Natural Coconut Toothpaste: The Simple Recipe

If you've already tried oil pulling , turning coconut oil into a toothpaste is the natural next step, and it's genuinely easy to make. But before you toss your regular toothpaste, it's worth knowing what this recipe does well, where it falls short, and how to use it without accidentally wearing down your enamel.

Here's a simple three-ingredient recipe, plus the practical details most guides skip.

 

Why Make Your Own Coconut Toothpaste?

The appeal is mostly about ingredients. Commercial toothpastes often include sulphates, artificial sweeteners, dyes and preservatives that some people would rather avoid. This recipe uses three ingredients you can actually pronounce, it's cheap to make in bulk, and coconut oil brings a mild antibacterial quality thanks to its lauric acid content.

That said, it's not a straight upgrade in every way, more on that below.

The Recipe

What you'll need:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 2 tablespoons bicarbonate of soda (baking soda)
• 10 drops peppermint oil (optional, for flavour)

How to make it:

1. In a small, clean jar, mix the coconut oil and bicarbonate of soda together until it forms a smooth, paste-like consistency.
2. Add the peppermint oil a few drops at a time, mixing as you go, until it tastes right to you.
3. Store the jar with the lid on, away from heat, coconut oil melts around 24°C, so it can turn liquid in a warm bathroom. A small spoon or spatula for scooping keeps things more hygienic than dipping your brush straight in.

That's it, no cooking, no special equipment, and it keeps for a few months at room temperature since none of the ingredients are perishable in the short term.

 

What to Know Before You Switch

This is the part worth reading properly, because a homemade toothpaste isn't a like-for-like swap for what's in your bathroom cabinet now.

It has no fluoride

Fluoride is what most dentists point to as the single most effective ingredient for preventing cavities. If you're prone to cavities or your dentist has specifically recommended a fluoride toothpaste, this recipe shouldn't fully replace it, think of it as an occasional or complementary option rather than a permanent swap.

Baking soda is mildly abrasive

Used correctly it can help lift surface stains, but brushing too hard or too often with it can wear down enamel over time, especially if you already brush firmly. Keep your usual gentle brushing technique and don't use this recipe more than once a day if your enamel is sensitive.

It won't "detox" your mouth or fix underlying issues

Used correctly it can help lift surface stains, but brushing too hard or too often with it can wear down enamel over time, especially if you already brush firmly. Keep your usual gentle brushing technique and don't use this recipe more than once a day if your enamel is sensitive.

It won't "detox" your mouth or fix underlying issues

Coconut oil's antibacterial properties are real but modest, this is a supporting habit for everyday hygiene, not a treatment for gum disease, cavities or persistent bad breath. Those need a dentist, not a jar from your bathroom shelf.

Don't use it on pets

Peppermint oil in particular can be harmful to dogs and cats even in small amounts, so this recipe isn't a safe substitute for pet-specific dental products, stick to toothpaste made for animals if you're brushing a pet's teeth.

for more information about read: Coconut Oil for Pets

 

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use this every day instead of regular toothpaste?
  You can, but most dentists would recommend keeping a fluoride toothpaste in the rotation too, especially if you're prone to cavities. Many people use this recipe a few times a week alongside their regular toothpaste rather than as a total replacement.
• Why does my toothpaste taste salty or bitter?
  That's usually the bicarbonate of soda, the ratio in this recipe is fairly standard, but if it's too strong for your taste, reduce it slightly and add a touch more peppermint oil to balance it.
• Can I skip the peppermint oil?
  Yes, it's there purely for flavour and a cooling sensation. The toothpaste works the same without it, just with a milder, more neutral taste.
• Is coconut oil toothpaste safe for sensitive teeth?
  It's generally gentle, but the baking soda is the ingredient to watch. If you have sensitive teeth or receding gums, brush lightly and consider using this recipe less frequently than daily.
• How long does homemade toothpaste last?
  Stored in a sealed jar away from heat and moisture, it typically stays good for a few months. If it starts to smell off or you notice any mould, discard it and make a fresh batch, always use a clean spoon to scoop it out rather than a wet toothbrush, to keep bacteria out of the jar.