toothpaste recipe is natural, frugal, and easy to make! Why buy clay toothpaste when you can make some at home in 5 minutes?! For a different flavor, try my Cinnamon Flavored Remineralizing Toothpaste Recipe.
![Homemade toothpaste in a small glass jar with wooden spoon. Text overlay: Simple Homemade Toothpaste](https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Homemade-Toothpaste-Cover-e1628083222664.jpg)
Confession: I make homemade toothpaste because I’m a toothpaste snob.
I fell in love with Earthpaste after using it only once, and the whole family has been happily brushing their teeth with dirt ever since. In fact, we credit my husband’s beating gum disease to the clay.
I was so in love with all-natural Earthpaste and so against conventional toothpaste (because of the glycerin and fluoride), that I never wanted to go back and use the old stuff again. That was the moment when I decided to make homemade toothpaste that’s just like Earthpaste.
And if I’m going to make something myself, you know I’m going to find a way to do it quickly and frugally.
WHY MAKE HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE?
Oral health improves your overall wellness, yet many mainstream oral care products have synthetic additives and harmful ingredients, like sodium lauryl sulfate, which we try to avoid. Artificial sweeteners and flavors, artificial colorings, and synthetic vitamins? No, thank you!
It saves money! The ingredients you purchase will last through several batches of toothpaste, and overall, you’ll be paying less per ounce than store-bought toothpaste, especially if you prefer natural toothpaste.
Reduce waste by using less packaging – see below for my tips on how to store your homemade toothpaste.
If you have kids, having them help mix up a batch might encourage them to brush their teeth more. I don’t know about your kids, but mine are more likely to use something they’ve helped make.
You get to choose the flavor. If you’re not a fan of peppermint, choose a different essential oil to flavor your toothpaste.
![Wood spoon, small glass bowl with bentonite clay, lemon essential oil, empty jar](https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Homemade-Toothpaste-3-e1628094611738.jpg)
HOMEMADE CLAY TOOTHPASTE INGREDIENTS
So, what do you need to make homemade clay toothpaste? Luckily, this ingredient list is pretty short.
- Bentonite clay. You might be asking, why bentonite clay for teeth? Bentonite clay has so many amazing health benefits (you can read more about that HERE and ways to use it!). One of the benefits is the remineralizing effect clay has on your body (and teeth!).
- Distilled or boiled water that has cooled.
- Liquid stevia OR xylitol. Optional, to taste.
- Essential oils. Peppermint oil, lemon oil, or orange oil are good toothpaste flavors. Tea Tree Oil is okay, but I distinctly use Plant Therapy, which you can find on Amazon.
- Tiny pinch of salt.
Psst! If you’re going to add salt, I highly recommend Ava Jane’s Kitchen. You may think all salt is created equal, but unfortunately, 90% of the salt produced around the world contains microplastics (gross, right?). Ava Jane’s Kitchen is an exception. Their salt is 100% microplastic-free, and it’s SO GOOD! Plus, you can get a bag for just 1¢!! (Get your penny bag of salt on this page.)
HOW TO MAKE TOOTHPASTE INSTRUCTIONS
This homemade toothpaste comes together super fast! Here’s how to make toothpaste in 5 minutes.
Step 1: Combine 3 Tbsp of water with clay in a non-metal bowl and mix well using a non-metal spoon (the clay should never come in contact with any metals).
Step 2: Add stevia and 10 drops of desired essential vitality oil (peppermint, lemon, or orange). Mix well.
![Hand holding and pouring distilled water into a glass jar with bentonite clay.](https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Homemade-Toothpaste-1.jpg)
Step 3: Add a pinch of salt, mix well, and taste.
Step 4: Add additional stevia and/or essential oils and/or water to taste and texture, adding oils one drop at a time and water ½ Tbsp at a time.
Note: Wait 48 hours before making significant adjustments to the flavor. The flavors will meld together over time.
![Hand holding lemon essential oil and pouring some drops into the homemade toothpaste in a bowl](https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Homemade-Toothpaste-2-e1628094750407.jpg)
DIY TOOTHPASTE
The total cost of all-natural, homemade toothpaste (that’s just like Earthpaste) is $0.95 per ounce!
So far, the only downside I can see from making your own DIY toothpaste is the up-front cost of ingredients.
However, one 10 oz tub of bentonite clay can make over 34 batches of the recipe above and each 5 ml bottle of essential oil will make over 8 batches.
You will have enough ingredients on hand to make toothpaste for a while!
For a whitening formula, try this Activated Charcoal Tooth Powder Recipe!
Not a DIY Toothpaste kinda person?
That’s ok! Here are some natural toothpaste options that give you healthy, clean teeth and gums.
Earthpaste – this natural toothpaste is based on bentonite clay and contains no fluoride, glycerin, artificial colors, or foaming agents.
Primal Life Organics Toothpowder – formulated with cleansing, mineral-rich bentonite, kaolin, french green clays, and hydroxyapatite to clean, whiten, and remineralize your teeth!
STORING HOMEMADE BENTONITE CLAY TOOTHPASTE
We use this bentonite clay based toothpaste by simply dipping our brushes in one jar. However, if you’d prefer everyone to have their own containers, here are a few options:
- Mini Plastic Pots: These are about the size of a single eyeshadow container and take the issue out of sharing one bigger jar. One batch will fill 2-3 pots, depending on how well you pack it in.
- Reusable Plastic Tubes: These allow you to squeeze the toothpaste out, instead of dipping it into a jar. Each holds 3 oz, so roughly one batch of toothpaste per tube.
- Small Glass Jars: Each jar is 4 oz, so one batch of toothpaste fills each about halfway. This is what I use personally since each jar can serve many functions beyond the bathroom.
- Mini Glass Jars: Similar to what we use, except that each jar is only 2 oz and comes with a plastic lid. Perfect for those concerned about the clay touching metal, and traveling!
![Store your homemade toothpaste in a jar.](https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Homemade-Toothpaste-4-683x1024.jpg)
HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE RECIPE FAQS
What is the best homemade toothpaste?
Give my homemade toothpaste recipe a try! You won’t regret it. This recipe is natural and simple and will clean your teeth without all those unnecessary ingredients.
What can I use if I don’t have toothpaste?
If you run into a situation where you don’t have any toothpaste, don’t worry! You can use just baking soda: just dip your toothbrush into the baking soda and brush as usual with a simple baking soda toothpaste.
Can I use salt to brush my teeth?
Table salt shouldn’t be used for brushing teeth since it would be too harsh and can damage your enamel. However, sea salt works well! You can dip your toothbrush into the salt, or you can dilute the sea salt with water (If you are concerned with the abrasiveness.)
Can I use coconut oil in my own homemade toothpaste?
I thought it would be super cool to make homemade toothpaste with coconut oil, so my first batch included it plus clay, peppermint essential oil, and salt. The flavor wasn’t bad, but it made for a really weird brushing experience, because coconut oil is solid at room temperature, so you can’t just dip your toothbrush into the jar and go. It also made for a weird texture in my mouth during brushing. Instead of worrying about the temperature of our toothpaste, we stuck with our own toothpaste in this post.
MORE HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE RECIPES
- Homemade Cinnamon Flavored Remineralizing Toothpaste
- Whitening Charcoal Toothpaste
- How We Healed Gum Disease
![](https://dontwastethecrumbs.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/Fight-Inflation-Workshop-Workbook-on-Spiral-e1697746286692.jpg)
Did you ever find that this or earth paste clogs wash basins?
Nope! Not at all Sangeetha. Remember that it’s clay – like dirt – and as it combines with water it becomes very thin.
Hmm, I’m trying to figure out why water is getting backed up in our second bathroom. The one where Earthpaste is used 🙂
Hi, my daughter (39) has to have that same gum procedure as your husband had – she is terrified – she cannot take epi or novacaine and must use an alternative (carbocaine) so the procedure will take much longer – is this surgical gum procedure REALLY necessary and will it really help to regrow her gums? she is only having this done on her front lower teeth. Any encouragement you can offer will surely be appreciated. Thank you.
Hi Vikki! Although we’re not doctors, from our understanding, this procedure is necessary. If it helps, my husband did his whole mouth in one sitting, despite the dentists recommending two different appointments. His mouth was numb for awhile, but it was no different after the fact than having a filling. It’s just time intensive. 🙂 And once she’s done, it’s just upkeep to prevent it from happening again. Give her a hug for me – she can do this!!
Thanks SO much for your recipe, Tiffany! I make this all the time now, for everyone’s individual tastes with great results (according to our hygienist!)
Would coconut oil work? Also heard good stuff about baking soda, can’t hurt if I had some right?
Would coconut oil work for what Steve? I tried it once, but didn’t like the texture at all. Hence the reason for this recipe!
Thanks for the recipe! I was about to experiment on my own since I can’t use any xylitol, even the natural stuff, and all earthpaste has it. 🙁 Your post saves me the time I would have taken experimenting on my own.
I have been using Earthpaste for a few months. I agree with others, it is awesome. I am bugeting this recipe, and today I found at Walmart 3 oz silicon cream bottles for $2.97 that may work in place of glass. I do not like the idea of dipping into the jar.
That’s a good deal Sue!
I’m on a plastic free mission, so I want to make this toothpaste to put in a glass jar. Thank you for posting this recipe! I really want to try it 🙂
My only concern– Do you know if these essential oils are safe for a nursing mother or during pregnancy? For instance, I read that peppermint oil isn’t considered safe during pregnancy and could decrease your milk supply when nursing. I wasn’t sure if this mattered if you’re just brushing your teeth with it and spitting it out? Do you know which oils are considered safe for this? Thanks!
According to the chart I prefer to use you should avoid Peppermint completely around children under 6. I do not know if that counts on your breath too, but I would use one of the other choices. My daughter likes orange and it is child safe and pregnancy safe as far as I can see. (I look at learningabouteos.com)
Great info from the website. I will save that as a reference! 🙂
Btw, have you found a brand of essential oils that aren’t sold with a plastic lid?
No. =(
My bentonite clay says “for external use only”. Should I be concerned about this? It is called “calcium bentonite clay” if that makes any difference.
Thanks!
I’m not sure if it makes a difference Amy. I use Redmond Clay and it’s actually okay (and encouraged) for internal use too. It could be labeled that way as a precautionary measure, but I’d do more research just to be on the safe side.
Hello.
What function does the salt play in this? Could it be omitted without affecting the paste too much?
I have lingual nerve damage (from a tooth extraction gone bad) which resulted in chronic dry mouth with a permanent altered taste sensation of salt. The thought of brushing with salt makes me need a therapist or the fetal position, haha
Ever thanks!
Hi Priscilla! The salt is for flavor, and yes you can omit if you don’t have it or would rather not use it. 🙂
I notice you said the clay should never come in contact with metal.. I have a wire retainer (permanent) on my lower teeth, and I’m not sure what kind of wiring it is but I’m assuming metal of some sorts.. Will this be bad if I use this toothpaste?
Hi Sierra – this comment has been addressed in other comments. Please read through for some great info!
Is there an issue with putting the clay down the sink (eventual blockage) or do people put the rinse straight outside??
No issues spitting down the sink Peg!
I tried making toothpaste once and it sounds like we had the same first experience. I bravely used it a few times before tossing it. After that I bought TP from a health shop, but today I am annoyed and I’m back looking at recipes so I know exactly what goes into it. I brought TP from the health shop this morning. I don’t normally wear reading glasses but the expensive dr.Organics, Organic Pomegranate Toothpaste ingredients were way too small… and now I know why. Flouride, Sodium Benzoate, Sorbitol and Aroma (is that another word for artificial flavour?) amongst others. Today I shall try this recipe and tomorrow I take my 2 tubes of NOT organic TP back to the NOT health shop.
Thanks for the recipe.
There is glycerine in that (orange) stevia!
I saw this AFTER I made this recipe, and you can sub xylitol or powdered stevia instead!
Thank you SO much for this recipe! I just finished making my second batch and I had to tell you — I love it more than Earthpaste. It’s the same ingredients, but the texture is much nicer and the flavor is better too. I used 1/4 tsp raw honey in my first batch since I didn’t have xylitol or stevia and it seemed to work great. Finally bought some xylitol though, so I’ll be using that from now on.
Could you use ghassoul clay instead of bentonite clay?
I don’t know Nassira – I haven’t heard of that clay before. 🙂
I was so excited when I came across this – but when I tried to make it it came out as a big gloppy mess! its super thick, I tried adding more water but cannot for the life of me get mine to be creamy like yours. I don’t understand what I am doing wrong! And I stirred a REALLY long time. Any suggestions??
Hi Trisha! Put the toothpaste in a glass bowl and smear it against the sides with a spatula. That’s the best method I’ve found to get it to be creamy rather than clumpy.
Hi,
Maybe this has been asked already but I didn’t want to read through all the comments. I have a different Bentonite clay then Redmond. My toothpaste turned out a more ugly grey colour and not the nice brown that yours is. Also it was super hard to mix and was more gooey instead of the smooth consistency of yours. Is that because of the different Clay and what is the difference between clays, do you know?
Thanks
It’s the light Ruth – my toothpaste is grey, and it is hard to mix. I just did it for a really long time!! 🙂 I haven’t tried any other brands of clay though, so I honestly don’t know if there are differences. Since I treat this as a “medicine” type of product in my home, I like to use brands I know and trust. 😉
Ok. Good to know. Well I will try mixing it more and adding a bit more water. I think I would like to get the redmond clay as well but I have a whole container of this other clay now to use so I am not sure what to do with it. Maybe I’ll just have to use it up first.
I would like to try this. I already have bentonite clay in liquid form in my cupboard. Can I use this instead of having to buy powder?
Hey, I loved your recipe and was so excited to find an eathpaste alternative, but sadly mine when moldy (I’m talking blue and furry) after barely a week. Any advice would be welcome, I’m new to the whole crunchy scene
Kat’
Wow, I’ve never experienced any mold Kat! I really don’t know what could have happened, but maybe some particles of non-toothpaste found their way in?
Do you think using diatomaceous earth instead of the bentonite clay will work?
I haven’t tried it myself Elena, but food grade might work. Of course, adjust the other ingredients to taste!