Toothpaste (all natural of course)

When I was thinking back to the reason I started this blog I realized that I had sort of gotten away from any "back to basic" type entries.  I felt a good way to get back on track was with this recipe for toothpaste. I don't really remember when I started making toothpaste for my family but I do remember why.  I was tired of running out of it!  The other reason was because I have never been sold on the whole flouride ingredient in practically all of the toothpastes you get at the store.  Why should I have to pay extra for not having flouride in my toothpaste when I can make it myself for so much less? 

What you will need is:

1/2 cup baking soda
1 Tablespoon mint extract
3 Tablespoons water
container to mix it in
container to store it in (I used a cleaned out babyfood jar decorated with stickers)

Pour the baking soda in the mixing container first and then add the mint extract.  Add enough water to bring it to the consistency you want.  I add 3 tablespoons of water.  The mint extract is optional, it is just to give it a fresh taste.  You can omit it or add a different flavor.  This toothpaste is salty tasting but is something you can get used to.  I have two family members who still prefer regular toothpaste, but 4 out of 6 isn't bad! 

Everyone in my home has their own container.  The way you use it is to dip your wet toothbrush in the toothpaste.  It is most sanitary if everyone is dipping their own toothbrush in their own container.  I let my kids decorate their own jars.  Another benefit of everyone having their own jar is to make sure everyone is brushing their teeth.  If someones jar hasn't been refilled in awhile, you know they need to be brushing more!

*Baking soda, when dissolved in water, releases free radicals.  When baking soda-water mixture is put into the mouth, the free radicals from the mixture interact with the stain molecules on the teeth enamel and scrape off the yellow and brown stains on the teeth. 
*Besides scraping off the stains on the teeth, it also removes plaque.
*Some of the recent things I have read concerning baking soda as a toothpaste say that prolonged use can cause you to have sensitive teeth.  Although I have never encountered this in the months I have been doing it, it is someting to be mindful of.  I encourage you to look up some research on it decide if it is right for your family.