How to Make All-Natural Mint Toothpaste
There are a lot of ways to avoid resorting to baking soda and hydrogen peroxide for toothpaste in a survival situation. One of the nicest and freshest options is to make a batch of mint toothpaste. Take a look at the following recipes that use only a few basic and all-natural ingredients. You can whip up a batch in a few steps and ensure that you always have a supply on hand.
Making the Mint Extract
Any toothpaste recipe that you make with mint will require some mint extract or essential oil. If you don’t have any of these items on hand, you can create your own very easily. All you need to do is take a handful of fresh mint leaves, rinse them with filtered water and pat dry. Once dry, remove the stems and discard before putting filling a mason jar with the leaves. Pour vodka over the leaves until they are completely covered.
Attach the lid and let soak for about 3-4 weeks, and give the jar a good shake every day. All you need to do to finish the extract is strain the liquid and store in an airtight container. Dark containers with droppers are ideal for extracts.
Coconut Oil Recipe
Combine 2 1/2 tablespoons of coconut oil with 1/4 cup of baking soda. Add about 2-3 drops of the mint extract and mix together. You can add more or less of the mint depending on the potency you desire. You can also add a couple of drops of stevia or other natural sweetener to enhance the flavor if you like. However, avoid using sugar or any type of artificial sweetener.
Once thoroughly blended, place the paste into a small glass jar with a screw cap lid and Store in a cool and dry place. When ready to use, simply scoop out some of the toothpaste and apply it to your toothbrush. Do not put a used toothbrush directly into the container of toothpaste, otherwise you will introduce all kinds of bacteria and other microorganisms that can contaminate the batch.
The coconut oil will help to nourish the gums while the baking soda will help remove plaque and other deposits on the teeth. One additional benefit to this recipe is that you can also use it as a deodorant.
Baking Soda and Sea Salt
Take 2/3 cup of baking soda and combine with 1 teaspoon of fine sea salt. Add between 1-2 teaspoons of the mint extract and mix. Add glycerin until the paste reaches your desired level of consistency. Again, you can also add some stevia or other natural sweetener if you prefer. This recipe provides a little bit more “grit” that can help to eat away at tough stains, and the minerals in the sea salt can give teeth a nutrient boost as well.
You can also add some hydrogen peroxide to the paste, but it’s recommended that you do it as you brush as opposed to mixing it in the container. Just remember that hydrogen peroxide can dry and irritate gums and the mucous lining of the mouth, so don’t add too much and avoid keeping the paste in your mouth for an extended period of time.
These are just a couple of examples of the limitless possibilities when it comes to making natural, healthy and effective homemade toothpaste recipes. Considering the minimal effort that it takes, it’s worth doing in order to avoid having to “rough it” in a survival situation. It also benefits you now as you can avoid exposing yourself to a lot of chemicals and additives in most commercial products. Try it for yourself today, and see how you can keep your teeth clean, gums healthy and breath fresh with homemade mint toothpaste.
