When my family first started our natural living journey, we didn’t have the financial means to purchase lots of different products and ingredients. Money was definitely tight as a single income family. In an effort to maintain both my mental sanity and our financial stability, I had to figure out how to make the switch from toxic products to more natural options. My solution was a simple one: Embrace this makeover as a journey. A slow, steady journey; swapping one product at a time.

When I first started this journey, I wanted someone to walk alongside me. Someone who had walked the same path I was currently traveling down. Someone who could come alongside me and say, “Hey, you’re looking for a more natural replacement for ______? Cool! Here’s what I’ve tried and loved.” My desire is to be that someone for you. And I would love for you to be that someone for me. Together, we can share about the swaps we’re making, what we’ve tried, and the products we’re using and loving.

Today, let’s talk about toothpaste. I’ve included store-bought options that can easily be found in stores, a couple of options that require online ordering, and then my new and improved homemade toothpaste. Keep in mind that the Amazon price for some of these options is really high compared to the brand’s website and physical stores. All of the options receive the “seal of approval” from both the EWG website and the Think Dirty App. If you’d like to learn more about ingredients to avoid and how to read an ingredient list, visit this post.

I personally rotate between store-bought and homemade toothpaste. After sharing my favorite options, I want hear from you. Do you have a favorite non-toxic toothpaste brand, or maybe a favorite homemade recipe?

Homemade Minty Toothpaste

First, a homemade option. I reformulated my homemade toothpaste recently. I love the fresh, minty flavor and it cleans my teeth so well. It’s really easy to make as it only calls for a few basic ingredients: clay, coconut oil, salt, and essential oil. If you’re up for a homemade toothpaste, this is what I make and love.

Primal Pit Paste Toothpowder (primalpitpaste.com)

Okay, this one takes some getting used to. It isn’t my favorite toothpaste option, but it is made with really clean ingredients. This is a clay-based toothpaste, however, it’s not actually a paste. This is a powder that you have to moisten with water before brushing your teeth. It’s not everyone’s toothpaste, but some folks really love the powder option.

Dr. Bronner’s Toothpaste (drbronner.com, health food stores, Whole Foods, Amazon) 

Dr. Bronner’s is a popular name in the natural-minded world due to their castile soap. They are also the makers of my favorite cleaning product, Sal Suds. They also make other products, including hand sanitizer, lotion, and toothpaste. I like the cinnamon flavor the best. This option is available in many stores, including most health food stores and Whole Foods.

Earthpaste (Amazon, health food stores, Whole Foods)

Earthpaste was the first natural, store-bought toothpaste I ever tried. Just a few years ago, it was the only more natural store-bought toothpaste option. Earthpaste is made by the Redmond brand (famous for bentonite clay and salt), so this is a clay-based toothpaste. It does come in a tube versus a jar, and it’s easy to squeeze on a toothbrush. Earthpaste makes adult flavors and kid flavors. Earthpaste remains my go-to brand for myself and the kids. It’s available at most health food stores and Whole Foods.

David’s Natural Toothpaste (davids-usa.com, Amazon)

This is a bit more expensive than the other brands on this list, but the tube lasts forever. This toothpaste does contain carrageenan, which isn’t something that concerns me in this form or application. This paste reminds me of a natural Crest.

Uncle Harry’s Toothpaste (Amazon)

This toothpaste reminds of a homemade toothpaste since it comes in a jar versus a tube and it’s made with clay. The flavor isn’t my favorite, but I love how it cleans my teeth. And the ingredients are simple and recognizable. Uncle Harry’s isn’t a common toothpaste sold in stores, so you’ll need to order this one online. If you’re okay with a jar versus a tube, and you want a close-to-homemade toothpaste without actually mixing any ingredients, this is a great paste for you. The brand also makes a kid version.

Jack N’ Jill (Amazon) 

This is my kids’ favorite toothpaste. I believe the toothpaste is an Australian brand. The ingredients are clean, and the strawberry flavor is a favorite with my little people. The tube is easy for the kids to use, too.

Tom’s of Maine (Amazon, Target, health food stores, Whole Foods)

Finally, a brand that many people will recognize, Tom’s of Maine. Tom’s of Maine is owned by Colgate-Palmolive, a company that’s not exactly known for being a natural company. With that said, Tom’s of Maine is easy to find in almost every store, not just health food stores. Many of the toothpaste options rank very well on both the EWG website (Skin Deep) and the Think Dirty App. My favorite is Propolis and Myrrh.

Tom’s of Maine also makes a couple of clean mouthwash options: Wicked Fresh Cool Mountain Mint and Cleansing Mouthwash, along with floss (Naturally Waxed Anti-Plaque Flat Floss). Tom’s of Maine also makes children’s toothpaste.

The post Switching to Natural Products: Toothpaste appeared first on Live Simply.

Back in 2014, when Live Simply was just a few months old, I shared a recipe for homemade toothpaste.

Three years later, I’m ready to revisit that recipe and give it some new life with new photos and a few ingredient adjustments. Initially, I wasn’t sure what to call this refresher toothpaste recipe. Here were my options…

1. Delete the original post, and use the same name for the new post. <–That would be similar to riping a page out of a personal journal.

2. Come up with a new recipe name. <–And possibly confuse future readers.

I decided to take a little inspiration from Apple (i.e. iPhone 3,4,5,6,7…), and named today’s recipe, Minty Homemade Toothpaste 2.0.

The biggest difference between my original recipe and today’s recipe is the amount of toothpaste that’s made.

When I first started making body products, I felt the need to go big. Meaning, I felt like recipes should make a lot of product. Over the years, I’ve changed my thinking. Now, I tend to focus on making smaller batches of homemade products to keep the ingredients fresh and the products safe. Balms and butters (recipes that rely solely on butters, oils, beeswax, and sometimes essential oils) are the exception to this rule.

Smaller batch products are used quickly (they don’t sit around for a year in a medicine cabinet), so they’re made often (reducing any risk of spoilage). I know, this sounds time consuming, but it isn’t.

At this point, I only make a few body products at home since there are quite a few quality products on the market, and the products I still make are incredibly easy to whisk together. Currently, I make today’s toothpaste recipe, a clay facial mask, a facial exfoliator, and a face moisturizer. That’s pretty much it at the moment (other than the occasional vapor rub and boo-boo cream). For the rest of our needs, I purchase trusted products from the store or market. <–That’s what simple, natural living looks like for me at the moment.

Okay, back to toothpaste…

My original toothpaste recipe was inspired by Earthpaste, which a few years ago was one of the only non-toxic toothpaste options on the market. Since 2014, natural toothpaste options have increased. Today’s new and improved recipe is based on trying these newer products, along with testing out some of the homemade samplings from the vendors at the local market.

In this improved recipe, clay (a cleansing, detoxifying ingredient) and coconut oil (antibacterial) are used to clean the teeth. Distilled water is added to thin the toothpaste and keep it from tasting like a skillet smothered in coconut oil. Salt is added for the minerals and cleansing benefits, and the peppermint and tea tree essential oils are added for antibacterial properties. 

Unlike my original recipe, this toothpaste isn’t super salty–which was a big turn off for a lot of folks (including my hubby). I get it, no one wants to feel like they’re brushing their teeth with a salt shaker. I personally love the taste of this new and improved version. The fresh, minty taste is refreshing and my teeth always feel so clean after brushing.

Before I share the recipe, let me just say that I realize that not everyone wants to use homemade toothpaste (that includes my hubby and kids). Maybe you have your doubts about how effective it is, or you don’t like the idea of brushing your teeth with oil or clay, or you’re just not ready to go that hippie (yet). Or, maybe you just love squeezing your paste from a bottle featuring printed words. Friend, I completely understand!

The do-it-yourself recipes shared on Live Simply are, for the most part, the recipes I’m using (or have used) on my own body. I share the recipes to chronicle what I’m making and loving, and also to show others just how easy it is to make some products at home. You don’t have to make toothpaste in your kitchen in order to live a natural lifestyle. There are quite a few non-toxic toothpaste options on the market today, ranging from clay-based pastes (like Uncle Harry’s and Earthpaste) to more Crest-like toothpastes (some of the Tom’s products rank well on the EWG website and Dr. Bronner’s). In a few weeks, I’m going to share a round-up of my favorite natural toothpaste options.

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Minty Homemade Toothpaste 2.0

In this recipe, clay is used to clean teeth, along with coconut oil (antibacterial), distilled water (to thin the toothpaste), peppermint and tea tree essential oils (antibacterial), and a bit of salt. 

Course DIY

Cuisine Body

Keyword Minty Homemade Toothpaste 2.0

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 10 minutes minutes

Servings 1 ounce

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1 TB bentonite clay
• 1 TB distilled water
• 1 TB coconut oil melted, or at least softened
• 1/2 tsp salt fine, mineral-rich salt
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 1 drop peppermint essential oil

Special Equipment:

• non-metallic mixing bowl
• non-metallic mixing spoon
• storage jar

Instructions

• Add the clay, distilled water, melted coconut oil, salt, and essential oils to a small, non-metallic mixing bowl. Stir to combine the ingredients. 
• Spoon the toothpaste into a small storage jar. Seal the jar. Store the toothpaste in the fridge between uses*. 

To Use:

• Scoop a small amount from the jar onto your toothbrush. You can use your toothbrush to do this, or a small utensil. Brush as normal, spit, and rinse. 
  

Notes

*This is a very small batch recipe--making enough to last just a couple of weeks. Keeping the toothpaste in the fridge does cause it to clump (due to the coconut oil). I personally don't have an issue with this. Do what you're most comfortable with--keeping the toothpaste on your counter, or in the fridge. 

Feel free to decrease the salt amount to 1/4 teaspoon if you feel it's too salty. 

The toothpaste will be runny, but it will firm up in the fridge or a cooler home. If you want a thicker paste, you're welcome to add more clay, adding just a few pinches until you reach the desired consistency. If it's too thick, which can happen in a cold environment, add a splash (or two) of warm/hot water to the paste and stir.  

As with any toothpaste, this isn't meant to be swallowed. 

Want to make the transition to non-toxic toothpaste, but don't want to go the homemade route? No problem! Here are my favorite (store-bought) toothpaste options. 

The post Minty Homemade Toothpaste appeared first on Live Simply.

I’ve always been a minimalist when it comes to self-care. Even before our lifestyle change (ditching toxic chemicals and living more naturally), I never understood the concept of mouthwash, facial serums, or special eye creams. That is until I hit 30!

Eye cream? Why yes, I believe my eyes could use some special treatment. Two kids + years of iffy sleep  = eye cream intervention. Facial serum? Oh yes, let’s do it! And mouthwash? Well, that’s the subject of today’s post and something I’ve now added to my natural dental routine.

Of course, I think all of us know about store-bought mouthwash: the famous neon blue or green colors (far from natural, right?!) and a long list of ingredients that are far from natural.

Why do you need mouthwash? 

Mouthwash can help to control plaque, prevent tooth decay, decrease inflammation in the mouth, treat bad breath, balance the pH of the mouth, offer antibacterial properties, and provide beneficial minerals for remineralizing teeth (this is one of the reasons I consume Real Salt and not table salt–and yes, I buy it in a 10 lb bucket).

Side note: This is my favorite natural mouthwash and toothpowder for remineralizing. I used this back in 2018 after having a couple of cavities and ended up not needing to fill one of them. 

What is a natural alternative to mouthwash?

There are quite a few natural alternatives to mouthwash. Most mouthwash alternatives are made with simple ingredients that you can find in your kitchen or at the grocery store: baking soda, aloe vera, essential oils, and mineral-rich salt.

The ingredients used to make a homemade mouthwash alternative all depend on your goal for the mouthwash. This article from the dentist at Soundview Family Dental shares how to make specific homemade mouthwash recipes according to your dental needs, using natural ingredients.

The recipe below is the natural homemade mouthwash that I use on a daily basis after brushing for fighting off gingivitis and general mouth care. It’s become part of my dental hygiene routine. 

How do I make my own mouthwash?

Making natural homemade mouthwash is super easy and a budget-friendly product to add to a good oral hygiene routine for oral health! As in 5 ingredient easy! Five ingredients that you can actually pronounce and probably already own. To make this homemade DIY mouthwash recipe, here’s what you’ll need…

• aloe vera juice (or gel)
• baking soda 
• peppermint essential oil 
• tea tree essential oil
• distilled water (or filtered water)

Aloe Vera

According to the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, aloe vera has been shown to help with periodontal disease, which is the inflammation of gums and bone that surround the teeth. According to another study, “Dental uses of Aloe Vera are multiple. It is extremely helpful in the treatment of gum diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis. It reduces bleeding, inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is a powerful antiseptic in pockets where normal cleaning is difficult, and its antifungal properties help greatly in the problem of denture stomatitis, apthous ulcers, cracked and split corners of the mouth…”

Baking Soda

Baking soda is believed to help neutralize acids (balance the pH of the mouth), take care of odors (good-bye, bad breath!), and fight germs. Some studies also show that baking soda may help fight stains on teeth.

Essential Oils

Peppermint essential oil and tea tree oil are added for their antibacterial properties. Peppermint also adds a natural minty flavor to homemade mouthwash. I like to buy my essential oils from Plant Therapy.

Distilled Water

Distilled water is used to dilute the aloe vera and other ingredients. You can also use filtered water, just make sure you keep the mouthwash in the fridge and use it quickly.

How to use homemade mouthwash

Using a homemade mouthwash is just like using a store-bought mouthwash. First, brush your teeth (I love this minty homemade toothpaste or the best store-bought natural toothpaste). Next, floss (I love this natural floss from Dr. Tungs). Pour the mouthwash into a cup (about 3-5 teaspoons) and swish the mouthwash for about 30 seconds. Spit it out. Keep this homemade mouthwash in the fridge between uses.

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Easy Homemade Mouthwash

Making homemade mouthwash is super easy! As in five ingredient easy! Five ingredients that you can actually pronounce and probably already own. 

Course Homemade

Cuisine Beauty

Keyword homemade mouthwash, Mouthwash, natural mouthwash

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 8 ounces

Author Kristin Marr

Equipment

• 8-ounce jar or larger

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup aloe vera juice OR aloe vera gel (check the supplement section of a health food store)
• 1/2 cup distilled water OR filtered water
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop tea tree essential oil

Instructions

• To a 8-ounce bottle or larger (I purchase my bottles from HomeGoods or Target, check the kitchen gadget aisle), add all the ingredients: aloe vera, water, baking soda, peppermint essential oil, and tea tree oil.
• Seal the bottle and shake to combine the ingredients. The baking soda should dissolve after just a few shakes. Store the mouthwash in the fridge between uses.

To Use:

• Using a homemade mouthwash is just like using a store-bought mouthwash. First, brush your teeth (I love this minty homemade toothpaste or the best store-bought natural toothpaste). Next, floss (I love this natural floss from Dr. Tungs). Pour the mouthwash into a cup (about 3-5 teaspoons) and swish the mouthwash for about 30 seconds. Spit it out.

More Natural Dental Recipes:

• Best Natural Toothpaste Brands and Recipes
• Minty Homemade Toothpaste

The post Easy Homemade Mouthwash appeared first on Live Simply.

A couple of months ago, the normal twenty minutes of play was extended. Not by my doing, but the kids seemed to be really enjoying their time together. Check-in or sit and savor the last few drops of coffee?  As any practical mom would do, I raised my voice enough to be heard from the bottom of the stairs, “Are you two okay up there?” Silence. I put down the coffee (it was hard) and walked upstairs. I quietly peeked down the hall and saw her, covered, mouth full of pink paste.

Londyn had successfully broken away from playtime with Piper, wondered into the bathroom, and grabbed the bottle of kid-friendly “natural” toothpaste. The bright pink color and strawberry-flavor was just too appealing for a two year-old. And when anything is that appealing, much like chocolate, the only logical thing is to attempt to eat and cover yourself with the entire tube. I caught her just in time, most of the paste covered her body and the sticky hand-printed walls.  I’m sure she ingested a small amount too. The idea of a child loving toothpaste so much that she viewed it as an edible treat, candy, terrified me.

I’ve been making and using homemade toothpaste for over a year. I’ve noticed an incredible difference in my dental health. Ditching the commercial paste has proven to be a wise decision. My kids are less than fond of my homemade concoction.  The taste is “too hot” for their liking. (“Too hot” is Piper’s way of saying a food is too salty.) With the desire to make brushing teeth an enjoyable experience, I’ve been buying a popular “natural” brand of toothpaste: pink, strawberry-flavored, and super kid-friendly. Never giving thought to homemade “kid” toothpaste until Londyn’s scary toothpaste adventure.

Today, my kids use homemade toothpaste. A recipe very similar to my peppermint paste, but made kid-friendlier. So, what’s different? In the kid-friendlier recipe, I omit the salt and use less baking soda, reducing the salty taste. My kids aren’t a fan of peppermint, so I turn to a kid-friendly and safe essential oil, sweet orange. The addition of stevia adds a bit of sweetness, just enough to make teeth-time enjoyable.  A recipe I can feel good about my kids using without the temptation of viewing toothpaste as edible candy.

Do I guarantee your kids will love this paste? No, I don’t. In fact, if your kids are used to processed, overly- sweetened paste adorned with lovable cartoon characters, it will take effort and time to get used to a homemade version. In the beginning my kids were skeptical. How did I transition them from pink slime to homemade paste? Here are a few tips:

1. Transition Slowly. My kids weren’t keen on the whole cold-turkey thing. I started putting a small amount of homemade paste on their toothbrush, followed by the commercial paste on top. Slowly, every couple of days, I decreased the amount of commercial toothpaste, adding more homemade paste. Eventually, the commercial paste was no longer needed. They also stopped trying to eat or “drink” the toothpaste once the transition took place. Toothpaste is now viewed a something we use to brush our teeth, not a treat.

2. Squeeze Bottles. I recently learned about these GoToob squeeze bottles. They’re amazing! I was hesitant to spend the money, but I’m glad I did. They’re soft and squeezable, very similar to a toothpaste tube. I bought the three pack, one for the kids’ toothpaste, one for mine, and the extra for homemade lotion. The squeezeableness (shhh, let’s pretend that’s a word) of the tube makes homemade toothpaste much more desirable for my kids. I think they feel “normal.”

3. Make it Together. Just like real food, getting your kids involved in the process of creating is always a win. This recipe is simple enough kids can assist in the making.

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Homemade Kid Toothpaste

A homemade toothpaste even the kids will like. Made with simple, natural ingredients.

Course DIY, Homemade

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Kid Toothpaste

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 1/3 cup coconut oil soft but not melted
• 1 TB baking soda
• 1 TB bentonite clay
• 1/4 tsp liquid stevia
• 4-10 drops sweet orange essential oil Lemon or Peppermint are also an option if that's more appealing to your kids.

Instructions

• In a medium-size bowl, combine the coconut oil, baking soda, and clay. Mix thoroughly.
• Add in the remaining ingredients and mix.
• Store in a jar or for squeezable toothpaste, use these.
• Note: When mixing bentonite clay, please use a wood or plastic spoon. Bentonite clay should not come in contact with metal because it deactivates the clay.
• The consistency of this recipe can vary depending on the temperature where the toothpaste is stored, due to the nature of coconut oil. This toothpaste isn't meant to be stored long-term, so I recommend making small batches frequently.

I’m sure someone will ask about baking soda being abrasive. I personally, after much reading, feel safer using baking soda than commercial toothpaste. It’s much less abrasive than commercial toothpaste, even the organic options. You can read more information and view a chart here.  Also, if you’d like to skip homemade toothpaste and purchase a “cleaner” store-bought option, I love Nature’s Gate or Earthpaste (both are available at health food stores, or online).

The post Homemade Kid Toothpaste appeared first on Live Simply.

This recipe was originally shared in 2014. Since that time, I’ve experimented with ways to improve this recipe, based on my own experience and reader feedback. In 2017, I shared a new and update recipe. Check out the new recipe, here. 

Remember those chocolate chip cookies I posted this week? Yes, those ooey-gooey little bites of pure joy. It’s time to draw it back a little, finish up that last little crumb smudged with chocolaty goodness and talk about teeth and toothpaste. I know, a bit of a downer topic after talking chocolate, but I promise, you’ll want to stick around.

Growing up, I regularly visited the dentist, received protective sealants, braces, and cleanings. You could say the dentist and I were quite the BFF’s, maybe more like BDF’s (Best Dental Friends). My teeth were well-cared for, thanks to my parents.

With as many dental treatments as I received over the years, you’d think my teeth would be cavity-free and gorgeous. Cavitiy-free? I have many. Gorgeous teeth? Well, they are nice looking. Not once did I ever stop to think about what I was putting on my teeth and how it effects those pearly whites.  For nearly twenty-eight years, I never once thought there was a different way to care for teeth. After all, commercials, the dentist, and pamphlets, tell us we need commercial toothpaste, two times a day, followed by a thorough washing of bright-blue mouth wash. And if that commercial toothpaste irritates your teeth, then the industry will sell you “special” commercial toothpaste.

After delving into Dr. Weston A Price’s book, Nutrition and Physical Degeneration and changing our diet to include lots of good fat, quite the shocker for a former margarine-loving vegetarian, I realized food has the power to heal and restore health. The difference real food made for our tired bodies, our son’s Apraxia, and even our dental health was amazing. Even with the real food change I continued to use commercial, processed products for our personal hygiene.

Here’s the thing about real food, natural living, getting back to simple, whatever you want to call it, eventually you start questioning all products. One day you pick up that bottle of lotion, after enjoying a nice glass of kombucha, and wonder, “Why can’t I pronounce anything on this bottle?” Soon, that bottle gets tossed and you’re experimenting with the same coconut oil used to make brownies, rubbing it all over your dry legs.

It doesn’t stop there, soon you’re tossing the foundation powder and whipping up a cocoa mixture to apply to your face. That foundation powder leads to body wash, homemade neosporin, vapor rub, and laundry soap. Your medicine cabinet resembles a hodge podge of natural ingredients and little mason jars with the only labels being hand-written. Your husband lovingly calls you “the witch-doctor” and your friends call you “crazy”.

Don’t think it will happen, friends? Give it a bit of time. Soon, you’ll be there too.

Today, I’m sharing a new recipe. One you can easily whip up with that hodge podge of natural ingredients. A recipe to replace yet another chemical found in our homes, toothpaste. A homemade toothpaste that’s revolutionized my teeth and dental health. This recipe is made with benonite clay. The same clay used to make foundation powder, rich is potassium and calcium and effective at removing toxins. Baking soda and coconut oil help to whiten and clean teeth. Mineral-rich salt is also added.  Stevia and peppermint essential oil add a delicate, sweet peppermint flavor to the salty mixture. Each ingredient comes together to create a homemade toothpaste that cleans and nourishes teeth, in a simple, chemical-free fashion.

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Simple Homemade Peppermint Toothpaste

Homemade toothpaste made with simple ingredients. 

Course DIY, Homemade

Cuisine Beauty, Body

Keyword Peppermint Toothpaste

Prep Time 5 minutes minutes

Total Time 5 minutes minutes

Servings 2 oz

Author Kristin Marr

Ingredients

• 3/8 cup coconut oil soft, but not liquid
• 1/4 cup baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp bentonite clay
• 1/2 tsp liquid stevia optional
• 5-7 drops peppermint essential oil the amount will depend on taste preference

Instructions

• In a medium bowl, combine the coconut oil and baking soda. Mix thoroughly.
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix.
• Store in a jar and scoop with a small spoon (to prevent bacteria from entering the container). For a squeezable toothpaste, use a squeeze bottle.
• Note: When mixing bentonite clay, please use a wood or plastic spoon. Bentonite clay should not come in contact with metal because it deactivates the clay.
• The consistency of this recipe can vary depending on the temperature where the toothpaste is stored due to the nature of coconut oil.

Notes

This recipe was originally shared in 2014. Since that time, I've experimented with ways to improve this recipe, based on my own experience and reader feedback. In 2017, I shared a new and update recipe. Check out the new recipe, here. 

The post Simple Homemade Peppermint Toothpaste appeared first on Live Simply.