While I can’t promise I have a fix for rampant vulgar language, I can offer a solution for cleaning out the evidence of a snack attack in the middle of the night. After sharing so many sugar-coated recipes over the years, it’s really the least I can do!

One thing I always have on hand, in abundance to the point of absurdity, was toothpaste. From free samples to irresistible coupon deals, the impulse to stock up lead to an unfathomable overflow of minty paste, gel, goop, schmears, and anything else you can slather on the end of a toothbrush. Considering that wealth, why bother making even more from scratch? That’s exactly what I was wondering, until I discovered the difference of homemade.

A full batch costs cents on the dollar, contains no questionable ingredients, and feels like a refreshing massage against my gums. It’s not harsh like some brands but every bit as effective, which is a relief for sensitive teeth. Sometimes I’ll even melt it down and gargle with it, like oil-pulling version 2.0. That’s why I store mine in a glass jar, especially in the cold days of winter when it might be too solid to use right away. Just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften and it’s ready to go!

This is a different recipe than most I’ve shared in this space, so a few notes on ingredients here:

• Virgin coconut oil will also work, but impart a more distinctive flavor. If you don’t mind that, go for it!
• Xylitol is technically optional, but very strongly recommended. Not only do studies show that it genuinely helps to prevent cavities, but it gives the toothpaste a sweeter flavor, to put it on par with more commercial options. Please be very careful though because xylitol is extremely toxic to dogs.
• Peppermint oil or cinnamon oil refers to essential oil, which is much stronger than extract. Also optional, if you don’t mind an unflavored paste or don’t want to buy a whole bottle, and highly flexible if you wanted to mix in different flavors instead.

Seems like my push for cleaning out the pantry has inadvertently lead to a cleaner mouth, too. Now that I have this staple to replace all those old tubes cluttering up the bathroom cabinets, I don’t think I could go back to the old trash talk.

Homemade Toothpaste

1/2 Cup Refined Coconut Oil
2 Tablespoons Baking Soda
6 Tablespoons Calcium–Magnesium Citrate Powder
3 Tablespoons Xylitol
1 – 3 Drops Peppermint Oil or Cinnamon Oil

Simply melt down the coconut oil and whisk everything else in, until smooth. Transfer the liquid toothpaste to two small glass jars. Seal and store in a cool, but ideally not cold, place. Keeps indefinitely.

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