The last time I went to the store to buy toothpaste, I realized that I was spending upwards of $60-70 a year for something with a bunch of extenders and chemicals I didn’t even want in my body. That’s when I realized that I could probably make something better without any chemicals or extenders for just a few dollars a year… and that’s exactly what I did.
With the high cost of professional dental care and even simple things like toothpaste, good oral health can be hard enough to accomplish on an average day, let alone during times of disaster. This simple, inexpensive and extremely effective Homemade Hygiene product can be put together in just a few minutes with 5 simple ingredients.
CRUSHED SAGE AND PEPPERMINT TOOTHPASTE POWDER
Refreshing and highly helpful for proper dental hygiene, this simple and inexpensive solution will last years, only spoiling if allowed to absorb moisture. This alternative to store-bought pastes contains only what your teeth need and nothing they don’t. It’s both chemical and extender free, making it not only an alternative to store-bought products, but a better solution as well.
Ingredients: (Makes about 1.2 cups)
- 2 tablespoons bentonite clay
- 2 tablespoons baking soda
- 1 tablespoon dried, finely ground sage leaf
- ½ tablespoon pure sea salt
- 20-30 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1 tablespoon Xylitol (optional sweetener)
Bentonite clay –Used for literally hundreds of years, this natural clay has the unique ability to bind toxins, helping to remove heavy-metals like mercury and lead from your mouth and body. Rich in minerals, bentonite clay can nourish both your teeth and gums naturally.
Baking soda – Less abrasive than many commercially available toothpaste ingredients, baking soda provides a gentle yet effective scrub for teeth and gums – naturally whitening your smile in the process.
Sage –Recognized all over the world as a perfect alternative to chemical whiteners, Sage also adds a subtle touch of flavor to toothpaste powder.
Sea salt –Helpful for keeping a healthy mouth, pure sea salt provides a gentle scrub while releasing nourishing minerals.
Peppermint essential oil –Antibacterial, antiseptic, pain-relieving and refreshing, peppermint is said to help fight mouth and gum infections. Spearmint and other essential oil clove are great alternatives for non-peppermint lovers.
Xylitol (optional) – While completely optional, Xylitol has been shown to not only sweeten toothpaste powder, but it has many oral health benefits as well.
Directions: Carefully measure all ingredients into a small non-metallic container like a glass jar, seal and shake vigorously to mix. Apply the powder to a wet toothbrush via a small scoop or pinch of powder and scrub away.
After a few test scrubs and tasting, I don’t think I’ll ever go back to buying toothpaste in a tube. This Homemade Hygiene: Crushed Sage and Peppermint Toothpaste isn’t just less expensive, it creates less waste and leaves my mouth feeling as fresh as though I just got back from the dentist… and it’s a great way to avoid having Zombie-breath all day.
For more information on the importance of proper dental hygiene during the apocalypse see: Tip of the Day 6 – Dental Heath.
