Homemade Toothpaste--But if you use bentonite clay, be sure to avoid the brands high in lead

 Because chemical exposure of various kinds has been linked to chronic fatigue syndrome, I am interested in reducing my exposure to synthetic chemicals of all kinds. As part of this quest, I started researching dental hygiene products, which are loaded with synthetic materials. 

Toothpaste comes packaged in plastic tubes lined with a thin layer of aluminum, which makes them almost impossible to recycle. The toothpaste itself contains artificial sweeteners like xylitol. Dental floss is woven with non-biodegradable nylon. Even so-called natural floss made from bamboo is woven together with nylon. Nearly all toothbrushes have nylon bristles and plastic handles. 

Because of environmental concerns, I decided to make my own toothpaste that contains no artificial ingredients, no unrecyclable contains, and that is effective. I tried using plain baking soda but the sodium seemed to destroy the toothbrushes faster. A good recipe for a sodium--free toothpaste combines: 

  • one part bentonite clay. Warning: While bentonite clay is a good tooth cleanser, some brands contain contaminants like lead. Use a clay that has been tested for heavy metals. I like Pure Clay  Their website is pureclay.com.  They mine their clay 25 feet underground and test each batch for impurities.  Their clay costs more but the extra safety is worth it. Their packaging, alas, is not natural and I hope some day to see more earth-friendly packages made from recycled paper. See warnings below about other brands. 
  • one part calcium carbonate
  • enough aloe vera gel to make a thick pastes. I use aloe gel from my own plants, grown at home instead of buying commercially produced aloe vera gel which often contains synthetic preservatives and may be diluted with water. If you use aloe gel, be sure to drain off the yellow, latex-like substance that lies just underneath the skin. It is bitter and can give you intestinal cramps and diarrhea. To drain off the yellow stuff, known as aloin--pronounced like aloe-in--simply cut the aloe leaf, stand it upright in a jar, and let gravity do the work. The aloin can be used as a skin brightener but patch test it first on an inconspicuous part of your skin because some people are sensitive to it.
  • enough water to make a smooth paste
  • natural flavoring to make the paste taste palatable. I use sugar-free, alcohol-free cherry extract but I am not confident enough about any brand to recommend one. Of course, you could omit the flavoring. Or you could add crushed mint leaves. 
  • To be effective, toothpaste requires a surfactant, a substance that helps the toothpaste spread in the mouth and reach all the places it needs to. Aloe is a reasonably good surfactant that will make toothpaste spread out in the mouth. 
Cautions: 
  • Both calcium carbonate and calcium bentonite are considered gentle abrasives but it is still a good idea to brush gently using a toothbrush with soft of medium bristles. 
  • Some brands of bentonite clay contain lead.  I am pasting this information from AI about brands to avoid:

  •  Alikay Naturals "Bentonite Me Baby": The FDA issued a warning against this product due to elevated lead levels found in laboratory tests.
    • FOSSIL POWER Calcium Bentonite Clay Food Grade Powder: Some listings for this product include a California Proposition 65 warning, which states that it can expose consumers to lead, a chemical known to cause cancer and reproductive harm. 
    • Also avoid Best Bentonite Clay
      • General concerns and precautions
      • Impurity: Bentonite is a natural clay that can contain trace amounts of heavy metals, including lead, as an impurity.
      • Ingestion is the main risk: While mineral forms of lead are not readily absorbed through the skin, they can be absorbed when ingested.
      • Consult a professional: If you have used a bentonite clay product and are concerned about lead exposure, it is best to consult a health professional. 

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