I’ve posted my recipe for remineralizing homemade toothpaste before, and a reader recently shared her adaption that allows it to be squeezable (many thanks to Melina!) It also combines the bentonite clay of the toothpowder recipe with the remineralizing recipe for a double dose of minerals.
The addition of water to this recipe makes it squeezable, but also shortens the shelf life. I haven’t been able to test it past a few weeks because we use it so quickly, but it has lasted at least that long at our house. A reader suggested adding vodka in place of the water.
The squeezable tube also offers the advantage of making a toothpaste that is easier to share without having to dip multiple toothbrushes into the same container.
If you’d rather use a water-free homemade toothpaste recipe with an indefinite shelf life or a toothpowder recipe, my entire list of oral health recipes is on my Oral Health Resource Page.
Squeezable Homemade Toothpaste Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 TBSP calcium carbonate powder
- 3 TBSP xylitol powder (optional)
- 4 TBSP coconut oil (room temperature)
- 1 TBSP baking soda (optional)
- 2 TBSP bentonite clay (or additional calcium carbonate)
- 3 TBSP distilled water
- 30 drops essential oils (such as peppermint, cinnamon, etc.)
- 20-30 drops trace minerals (optional)
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients except clay in a mini-food processor and mix well to incorporate.
- Once smooth, slowly add in the bentonite clay and mix by hand with a plastic utensil (bentonite clay should not come in contact with metal). If you don’t have a food processor, you can use an immersion blender or even a whisk/fork in a bowl. Do not use an air-tight blender like a magic bullet as this create too much pressure
- Store in a small jar or a squeezable tube like this BPA free GoTube.
- Use as you would regular toothpaste.
Notes
- Due to the nature of the coconut oil, this homemade toothpaste will be thicker when cooler and thinner when heated, but should be a squeezable consistency at normal room temp (70-75 degrees). If it is too runny or too thick, try adding more water or calcium to get desired thickness.
- Adjust essential oils to taste.
Homemade Toothpaste FAQs
Q. What is the best type of calcium/calcium magnesium to use?
After trying a lot of different types of calcium and calcium magnesium powders and getting reader feedback from dozens of readers… the consensus is that Calcium Carbonate is the best option and that certain types of calcium magnesium can cause reactions. (I use this brand)
Q. I had an explosive reaction while making this… what happened?
Likely, you used calcium magnesium in a closed container, which apparently can cause a pressure reaction in certain situations. I recommend mixing by hand or in a container that is not airtight. Magic bullets seem to be the culprit in most cases.
Q. Is this okay for sensitive teeth/fillings/veneers/children/etc?
Always check with a dentist before changing a dental routine especially if you have any dental conditions. I personally use this on my kids and on my own teeth with a couple of non-amalgam fillings (before I knew about remineralization). Again, check with a dentist, but since all ingredients are generally considered safe for consumption, I feel comfortable using it.
Q. What are some common reactions in the first few weeks (heightened sensitivity for some)?
I personally didn’t have any reactions, but it seems that some people do experience sensitivity for the first couple of weeks of using homemade toothpaste, especially if they’ve been using commercial products for a long time or have had recent fluoride treatments as the clay can bind and pull out toxins. This seems to be less of an issue with calcium powder and seems to resolve itself within a few weeks, but again check with a dentist.
Q. Xylitol vs. stevia, which is better?
This is largely a matter of opinion. Some studies show that xylitol is good for the teeth, while others show it can be dangerous. It is dangerous to animals, so be very careful to keep it out of the reach of any pets! We use this brand which is not derived from corn and which is not GMO.
Q. Vodka vs. Water?
This recipe works just fine with water, but many people have successfully used vodka in its place to extend the shelf life (it lasts pretty long either way.)
Q. Why NO Glycerin?
There is some evidence that glycerin can coat teeth and prevent them from absorbing minerals. The research definitely seems mixed on this one, but there is no evidence that glycerin is needed or beneficial to the teeth, so it is best avoided. On a personal level, I’ve seen relatives’ teeth turn brown after using glycerin-based toothpaste and return to normal once switching to different brands.
Q. Other than yourself and your family, has anyone else used this for a while?
I have received dozens of emails from people who have used this toothpaste or my regular remineralizing toothpaste and had good results. One reader, Jennifer, backed the idea of using calcium and not calcium magnesium:
I’ve always made it with calcium powder and love it. We bought the calcium magnesium powder this time and it tastes and feels like tingly, bitter metal – and not tingly in a good way. We will stick with the regular calcium carbonate powder.
Tina offered these changes:
I started adding a bit of hydrogen peroxide to mine. That made it squeezable. I do not use the bentonite clay. Instead I use baking soda. I also add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to mine. There is still the fact that coconut oil is more firm in cooler temps. Thanks for sharing the container information! I have tried using pastry tips with disposable plastic bags.
Melinda adds:
I love this toothpaste recipe and have been using the original but my paste always dries up. I’ll have to play with it more. This recipe really does make my teeth look and feel fantastic. I love it! May have to get a squeezable tube and see how that goes.
Q. I had bleeding gums the first few times I used this, is this normal?
I didn’t experience this personally, but have heard from many readers that they had this for the first few days and up to two weeks but from their experience, it seemed to resolve itself. If in doubt, ask a dentist!
Q. What type of container is best for this?
I personally use goToobs which are medical grade silicon and great for re-using, traveling and squeezing without worry of plastic leaching in to the toothpaste or metal deactivating the bentonite clay. I’ve had one of these and it has lasted a year and is still going strong. I also use them for my oil cleansing blend when traveling since they don’t leak.
Ever made your own toothpaste or oral health products? How did it go? Share below!
I love this toothpaste recipe and have been using the original but my paste always dries up. I’ll have to play with it more. 40 drops of essential oils is a LOT. I only used a few of peppermint and it was plenty, I can’t imagine 40. This recipe really does make my teeth look and feel fantastic. I love it! May have to get a squeezable tube and see how that goes. Is it hard to get the paste into it?
Not really… the cap unscrews and it is a pretty big opening…
I read that xylitol protects teeth by making them slippery so that bacteria cannot collect… But if this is the case, wouldn’t it prevent mineral absorption as well? I wonder if perhaps it might be best to make a xylitol rinse after brushing to allow minerals to absorb beforehand? Then again, how long does it take for minerals to get absorbed? Thank you so much for your great recipes!
Hi Delphine, You can read all about the benefits of xylitol and how it works in this post.
Do you know if bentonite clay safe on amalgams?
I would like to try this. I think I’ll use vodka instead of water though, so that it will stay good longer.
Good idea!
Would the alcohol make this unsafe for children who still swallow their toothpaste? What about the bentonite clay? They all say for external use only. I can skip the bentonite and use other suggestions on here, but I’m very curious about the vodka because I like the idea of using this for a preservative.
I would be concerned about using alcohol as it is very acidic and will likely alter the ph of the other combined ingredients. I have read that we need our mouth in a neutral state before attempting to clean our teeth as we run risk of damaging enamel. check out dr Ellie regimen for tooth care. not all natural but some good info.
That’s an interesting solution 😀
I have a book of recipes for health and beauty products and it suggests to use 50% alcohol to water ratio as a natural preservative. Particularly vodka being a good cheap alcohol at 80 proof, 40% alcohol by volume. Vodka is commonly used to make tinctures and extracts as well. So I can’t take credit for the idea, apparently it’s a common preservative and why you may find alcohol in a lot of products, even things like shampoos and lotions at the store.
would you post the name & author of the book you spoke about, please
I noticed that this new recipe doesn’t contain Baking Soda like the original recipe. Is the Baking Soda not necessary or was it forgotten? I’m assuming the Baking Soda is for pH.
Also, if the clay is to pull the toxins, can it be omitted from the recipe if I use activated charcoal (separately)? Thanks!
I think It was forgotten. I put baking soda in mine, it’s basically the original recipe plus bentonite clay and water. The bentonite clay and water addition are mostly to get the right consistency to make squeezable.
Thanks Katie for posting this. I’m glad to contribute to your project!
Putting beauty/health/food products in plastic containers may lead the products to become contaminated by the toxins in the plastic. A safer suggestion could be to get a glass “soap” or “lotion” dispenser and squirt the toothpaste onto the toothbrushes. This is also a nice option for those who will be sharing toothpaste with others in the home! 🙂
The lotion dispenser wouldn’t solve the issue of plastic toxicity, since the “tube” inside the container that allows the liquid to go up, as well as the actual ump mechanism and nozzle ARE ALL MADE OUT OF PLASTIC. After squirting, liquid stays inside the tube for the next serving.
Might as well use a plastic tube.
Or have a totally different approach on the matter.
Agreed, and the one I linked to is actually silicon so it won’t leech…
The pumps also usually have a metal spring inside. so this isnt a great option.
Great idea!!! Thanks !
I started adding a bit of hydrogen peroxide to mine. That made it squeezable. I do not use the bentonite clay. Instead I use baking soda. I also add a few drops of grapefruit seed extract to mine.There is still the fact that coconut oil is more firm in cooler temps. Thanks for sharing the container information! I have tried using pastry tips with disposable plastic bags. This works okay and is inexpensive. I like the looks of these squeezable containers much more!
that’s a great idea and very creative. I think im gonna give it a try
Just be careful – I have read on numerous occasions that hydrogen peroxide and baking soda is not a good mixture to use on your teeth too often, as it basically removes the top-most part of the layers on your teeth (which causes the whitening). Using it once or twice a week should be enough to whiten your teeth without damaging it.
If you have amalgam fillings you should not use hydrogen peroxide. The hydrogen peroxide will cause the fillings to leach mercury.
Don’t forget: never spit this ‘toothpaste’ into the sink! The coconut oil will harden and plug your drains. Or keep the water running hot for a long time, which is wasteful.
I have been using a similar recipe to this with coconut oil for about a year now, and my sink only clogged up one time, and all I did was boil a small pot of water and washed it down the drain. It worked like a charm and haven’t had any other issues! I am sure its probably not a great idea, but the small amount I use everyday doesn’t seem to affect it. I probably wouldn’t want to use this if I had to spit somewhere else, so don’t want people to get deterred from using this wonderful stuff because of that. I think everyone needs to just try it out themselves and see what happens, because this can happen, or you can get lucky like myself and have it only happen one time in a year! : )
If putting hot water down a sink, make sure it is a bit less than boiling if you do not have metal pipes the whole way down. Boiling water can melt PVC.
LOL – Have YOU personally known anyone that has had PVC melted from boiling water ??
I always think it’s funny how people talk about not spitting the oil down the sink when oil pulling and such. This really baffles me. Because by the time the small amount of oil is mixed with your saliva, there is actually very little oil to saliva ratio. Let alone enough to clog a sink. If in doubt, just boil a small amount of water to pour down it every now and then. I usually have a tad bit left over after boiling water for coffee or tea anyway. Might as well put it to good use. 🙂
I don’t think with oil pulling they are telling u to not spit in sink because of clogging issues. Its because with oil pulling you are pulling tons of toxins out of ur body through your mouth and spitting those harmful toxins/bacteria in ur sink where u wash ur hands, touch the surface, etc is not such a good idea….they say spit in toilet so u can flush it down like we do all our other wastes.
If bentonite clay should never come into contact with metal, what about metal fillings. It seems most people have at least one 🙁 (I’ve actually been using the tooth powder for months with my fillings…should I stop?)
I too am asking this question. 🙂
Interesting question that I didn’t know the answer to, so I did a bit of reading. From what I found, first off using stainless steel (which is most of what we have in our kitchens) is apparently fine. Secondly, the reason to avoid it coming in contact with metals is that the primary benefit of it is that it absorbs various toxins and heavy metals into itself – so you want to avoid letting it absorb them before putting it in your mouth. The fillings are already in your mouth and probably have been for a long time. So in short, unless you’re letting the toothpaste sit in your mouth for long periods of time and then swallowing it instead of spitting it out, no, don’t worry about this toothpaste having a problem with your fillings.
You should never put bentonite clay or EOs in any plastic container ( no metal for the bentonite) they draw toxins and EO acts as a solvent and eats away at the plastic. Use glass and forget the “convenience” squeezable toxic plastic…just because it is BPA free does not mean it does not have other toxins. Great recipe by the way!!
In small quantities, EO’s are fine in plastic. It doesn’t appear to me, that 40 drops is going to be enough to break down the plastic in this amount of toothpaste. It should be fine.
If IONIC minerals like Terramin (find on Amazon) do not use a metal lid if using glass jar. Metal deionizes the minerals.
She specifically says she uses silicon tubes for that very reason…maybe someone didn’t read that part?
This is so cool! I’m wondering, if the water shortens the shelf life, what if, instead of water, we used a liquid oil, like almond or avocado? What would your educated guess be on that substitution?
Thanks for this, it’s great and I will try it using the Brushing Blend (which I adore)!
I really like the convenience of using tooth paste out of a tube. I tried adding extra almond oil to this recipe without the clay but the consistency just didn’t work out for me. I hardened at night and melted during the day and separated so I would get only oil sometimes. The clay and water made the consistency just right to be squeezable. And it doesnt change much with the changes in temperature. I don’t worry to much about the shell life. This recipe made the two tubes in the picture above. There’s only two people in my home and the tooth paste has lasted fine for a couple of weeks. Just started the second tube and it looks fine. I did, however, add grapefruit seed extract and vitamin E to preserve it some. I’m not too worried about the clay extracting toxins out the plastic tube. for me the convenience of having a tube is more important. but if you are concern, using a glass container may be better.
Thanks, great answer! Very helpful about the almond oil. And actually, that is a great shelf life, so I won’t be concerned about the water! 🙂
I’m wondering about using witch hazel instead of water. Might give it a try. 🙂
That would help a lot with the gums since witch hazel has very helpful anti-inflammatory properties! I get gingivitis even with regular brushing and flossing…
I used to have gingivitis. I love this remineralizing toothpaste – has really made my teeth and gums even healthier. But fight gingivitis also with xylitol (1 tsp. a day – after some loading) and Water Pik.
Remember if you use an IONIC calcium montmorillonite clay like Terramin (find on Amazon), you have to be careful to not use metal objects or that deionizes the clay.
What are the quantities of Vitamin E and grape seed extract you put in with this recipe? I’m thinking of doing the same
Grape Seed Extract is great for killing pathogens. It is one of the great anti-fungal agents for fighting systemic Candida as well. Vitamin E oil is a natural preservative. Hope this helps.
Neither of those are preservatives at all!
there is nothing in the ingredients to spoil so the water is not an issue
water allows for bacterial growth.
water does allow for bacterial growth, but if you were to add sea salt to the recipe that problem would be removed. As a bonus, the salt adds extra minerals that are really good for your oral hygiene. I add Himalayan pink sea salt to mine. The taste is a bit different, but it is well worth it.
Salt also helps with getting rid of oral thrush as well.
anything made with water is good for 14 days. maybe you can make enough for two weeks at a time.
If you add the right ingredients you can extend the life of water. For example, she suggests oregano. That is a powerful antibacterial/antifungal. Let’s say you add a bit of this, and a bit of tea tree, and a bit of Vit E. That combo will inhibit bacterial growth in the water for much longer than 14 days.
Try distilled water to lessen instance of bacteria, as tap water, spring water, ect do already contain bacterias & distilled water is accumulated from steam purified water.
Also if I recall correctly, Xylitol does turn into alcohol at temperatures lower than human body temperature, and these alcohols are just not good for the body. I’d stick with Stevia.
I’ve read that xylitol has been picked up on the dental hygiene bandwagon because it changes (lowers?) the pH of the mouth in order to inhibit plaque growth, cavities, etc. Something else to consider is that Xylitol is a sugar alcohol already…my understanding is not that it turns into an alcohol, but rather that it IS an alcohol (the clue is the last “ol” in the name) derived from sugar, so you’d have to decide for yourself whether the pro’s outweigh the con’s.
What about a vegetable based glycerin instead of the water?
No! glycerine coats the teeth and keeps them from remineralizing… never use on teeth 🙂
I am so glad you are pointing out to not use glycerin! It is a form of SUGAR. Albeit it is derived from plants, but sugar is sugar. Toothpaste companies use it and saccharin in their products to make them sweet and taste better. Scary!
As for Xylitol, it is actually pretty safe for human consumption and is quite beneficial for those with blood sugar issues. The key is knowing, that, as with everything else, if you ingest too much, then it can be a bit iffy. In large doses Xylitol can cause intestinal distress and loose bowels, but so can too much Magnesium. Moderation is always wise.
On a side note, LOVE your site!! I was looking for two very specific recipes and you have them! Thank you! I am now going to go sign up for your updates/newsletter!
Ciao and have a blessed day!
xylitol coats the teeth also. I’m pretty sure stevia would be a better suggestion for sweetness.
I had lost a lot of enamel from drinking those small energy drinks each morning. They have malic acid in them. I learned about how glycerin coats the teeth and keeps anything from being absorbed. I think this is a primary reason why we think we cannot heal our teeth. All toothpaste I found had glycerin. Even the so called healthy stuff. I started making my own toothpaste and now all the enamel has grown back! And it only took about 3 months. It takes about a month for all of the glycerin to get off the teeth.
Hi Ginger Coleen, is it this recipe that helped grow back your enamel or another one. My enamel has worn off too so if it’s another recipe, would you mind sharing it here please? Thanks
Hi Ginger Colleen, your comment sounds very encouraging! I’m trying to regrow my enamel as well and am planning to make my own toothpaste to avoid glycerin in the commercial ones. Did you use this recipe or another one? Did you have to consult with your dentist before using it? Thanks!
I’m thinking of using colloidal silver in place of the water… has anyone tried this before?
I haven’t tried it, but it sounds like a solid idea!
I was wondering if my children should do a fluoride rinse once a week through their school is beneficial, or harmful. Another note, we have well water. Thank you!
Absolutely no, it’s very toxic
Hydroxyapatite (what tooth enamel is made of) is replaced by Fluoroapatite (a fluoride induced coating that is more resistant to decay). The reason they use fluoride is because they say, “Wow, look, the teeth don’t decay as easily! But they fail to tell anyone that it’s highly toxic! It would be like me using radioactive metal in surgery because it reduces infection! Hydrofluorosilicic acid is the main kind of fluoride that is added to water, due to it’s cost, and is actually a waste byproduct of chemical fertilizer production. It will literally eat through metal and almost anything it comes in contact with. But don’t worry! In small doses you won’t realize that it’s slowly killing you…
Fluoride will fill the receptor sites for iodine on a cellular level so that your cells will be denied the iodine they need to function fully. We need very little fluoride in our systems and get far too much of this toxic element.
Where can you get Nano-hydroxyapatite for my homemade toothpaste?
Have you used calcium citrate? Use this and magnesium citrate as a supplement for muscle cramping which I have delt with sense childhood. It would be easy to use something I already have in the house. ????
I’ve made this a few times but never have distilled water around so I’ve used tap. This time I used 3 T of 100% aloe vera which the label says is “fractionally distilled,” whatever that means, instead of the water. This aloe is almost as liquid as water, not a thick gel. I used 3 T for this recipe and the consistency turned out really nice. I haven’t tried it yet for brushing but it seems just as good if not better than all my other batches of this, and a short non-scientific google search reassured me that there doesn’t appear to be any down side to using Aloe Vera in oral care products, and it may be beneficial. I have never had any problems with the product going bad, though I always do add a tsp of Real Salt or Celtic Sea Salt because I omit the Baking Soda, and I store the tubes I am not currently using in the fridge.
Hi Ginger, how come you omit the baking soda? Just curious.
Baking soda irritates my gums, which I found out trying a couple of homemade toothpastes before this.
I’m thinking of using colloidal silver in place of the water… has anyone tried this before?
Aloe is great for teeth (I use a aloe toothpaste myself) ! Good to know there are others who are finding alternative to fluoride toothpaste.
Aloe Vera is a bit more acidic so adding even a very small amount of baking soda to increase the pH could be helpful. Baking soda has a really powerful effect on pH in liquids so you can probably keep it low enough to not cause gum irritation.
Thanks, Erik! I’ll try adding a tsp of baking soda to my next batch. I like making my own products, but the Ph thing confuses me and I’m never sure how to tell if it’s “off” or what impact that may have if it is. I suppose it’s more important with toothpaste than something like hand soap. But how would we know if commercial products have the proper Ph either? I think I need a detailed primer on Ph-balance and when it’s important in personal-care products.
I would add a preservative if you are using water. It only takes a little. I did some research and while so many of these recipes for tooth paste do not list a preservative it is recommended. Sea salt appears to work from the research I have done
When you say •40+ drops of essential oils of choice: Peppermint, Cinnamon, Oregano, Lemon/Lemongrass do you mean in full strength form because i have undulated Oregano
I would not personally use that much oregano undiluted.
MTC oil doesn’t harden.
Bravo! That’s what I use in my homemade toothpaste and also in my sugar scrub for my face. It is costly here but with the scrub I never need to use a face cream anymore.