DIY Mineralizing Bentonite Clay Toothpaste

Some of you have clicked on this article because you can’t believe someone would use clay, Bentonite clay in a DIY toothpaste. I get you and trust me, I can explain!

I have disliked store bought toothpaste for a couple of years now, but until recently, my alternatives were slim. I used to work in a dental office and the dentist always told me that toothpaste was more of a breath freshener than a tooth cleaner. After doing a little research and finding chemically laden ingredients on the labels of the store bought brands, I have since tried brushing my teeth with baking soda, or brushing with nothing at all. Baking soda works fine, but neither the taste more the aftertaste was good. Let’s just say I didn’t feel kissable with either of these options. I wanted that fresh breath feeling and taste in my mouth after brushing… so I started doing research.

Recently I was diagnosed with Celiac and since then I have had to check the labels of everything. Everything. Are you as surprised as I was to find that companies put gluten in products like shampoo, vitamins, and toothpaste? Shocking. I have a severe sensitivity to gluten, so I have opted for either very expensive gluten free products or ones I can make myself.

There seems to be trends coming and going in the DIY world, and I when I decided to make a healthy toothpaste, I wanted to make sure it wasn’t just trendy, but that it was actually healthy for me and my family. I want to make life changes that will help both today and in the future. Fortunately for my husband and my two teenage boys, (wink, wink) I am just as concerned with their health as I am with mine. 🙂 Yep, you guessed it, I make them jump on board with all of my seemingly crazy ideas, and surprisingly they like the majority of them! Don’t worry; I don’t share the ideas that my guys veto. All of this combined with hours and hours of research are what led me to make this fun DIY concoction: Mineralizing Toothpaste. This toothpaste is made of five natural and healing ingredients; one of those ingredients is Bentonite clay (otherwise known as Montmorillon clay).

What is Bentonite Clay?

Don’t let me lose you as I go back to chemistry class for a second… “Bentonite is a clay generated frequently from the alteration of volcanic ash, consisting predominantly of smectite minerals, usually montmorillonite.” 1 Bentonite clay has negatively charged electrons, most metals and toxins are positively charged, which is why it is possible for Bentonite to attract most metals and toxins. Due to its gelatinous nature, it has the ability to expand once a fluid (like water) is added to it. Once it has attracted the metals and toxins, it is then able to bind itself to them. It has been studied that Bentonite is great for removing impurities in several different uses from oil spills to cat litter. So let me ask you, do you like having bacteria in your mouth or would your rather remove that stuff? Your mouth can either serve as a buffet for germs and bacteria to feed and grow, or it can act as it should – a healthy environment that helps keep the rest of your body healthy. This is why I created this Bentonite clay toothpaste recipe.

What is Mineralizing Toothpaste and Why do I Need it?

Mineralizing toothpaste does just what the name says, it adds minerals back to your teeth, gums, tongue, etc. There are more than 75 different minerals found in Bentonite clay and these are so good for your body. 2 But this toothpaste does more than just add minerals, as we have previously discussed, it also can help to remove harmful bacteria and toxins too. I can tell you that my dentist says I have great teeth. Up until this point I have been blessed with never having a cavity, that said, I am far from being the perfect patient. I floss daily for the first few months after a dental visit, and then I get less regular until around the time of my next appointment. And after working at a dental office, I really understand the importance of flossing. I have done things in the past that probably weren’t the best for my teeth. We all have. Even if we are angels, we still eat foods that are acidic, stain, or negatively affect our tooth strength and enamel. To a certain degree the health of your teeth can be genetic, but the rest is based on our lifestyle, stress levels, diet, and oral hygiene. I currently have braces and seven weeks ago I reconstructive jaw surgery (yes it was painful, no my jaw was not wired shut, but I did have to eat with a syringe and blended foods for 6 weeks). Anyway, because of all the metal and ties in my mouth right now, I have a harder time keeping my mouth as clean as it was before. Flossing is so hard with braces, but the hooks in my mouth make it near impossible. Not to mention the pain because of my surgery… I brush after every meal. I use my water pick after most meals, but I knew I still needed more. And I needed toothpaste that wouldn’t worsen my Celiac symptoms. As it turns out, Bentonite clay helps with both. My research has found that adding 1/4 tsp. of Bentonite clay to an 8 oz. glass of water daily helps to restore the good bacteria levels in my gut, and it helps remove the toxins that can cause Leaky Gut.

Another ingredient that is so helpful in this recipe is the coconut oil. Coconut oil is known for its many healthy traits, a few of them being antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. This is good stuff for the health and vitality of your mouth. For more information about the health benefits of coconut oil, click here. For information about coconut oil pulling to strengthen your teeth, click here.

My son said the other day, “I can’t believe I am using a clay toothpaste.” My response was, “what do you think you are made of?” True. Bottom line, yes, I think this is good for everyone. No, I don’t like brushing my teeth with store bought toothpaste that has harmful chemicals in it. And yes, I think you should try this. Prior to use, please read the entire NOTES section below. Without further ado, here is the DIY Bentonite Clay Toothpaste recipe.

DIY Bentonite Clay Toothpaste Recipe

Serves 2

INGREDIENTS

2 TBSP Baking Soda

3 TBSP Bentonite Clay

2 TBSP Coconut Oil (melted)

7 1/2 TBSP Filtered Water (I use the Berkey)

1/2 tsp. Peppermint Oil

2 Glass Jars with Airtight Lids  (I love these from IKEA)

1 Large Glass or Ceramic Mixing Bowl

1 Plastic Spatula

DIRECTIONS

Mix all dry ingredients together in a glass bowl. Don’t use a metal mixing bowl or utensils due to the magnetic properties in the clay – it takes away from the benefits of the clay.

Melt coconut oil and mix in with all other ingredients. Add water and Peppermint oil. Mix all ingredients until creamy and smooth. Store in a glass jar with an airtight sealed lid.

HOW TO USE

Slightly dampen toothbrush, shake off excess water. Dip toothbrush into jar and apply a small amount of paste to the toothbrush. Close the jar immediately. Lightly brush with a very soft bristled toothbrush moving the brush in a circular motion. Brush teeth for two minutes, rinse as usual. Brush as often as needed or three times a day. I expect that this batch will last two people at least two months (based on brushing twice a day).

NOTES

* If it starts to look like your toothpaste is drying out, add 1/8 tsp. of water and or a water/coconut oil mix to the paste. Add more as needed. Mix thoroughly with a non-metal utensil until toothpaste reaches your desired moisture level.

* Other recipes call for Xylitol, but I don’t use this product nor do I want it in my mouth. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol; I have researched it and don’t think it adds anything positive to my health.

* Although coconut is antibacterial, I still suggest using separate jars for each person.

* I made my recipe after liking the ideas of this recipe and this recipe.

* If you have metal fillings, or any metal in your mouth, please be sure to ask your dentist if this is a good fit for you.

* The teeth whitening benefits of the clay might be due to its ability to cling to toxins and bacteria, then remove it.

* You might wonder about the safety of using this product and its ingredients. The Bentonite clay is very smooth and especially when combined with water. The RDA Value (the way the RDA rates the abrasiveness of paste or toothpastes) for baking soda is the second to lowest rating. The Baking soda RDA Value is 7; the Colgate 2-in-1 Tarter Control/White RDA Value is 200. The FDA recommended limit is 200. The ADA recommended limit is 250.Check here to see where your current toothpaste rates. The higher the RDA Value, the more likely your tooth enamel is being worn away, causing your teeth to be sensitive to heat, cold, and sweets. Another problem with higher RDA Values is the abrasiveness of the pastes can cause notching of the tooth at the gum line leading to a structural compromise. Often a filling is needed to try to prevent pain and other damage to this area.

This recipe is great, and leaves your mouth feeling very clean. Due to the compilation of the ingredients, you don’t have to worry about an oily residue left in your sink-as were the common complaints that I have observed in other DIY toothpaste recipes. Since getting my braces, I had a noticeable (at least it was very noticeable to me) gum recession in some areas due to tooth movement and (probably also due to) awkward brushing. But since I started using this toothpaste, my gum recession has significantly decreased and I am thrilled! I can’t claim that it will have the same affect on you, but I am pleased with my results. My sons have both noticed that their teeth look whiter than before and they and my husband think it tastes great. The first time I used this toothpaste, to be honest, I was not sure what to expect from the taste and it was definitely different. This will taste different if you are switching from the store bought brands that have tons of sugar in them, so give yourself time to adjust. By the second time I brushed with it, I loved it.

Welcome to the world of Bentonite clay toothpaste. I hope you enjoy this recipe and I look forward to hearing how it has helped you.

Other Interesting Bentonite Clay Articles: Dr. Axe / Don’t Mess With Mama / Redmond Clay / Homemade Mommy / Keeper of the Home / IMA-NA

**The views and nutritional advice expressed by Lindsey Graves is not intended to be a substitute for conventional medical service. Purchasing a product, program or wellness coaching does not establish a doctor patient relationship with Lindsey Graves or her staff. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. We suggest that you continue to work with qualified medical professional as you engage in our material, products and services. No information offered here should be interpreted as a diagnosis of any disease, nor an attempt to treat or prevent or cure any disease or condition. Information and statements regarding products and/or services made available by Lindsey Graves have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Lindsey Graves products and services are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.