I’ve previously mentioned how I stopped cavities and helped remineralize my teeth. Proper nutrition and good oral care are important for healthy tooth enamel. If you’re dealing with sensitive teeth, this homemade remineralizing toothpaste can help reverse and prevent demineralization.
When I was actively working on treating cavities, I used a two-part approach. First, I addressed my mineral levels through what I ate and drank. I also used a natural remineralizing toothpaste to repair the enamel. Since then, I have noticed a significant improvement in tooth sensitivity and no new cavities.
remineralizing toothpaste
There is a lot of information out there about tooth remineralization, a process that many dental professionals previously thought was impossible. This article details the science behind tooth remineralization and what foods you should eat (and avoid!) for success. You’ll also learn why most toothpaste ingredients, including natural ingredients, aren’t the best.
Traditional preparations such as Sensodyne use fluoride and potassium nitrate to reduce tooth sensitivity. I’m not a fan of fluoride, but there are other issues with some brands that claim to remineralize.
Silica, especially in whitening toothpastes, can be too harsh. SLS added for lathering can cause mouth and gum sensitivity. Nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste has recently gained popularity as an alternative to fluoride toothpaste, but it also has its problems. Click here for more information.
Over the years, I have discovered a lot about having a healthy mouth. What I discovered reflects my own experience with natural, fluoride-free toothpastes and remineralizing diets.
Don’t want to make it? Try Wellness’ Remineralizing Toothpaste!
natural toothpaste
After using this toothpaste, I definitely noticed a huge difference in my teeth. It removes buildup and whitens your teeth, making them feel really clean. Others who tried it said the same thing.
The most surprising change in my teeth is that they have become less sensitive to cold. For as long as I can remember, biting into something cold (or even just thinking about it!) would make me shiver and hurt my front teeth. After changing my dental care, I noticed that I could now eat cold food without hurting my teeth. I’ve never been able to do that before!
This toothpaste recipe is child-approved and contains no fluoride, making it safe for infants, young children, and people with thyroid problems.
Ingredients and Substitutes
I’ve made several toothpaste recipes over the years using different ingredients. They all contain ingredients that help strengthen enamel (and improve sensitivity) to some extent. The ingredients and their functions for maintaining oral health are as follows:
Calcium – This recipe used calcium carbonate to help rebuild enamel. It’s still a good option, but calcium phosphate is even better. If needed, you can also use finely powdered and dried eggshells to provide calcium. A coffee grinder is effective for this. Baking soda – A mild abrasive that helps clean teeth and reduce plaque buildup. Diatomaceous earth – Rich in minerals and rich in silica, it strengthens teeth and bones. It is also slightly abrasive to clean teeth. Xylitol – Adds sweetness to balance the mineral taste. Xylitol has many benefits for oral health and can also help prevent tooth decay. However, if you don’t want to add it, you can also replace it with a small amount of stevia depending on your taste. Coconut oil – This helps bring everything together and turns the powder into toothpaste. Coconut oil also helps reduce plaque, prevent gingivitis, and balance oral bacteria. If your home is cold, you can replace half of the solid coconut oil with fractionated coconut oil or MCT oil. Essential oils – Add antibacterial properties for oral health and freshen breath. Good options include cassia cinnamon, clove, peppermint, spearmint, myrrh, and sweet orange. To avoid irritation, start with a small amount and increase according to the recipe. Mouth Oil – Instead of adding essential oils, try a ready-made healthy mouth oil. I like this one from Wellness, which features ingredients like manuka, organic cinnamon, and mint essential oil.
A note about abrasiveness: There are concerns that diatomaceous earth and baking soda are too harsh on teeth. You don’t want to wear away the enamel, but DE and baking soda are gentle options. On the MOHS hardness scale, baking soda has a ring of 2.5, while silica has a hardness of 6 or 7. DE is even milder than hardness with a score of 1 to 1.5.
Remineralizing Toothpaste Recipe
Create a remineralizing toothpaste that freshens breath and strengthens teeth with enamel-healthy ingredients.
Preparation time 10 minutes
Total time 10 minutes
Yield: 4 oz.
Author: Katie Wells
Combine calcium, diatomaceous earth, baking soda, and xylitol in a bowl.
Add coconut oil little by little until you reach your desired consistency.
If using, add essential oils or Balance Mouth Blend.
Store in a small glass jar.
Use a clean popsicle stick or spoon to scoop some onto your toothbrush. Do not soak your toothbrush in the jar. Bacteria enters and spoils quickly.
Storage and shelf life: Store in a cool place away from direct sunlight for up to 2 years. If it smells bad or changes color, replace it.
The amount of coconut oil needed to form a paste consistency varies from 1 1/2 TBSP to 2 1/2 TBSP coconut oil. If your house is cold, you can also replace half of the solid coconut oil with fractionated oil or MCT oil. This will keep it from becoming too hard! If you don’t have a 1/2 tablespoon measuring spoon, 1 and 1/2 teaspoons is the same.
More natural oral care options
Oral hygiene involves more than just toothpaste. Here are some oral health products you can make or buy. I’ve included my brand Wellnesse for those who are too busy or just want a ready-made option.
Internal aspects of remineralization
Remineralization doesn’t just happen in your mouth. Simply using a toothpaste with a high concentration of minerals may not be enough to help your teeth. Remineralization is a systemic process. For this to happen, you need to get enough of certain nutrients, especially minerals and fat-soluble vitamins.
When I was actively working on remineralizing my teeth, I focused on a specific nutritious diet. I also avoided foods containing sugar and phytic acid, and added other lifestyle factors to boost my nutritional levels. In this post you can read my daily oral health routine.
Getting enough minerals and fat-soluble vitamins is important because they not only support the body as a whole, but also produce more mineral-rich saliva. Our bodies require healthy saliva to deliver necessary nutrients to our teeth.
Two approaches have given me the best results: eating for oral health and using this remineralizing toothpaste.
Have you ever made your own remineralizing toothpaste? Let me know how it works!
