Homemade natural toothpaste with bentonite clay contains only natural ingredients that your body will recognize and know what to do with. This will give you peace of mind should you or your child ingest it. Unlike store-bought toothpaste, this homemade toothpaste recipe does not contain any harmful ingredients.

Homemade Natural Toothpaste with Bentonite Clay on a toothbrush.

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Over the years Theron and I have tried really hard from keeping toxic ingredients out of our home. We have tried to adopt the motto: If we can’t eat it, then it won’t go into our mouth or on our skin. Small changes like using basic ingredients in homemade toothpaste, cleaning supplies, and laundry detergent have really helped with our family’s overall health. We prefer tooth powder over toothpaste because it cleans a lot better and has a longer shelf life.

Ingredients for Homemade Natural Toothpaste with Bentonite Clay.

Why should you make your own toothpaste?

Making your own toothpaste gives you complete control over what goes into to it.
No artificial colors.
It contains trace minerals for overall wellness of your teeth, through sea salt, and bentonite clay.
It has a long shelf life.
Homemade toothpaste costs pennies to make!
There’s no plastic packaging making this a zero waste toothpaste recipe.
Most conventional toothpaste contains harmful ingredients such as fluoride. A 2012 Harvard study discovered that children living in regions with higher fluoride concentrations had lower IQ scores compared to those in areas with lower fluoride levels. Excess fluoride ingestion can also lead to a bone disease known as skeletal fluorosis.
Most regular toothpaste contains sodium lauryl sulfate. This surfactant can induce the risks of Aphthous ulcers, also known as canker sores. It is also banned from being used as a food additive in the European Union.

Why do you put bentonite clay in your toothpaste?

Bentonite clay is often used in toothpaste for its health benefits such as:

Detoxification: Bentonite clay has natural absorbent properties that can help draw out toxins and impurities from the mouth, promoting overall oral health. Because it leaches toxins out of whatever it comes in contact with, you should not use metal bowls when working with it.
Mild Abrasive: It acts as a gentle abrasive that helps to remove surface stains and clean teeth without being too harsh on enamel.
Mineral Content: Bentonite clay contains minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, which can benefit oral health by helping to remineralize teeth and support enamel strength.
pH Balance: It can help balance the pH levels in the mouth, reducing the acidity that can contribute to tooth decay and gum disease.
Natural and Non-Toxic: Bentonite clay is a natural substance, making it a popular choice for those who prefer to avoid synthetic chemicals and additives found in conventional toothpaste.
Soothing Properties: The clay can have a soothing effect on gums and oral tissues, which can be beneficial for those with sensitive gums or other oral issues.

Natural Toothpaste Options

I grow stevia plants, dry them, then ground them up into a powder. If you do not have access to fresh stevia leaves, you can buy stevia powder online, or you can substitute the sugar with xylitol or erythritol. Just make sure both are ground up and in powder from. This will help keep every wash consistent in taste. **If using xylitol, make sure your dogs cannot get to it. It will kill them.
I also like to dry out and grind up fresh herbs (with a food processor) such as peppermint or spearmint for homemade clay toothpaste. However, it is fun to experiment with spices such as cinnamon and a tiny bit of clove.

Try using freeze dried fruit such as strawberries for a children’s toothpaste!
Do not be afraid to try a bit on your fingertip to see if you need to add more herbs, spices, or sweetener to the dry toothpaste so that it tastes good and will fight off bad breath.
You can substitute dry herbs and spices for essential oils. Some good ones to try out, would be cinnamon oil, clove oil, peppermint, spearmint, and orange oil.
Since this is a dry powder and to refrain from waste, we make our own individual jars. That way there is no cross contamination and everyone gets to make their toothpaste with their favorite flavors. To brush, just dampen your toothbrush, dip it into your jar and brush away! *Bentonite clay can clog drains! To avoid this, spit it out into the trash after brushing, then rinse your mouth thoroughly.

Equipment needed for your own homemade toothpaste

Small mason jar or small glass jar

ceramic bowl or non-metal bowl

wooden spoon

Ingredient List for Homemade Bentonite Clay Toothpaste

4 tablespoons bentonite clay
2 teaspoons baking soda (put less in if you have sensitive teeth)
1 heaping teaspoon sea salt
1 tablespoon dried herbal powder or 10-15 drops essential oil of choice (such as peppermint, neem, or chamomile) (optional)
1 heaping teaspoon dried stevia or 2 teaspoons sugar substitute of choice (optional, for sweetness)

Bentonite Clay Toothpaste Recipe

Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the bentonite clay, baking soda, salt, and any optional ingredients like dried herbal powder, essential oils, or sweetener. Mix thoroughly.
Store: Transfer the mixture into an airtight container, such as a small jar or tin. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, like a pantry.
Use: To use, dampen your brush and sprinkle a small amount of the dry toothpaste onto your wet toothbrush or dip your toothbrush into your designated jar. Brush as usual, don”t forget to say your ABC’s! Bentonite clay can clog drains! To avoid this you can always spit it out into the trash after brushing, then rinse your mouth thoroughly.

This dry toothpaste is easy to make and store, and it offers a natural alternative to commercial toothpaste. Enjoy your fresh, clean smile!

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