DIY Remineralizing Toothpaste
- Gina Morano
- Apr 28
- 8 min read
Updated: Apr 29
Natural, simple, and homemade
For more than 13 years, I’ve been making my own toothpaste at home. Yes… thirteen years. And during that time, I’ve heard all kinds of reactions when I tell people I don’t use commercial toothpaste. From, that’s interesting… does it really work? To, your teeth are going to rot! And here I am… still smiling.
My teeth are healthy, my gums are healthy, and my visits to the dentist have never been horror stories. That doesn’t mean this is the only right way to care for your teeth, but it does show something important: sometimes natural solutions work better than we think.
Over time I kept adjusting the recipe until I found a simple combination that cleans, refreshes, and helps support tooth enamel.
One area where many people want to reduce unnecessary chemicals is dental care. So today I want to share with you my homemade remineralizing toothpaste recipe. This isn’t about replacing your dentist it’s about having more control over what you use every day.
Special note: This recipe can also be used by children, always with adult supervision and using only a small amount on the toothbrush. It’s a fun and natural way to introduce them to mindful dental care from an early age.
Why Make Your Own Toothpaste?
Many commercial toothpastes contain ingredients that some people prefer to avoid, such as:
• Fluoride (some people prefer alternatives)
• Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS)
• Artificial colorants• Synthetic sweeteners
Natural alternatives may help: Reduce bacteria. Neutralize acidity. Support remineralization. Freshen breath. Support gum health
Ingredients and Their Benefits
Star Ingredients (the best for the base)
These are the ingredients that really help clean, remineralize, and support the gums.
1. Hydroxyapatite Powder
One of the best ingredients for tooth enamel.
Helps remineralize teeth
Reduces sensitivity
A natural alternative to fluoride
This should be one of the main stars of the formula.
2. Calcium Carbonate
Gently cleans teeth
Provides minerals that support the natural remineralization process of enamel
Very commonly used in natural toothpaste.
It works beautifully combined with hydroxyapatite.
3. Gentle Clays
My favorites are:
Kaolin Clay (white clay) → very gentle
Bentonite Clay → detoxifying and antibacterial
Use more kaolin than bentonite, since bentonite can be a bit stronger.
4. Xylitol
Benefits:
Helps reduce cavity-causing bacteria
Supports remineralization
Improves flavor (slightly sweet taste)
Highly recommended.
5. Coconut Oil
Naturally antibacterial
May help reduce bacteria responsible for bad breath
Helps bind the paste together
A perfect base.
Ingredients Excellent for Gums and Bacteria
These make the toothpaste more therapeutic.
Clove (essential oil or powder)
Excellent against bacteria
Traditionally used in natural dentistry
Myrrh
Personally, I like using myrrh in resin form, because it feels more natural and connected to its original state.
You can also use it as an essential oil, which is a more practical option to incorporate into the recipe. It is also available in powder form, but this tends to be more expensive and slightly harder to find in high quality.
Strengthens gums
Anti-inflammatory
Peppermint (essential oil or powder)
Freshens breath
Antibacterial
These three together are my favorite combination.
Optional Ingredients (use sparingly)
Baking Soda
Helps whiten
Neutralizes acids and gently cleans teeth
Use just a little so it’s not too abrasive.
Activated Charcoal
Natural whitening agent
Detoxifying
Not for daily use it can be abrasive if used too often.
Cinnamon Powder
Antibacterial
Improves flavor
Use very little.
Recipe: Homemade Remineralizing Toothpaste
Ingredients (Toothpaste Base)
3 tablespoons coconut oil
1 tablespoon calcium carbonate
1 tablespoon hydroxyapatite powder
1 tablespoon kaolin clay
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
Optional: ½ teaspoon xylitol and ½ tablespoon bentonite clay
Essential Oils
5–15 drops peppermint essential oil (depending on personal taste, avoid adding too much, as it can become irritating or bitter)
3 drops clove essential oil
3 drops myrrh essential oil
This is simply a suggestion. You can use only peppermint, combine the three, or choose another essential oil you enjoy.
Preparation
In a small bowl, combine the Coconut oil and essential oils first. Mix gently and set aside.
In a separate bowl, add all the dry ingredients (powders and clays). Take a moment to mix them very well this helps distribute each ingredient evenly and prevents clumping later on. Slowly begin adding the dry mixture into the oils, a little at a time, stirring continuously. This step is important adding the powders gradually helps you create a smoother texture and avoids lumps. Keep mixing until a smooth, creamy paste forms. You can adjust the consistency by adding a little more coconut oil (for a softer paste) or a bit more powder (for a thicker texture), depending on your preference.
I personally like to double the recipe so I can make enough for two versions: one regular for daily use, and one with activated charcoal for occasional whitening.
You can absolutely double or even triple the quantities if you’d like to make a larger batch.
A few extra tips
If your mixture feels too dry → add a little more coconut oil•
If it feels too oily → add a bit more clay or calcium powder•
If you notice small lumps → keep mixing or gently press them out with the back of a spoon•
Let the mixture sit for a few minutes after mixing this allows the powders to fully absorb the oils and improves the final texture.
It’s completely normal for the texture to change with temperature:the paste may become firmer in colder weather and softer or more fluid in warmer temperatures. Just give it a quick stir before using.
How to Use
Place a small amount on your toothbrush and brush gently for 2 minutes.
You can use it 1–2 times per day.
Less is more with this toothpaste.
You don’t need to use a large amount, you’ll notice it as soon as you try it. It has a very effective cleansing feel, so using more doesn’t mean better results.
In fact, I personally use about ¼ of the amount you would typically use with a commercial toothpaste, and it works beautifully.
Where can I find the ingredients?
I know sourcing ingredients can feel overwhelming at first, so I’ve put together a simple list with the ones I use and trust:
This link may earn me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work. I’ll continue updating this list as I test and find better options.
Whitening Version (1
to 2 times per week)
To create the whitening version, take half of the base mixture and add:
¼ teaspoon activated charcoal
Mix well until the charcoal is fully incorporated and the color is even throughout the paste.
You can keep two versions:
A regular toothpaste (without charcoal) for daily use• One with activated charcoal for occasional whitening
Activated charcoal is known for its ability to help lift surface stains and give the appearance of whiter teeth. However, it should be used in moderation. Because of its texture, charcoal can be slightly more abrasive if used too often. For that reason, I recommend using the charcoal version only 1–2 times per week, rather than daily.
Think of it as a gentle “reset” or boost for your smile not your everyday toothpaste. Used this way, it can support a brighter smile while still being mindful of your enamel.
Add the following to the previous mixture: ¼ teaspoon of activated charcoal.
You can prepare two versions: a regular one, without activated charcoal, for daily use; and one with activated charcoal to use 1 to 2 times per week.
Important Tips
✔ Always use clean utensils, preferably glass or silicone to preserve the toothpaste.
✔ If the coconut oil hardens, simply stir the mixture again
✔ Keep out of reach of pets (especially because of the xylitol)
✔ Hydrogen peroxide is not ideal to mix directly with clay-based toothpaste.
Why?
Clays (kaolin and bentonite) can react and deactivate part of the peroxide
Coconut oil may also reduce its effectiveness
Hydrogen peroxide becomes unstable over time
For this reason, it works better as a separate rinse before or after brushing.
I’ll share more about that in my next post in this journal.
About the Texture
Because this toothpaste is made with natural minerals and clays, it has a slightly grainy texture. This is completely normal. In fact, that gentle texture can feel similar to the polishing pastes used by dental hygienists during professional cleanings.
What matters most is how you use it. When brushing your teeth, more pressure does not mean better cleaning. In fact, brushing too hard can irritate your gums and wear down enamel over time.
Instead, focus on gentle, thorough brushing. Let the ingredients and your technique do the work, not force. As long as you’re using fine, high-quality powders and brushing with a light hand, this texture should not harm your teeth. If anything, it can support a clean, refreshed feeling while respecting your enamel.
If the texture ever feels too gritty for your liking, you can:
• Mix the paste a bit longer
• Use finer powders
• Add a little more coconut oil for a smoother consistency
• Use a mortar and pestle to gently grind the dry ingredients before mixing this helps create a finer, smoother texture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Natural Toothpaste
Does it really clean teeth?
Yes. Ingredients like baking soda help neutralize acids and gently remove plaque, while coconut oil provides antimicrobial properties.
Why use baking soda?
Baking soda has two important functions:
It neutralizes acids that can weaken enamel
It acts as a gentle cleanser that helps remove plaque and debris
When used in small amounts within a paste, it is not aggressively abrasive.
What does coconut oil do in toothpaste?
Coconut oil contains lauric acid, a compound with antimicrobial properties.
This may help reduce certain bacteria in the mouth that contribute to plaque and bad breath.
Does it help remineralize teeth?
Ingredients such as calcium phosphate or calcium carbonate provide minerals that help support the natural remineralization process of enamel.
How does remineralization work?
Tooth enamel is made primarily of minerals, especially calcium and phosphate. Throughout the day, acids from foods and bacteria can weaken it. Ingredients like calcium phosphate help support remineralization, meaning they help the enamel receive minerals again and strengthen over time.
It doesn’t “fill cavities” like a dental filling would, but it can support enamel strength and help protect the tooth surface.
Can the whole family use it?
Yes. Adults and children can use this toothpaste, always with adult supervision and using small amounts.
Why use xylitol?
Xylitol is a natural sweetener with a unique property: the bacteria that cause cavities cannot use it as food. This means it can help reduce the growth of harmful bacteria and support a more balanced oral environment. It also improves the taste of the toothpaste. Important note: keep out of reach of pets, especially dogs.
Why is xylitol dangerous for dogs?
Xylitol is safe for humans but extremely toxic to dogs. In dogs, it triggers a rapid release of insulin, which can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar (hypoglycemia) and in some cases liver damage.
For this reason, always keep products containing xylitol away from pets.
What if the coconut oil hardens?
That’s completely normal. Coconut oil solidifies when temperatures drop. Simply stir the paste before using it. It may also become more liquid depending on room temperature.
How often should I make a new batch?
Ideally every 6 – 8 weeks to keep it fresh and effective.
Can hydrogen peroxide be used?
Yes, but it’s optional. In small amounts it can help keep the mouth fresh and provide a gentle whitening effect.
If you want to have this recipe always at hand, you can download the guide here.
Important Note
This recipe is for educational and natural wellness purposes. Always consult your dentist if you have specific dental conditions.
When I first started making my own toothpaste more than a decade ago, I didn’t do it because it was trendy. I did it because I wanted to simplify what I was putting into my body. Over the years I discovered something interesting: when you return to simplicity, many things begin to improve. Your skin. Your digestion. Your energy. And yes… even your smile.
Your oral health is also connected to your gut health. An oral microbiome (the ecosystem of beneficial and harmful bacteria naturally living in your mouth) that stays balanced can influence digestion, inflammation, and overall wellbeing.
What happens in your mouth doesn’t stay only in your mouth. Taking care of ourselves can also be a creative act. Making your own products is a way to return to what is simple, natural, and intentional.
With natural care,
Gina Morano
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