DIY charcoal or bentonite clay toothpastes

Commercial toothpastes often contain ingredients like sodium lauryl sulfate, artificial sweeteners, and fluoride—things many people want to avoid. This DIY

Equipment

• Small mixing bowl (glass or ceramic— avoid metal )
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Small glass jar with lid (4 oz size works well)
• Measuring spoons

Ingredients

• Xylitol powder (1 teaspoon): Adds sweetness and may help fight plaque
• Calcium carbonate powder (1 tablespoon): Gentle polish and calcium source

Instructions

Step 1: Soften the Coconut Oil (1–2 minutes)

1. Measure 3 tablespoons of coconut oil into your mixing bowl. If the oil is solid (which it will be below 76°F), gently warm it until it becomes soft and pliable but not fully melted. You can place the bowl in a larger bowl of warm water for a minute or two, or simply microwave the coconut oil in short bursts.
2. Consistency tip: You want softened coconut oil, not hot liquid. If it’s fully melted, the powders will sink to the bottom before the mixture cools.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients (1 minute)

1. In a separate small bowl, mix together the bentonite clay, baking soda, and activated charcoal. Whisk or stir with your wooden spoon until the powders are evenly blended.
2. Note on charcoal: Start with 1 teaspoon. You can always add more if you want a deeper black paste, but too much charcoal can make the paste overly abrasive .

Step 3: Add Coconut Oil to Dry Mixture (2 minutes)

1. Add the softened coconut oil to the dry ingredients. Mix thoroughly until you have a smooth, uniform paste with no dry pockets or clumps. The texture should resemble a thick frosting .

Step 4: Add Essential Oils (30 seconds)

1. If using peppermint essential oil, add 5–10 drops and stir once more to incorporate. Peppermint provides a fresh taste and has natural antibacterial properties .
2. Essential oil caution: If you’re pregnant, nursing, or using this toothpaste for children, consult a healthcare provider before using essential oils. You can also omit them entirely.

Step 5: Transfer and Store (1 minute)

1. Spoon the finished toothpaste into your small glass jar. Seal with a lid and store in a cool, dry place.
2. Storage: If your bathroom is warm, the coconut oil may liquefy. If it’s cold, the paste will harden. Either way, the toothpaste remains effective—simply stir if separated, or run the closed jar under warm water for 20 seconds if it’s too hard to scoop .

Nutrition

Calories: ~350 kcal (from coconut oil) · Protein: <1 g · Fat: ~39 g · Carbohydrates: ~3 g · Saturated Fat: ~34 g · Sodium: ~1,200 mg (from baking soda)