Stay Healthy Forever

It's easy to make your own natural toothpaste! These instructions are especially useful if you are trying to minimize exposure to fluoride, such as for children or people who already have fluorosis. This toothpaste is sugar-free and non-toxic.

Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Minutes

What You Need:

* sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
* sodium chloride (salt)
* water
* glycerine
* peppermint oil (optional)

Here's How:

1. Mix three parts baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with one part table salt (sodium chloride).
2. Add three teaspoons of glycerine for every 1/4 cup of dry mixture.
3. Add enough water to make a thick paste. If desired, a few drops of peppermint oil may be added to improve the taste.
4. Put it into a container labeled "Toothpaste."
5. Apply and use just as you would any other toothpaste. Store unused toothpaste at room temperature.

Tips:

Don't like the flavor? You can use a different mint oil, oil of cinnamon, or oil of cloves (small quantity) instead of or in combination with peppermint oil.

Glycerine (sometimes spelled glycerin) is available at many pharmacies or in craft stores that sell soap-making supplies.