I don’t know why I ever thought that the production of toothpaste was something complicated and best left to the professionals. Maybe it’s the fact that I had never used any toothpaste before that was not bought in a shop. Or maybe because there is something vaguely ‘medical’ about using toothpaste. Perhaps I am just scared that I’ll lose my teeth prematurely if I use the wrong stuff. Yet, when it comes to natural cures I am all for home remedies and have total faith in nature.

In any case, since the vast majority of toothpaste on the market is sold in plastic tubes with plastic lids, I started researching the obvious alternative: making my own. There are literally hundreds of recipes and advice on the internet for making tooth powders and tooth paste. After trying a couple of different recipes I now make this wonderfully refreshing toothpaste with bicarbonate of soda, china clay and essential oils such as peppermint, clove and fennel. Both, bicarbonate of soda and clay are ingredients that are used in common toothpastes found in shops. Essential oils add freshness and flavour and have all sorts of benefits for teeth and gums. I make smallish batches at a time which last our family for a few weeks and only take 2 minutes to prepare. This is my absolute favourite recipe for Kaolin Toothpaste which I use most of the time and keep in small cosmetic or Kilner spice jars. It makes about 100ml of toothpaste and keeps for about a month before loosing it’s lovely taste:

• 6 tbsp Kaolin mineral clay (quantity may vary)
• 1 tbsp bicarbonate of soda, food grade
• vegetable glycerine, add slowly until desired consistency is reached
• 10-20 drops peppermint essential oil
• 10-20 drops sweet orange essential oil

Try this super-simple Peppermint Toothpaste recipe from “Make your own Cosmetics” by Neil’s Yard. Fennel or lemon essential oils can be used instead of the peppermint if you prefer:

• 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
• 1 teaspoon of vegetable glycerine (cheap from Boots the chemist, in small glass bottles)
• 3 drops of peppermint essential oil (again from Boots or health food shops)

Brushing my teeth with my own healthy and natural toothpaste and bamboo toothbrush makes me very happy in the mornings and reminds me to keep flying the flag for plastic free living throughout the day. Joy!