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DIY TOOTHPASTE AND POWER WITH BENTONITE CLAY AND ESENTIAL OILS

There are plenty of all-natural toothpaste options available, but they can be expensive! My Homemade Toothpaste Recipe with Essential Oils provides a toxin-free way to freshen your breath. Our family loves using this tooth powder to maintain a healthy, clean mouth.

This recipe includes bentonite clay, known for its detoxifying properties. With a touch of stevia for sweetness and essential oils for flavor, this toothpaste tastes amazing!

THE IMPORTANCE OF ORAL HEALTH

Oral health plays a vital role in overall wellness, and problems in the mouth can affect the entire body. Oral issues go far beyond cavities and bad breath—over 80% of disease symptoms stem from mouth problems. Gum disease, for example, increases the risk of heart disease (1), and there is even a connection between mouth bacteria and thickened arteries (2).

Unfortunately, many people face disease-promoting dental procedures because they don’t prioritize oral health. By focusing on preventative care, many of these interventions can be avoided. While there are plenty of advanced techniques, it’s crucial to stick to the basics:

  • Brush your teeth – Make sure to brush after every meal. Take your time to remove all food particles thoroughly.
  • Floss regularly – Flossing removes stubborn food bits from between your teeth and stimulates your gums, reducing your risk of gum disease. I recommend flossing at night after eating.
  • Oil pulling – Have you tried oil pulling? It’s an incredibly effective oral health practice to add to your routine. Learn how to get started with oil pulling today.
  • Visit the dentist – Did you know there are holistic dentists? They blend traditional treatments with natural options and often provide alternatives to harmful procedures like mercury fillings. Never skip your dental checkups!
  • Use essential oils for oral health – Certain essential oils are proven to support oral hygiene. These oils are great for homemade oral products like toothpaste or mouthwash.

By incorporating these basic practices into your daily routine, you can help maintain optimal oral health and reduce the need for costly or harmful interventions.

3 HARMFUL INGREDIENTS IN TOOTHPASTE

In my opinion, we should be extra cautious with the oral health products we use since we end up ingesting them. Unfortunately, many store-bought products are filled with toxins. Here are just a few of the harmful chemicals commonly found in most tubes of toothpaste:

FLUORIDE

Fluoride is a harmful ingredient commonly found in most oral care products. For years, oral health specialists believed fluoride was essential for healthy teeth, but we now know that’s not true. Fluoride is classified as a neurotoxic chemical, and consuming too much of it can lead to fluoride toxicity (3). This can affect tooth coloring, kidney function, and more. If you have young children at home, this is especially concerning! Many store-bought toothpaste brands have kid-friendly flavors that encourage little ones to use more than necessary, increasing the risk of fluoride toxicity.

ASPARTAME

You wouldn’t brush your teeth with sugar, so many companies add a sugar substitute called aspartame to improve the taste of toothpaste. Aspartame is often marketed as a low-calorie alternative to sugar, but studies show it can lead to increased food consumption (4). It can also trigger headaches, spiked blood sugar levels, and other side effects (5). In this recipe, we use stevia as a sweetener instead. It tastes better than aspartame, and best of all, it has no harmful side effects!

SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE

This toxin is responsible for the foamy texture in most toothpastes. Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an environmental toxin that can wreak havoc on your body (6). Interestingly, researchers use SLS to intentionally create skin and eye irritations during product testing. SLS can also cause canker sores (7), which is the complete opposite of promoting oral health! It’s one of the worst toxins for your body and should be avoided at all costs.

NATURAL ORAL HEALTH INGREDIENTS

There’s a better way to take care of your teeth, and it starts with using natural, non-toxic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

  • Essential Oils: Many essential oils have antimicrobial properties, making them ideal for toothpaste. They can freshen your breath, fight plaque, and even help with canker sores. Plus, they add a nice scent! Here are some of my favorite combinations:
  • Peppermint: Fights bad breath, smells fresh, and gives you a burst of energy in the morning!
  • Clove and Orange: A soothing blend for sensitive teeth.
  • Eucalyptus, Rosemary, and Orange: Helps with whitening your teeth.
  • Lime, Lemon, and Grapefruit: Great for boosting your mood!
  • Wintergreen: Offers a minty freshness, perfect for tackling stubborn bad breath.
  • Distilled Water: Tap water often contains fluoride, which we want to avoid. It can also have other toxins that contribute to health issues like obesity, diabetes, and birth defects. I recommend using distilled or purified water for the cleanest, safest option.
  • Bentonite Clay: This clay, derived from volcanic ash, helps absorb toxins in the mouth while providing essential minerals that can strengthen your teeth. Bonus: It can also aid in whitening your teeth.
  • Stevia Powder: Stevia is a natural sweetener that helps balance out the taste of bentonite clay. A little goes a long way!
  • Himalayan Pink Salt: Saltwater is often recommended after dental surgery to reduce bacteria (8), and salt is highly effective for combating bad breath. Plus, if you have sensitive teeth, Himalayan salt can help reduce discomfort.

This simple, natural recipe is all you need to promote healthy, toxin-free oral care!

HOMEMADE TOOTHPASTE RECIPE

This DIY is super easy to make! In just a few minutes, you’ll have everything you need to detox your mouth naturally.

To turn the tooth powder into toothpaste, simply add ¼ cup of hot purified or distilled water and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin, unrefined coconut oil. You can add more coconut oil as needed to achieve your desired consistency.

For added teeth-whitening benefits, open capsules of activated charcoal and mix them into the tooth powder. After using this toothpaste, follow up with mouthwash, and be sure to brush your teeth again after rinsing.

Since bentonite clay can react with metal, it’s important to make and store this recipe in a glass or ceramic container to preserve its effectiveness.

STEP ONE: MIX THE ESSENTIAL OILS

Mix your chosen essential oils in a small glass container or glass measuring cup, then set aside for later use.

STEP TWO: ADD DRY INGREDIENTS

Place the bentonite clay, stevia, and sea salt in a food processor and blend until well combined.

STEP THREE: ADD ESSENTIAL OILS

With the machine running, slowly add the mixed essential oils to the food processor and process for a few more seconds. The mixture should be granular and slightly damp.

STEP FOUR: BRUSH YOUR TEETH

Store the mixture in a glass jar with a lid. To use, apply just enough of the homemade tooth powder or toothpaste to cover your toothbrush. Wet the brush with water and brush as usual.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, this all-natural homemade toothpaste and tooth powder is a simple, effective, and toxin-free way to maintain optimal oral health. By using ingredients like bentonite clay, essential oils, and natural sweeteners, you can avoid harmful chemicals found in store-bought products while reaping the benefits of a cleaner, healthier mouth. With just a few easy steps, you can create a product that not only freshens your breath but also supports long-term oral wellness. Enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing exactly what’s in your toothpaste, and feel good about giving your family a safer, more natural option for oral care.

DIY HUMMINGBIRD FEEDER: A FUN AND EASY CRAFT FOR KIDS

Happy Spring, everyone! It’s amazing how quickly things can change. Like many of you, I’m adjusting to this new normal with my children home with me every day. In Seattle, almost everything is closed—even playgrounds are off-limits right now. So, in an effort to make the best of things, I’ve been brainstorming creative projects that my kids and I can enjoy together while stuck at home. One project that turned out to be a huge hit is a DIY Hummingbird Feeder.

I stumbled upon the idea of using jelly jars to create hummingbird feeders, and it was like a light bulb went off! I’ve had a store-bought hummingbird feeder on my Amazon wishlist for a while now, but I never thought of making my own. This DIY turned out to be the perfect project—simple, fun, and educational. My kids not only had a blast putting it together, but they also learned a little bit about these fascinating little birds. Keep reading if you’d like to try it with your little ones!

The only hiccup? I didn’t have any jelly jars on hand. But as is often the case with DIY projects, I made it work by getting a little creative! I used some 1oz McCormick spice jars instead. After emptying out the contents and giving them a thorough wash, I realized they were actually the perfect size for the dainty little hummingbirds. These tiny jars worked great as feeders and added a fun twist to the project. Sometimes a little improvisation leads to the best results!

Materials:

Instructions:

Follow these steps to make your own hummingbird feeder.

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR SPICE JARS

First, thoroughly wash your spice jars and lids with hot, soapy water to ensure there are no lingering spice odors or tastes. You definitely don’t want anything that could turn off those curious hummingbirds! To remove the stickers from the jars, I used a little Goo Gone, which made it super easy to get them off without leaving any sticky residue.

Next, take a look at the lids. McCormick spice jars have a lid with holes, covered by a snap-top. To make it hummingbird-friendly, simply rip off the snap-top section. We won’t be needing it, and the tiny holes in the lid are just the right size for those little beaks! Hummingbirds will be able to drink the nectar right through those holes.

STEP 2: MAKE HUMMINGBIRD NECTAR

The recipe for hummingbird nectar couldn’t be simpler—just sugar water! But getting the ratio right is crucial. Too much sugar can be harmful to the birds, and too little doesn’t give them enough energy.

I followed the Audubon website’s recommended recipe: ¼ cup of refined white sugar and 1 cup of boiling water. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. Once it’s cool, fill your spice jars all the way to the top with the nectar. Then, just screw the lid with holes back on, and you’re ready to go! Your homemade hummingbird feeder is all set to attract some feathered friends.

STEP 3: ATTACH JUTE TWINE FOR HANGING

To finish off the DIY feeder, I used some jute twine to create a little loop for hanging. It’s simple but effective! Just cut a piece of twine, tie it securely around the neck of the jar, and make sure your knots are tight so it hangs safely. You’ll also want to double-check that the lid is securely attached to avoid any spills. Once it’s all set, you’re ready to hang your new feeder outside and wait for the hummingbirds to come by!

Now, all that’s left to do is hang your homemade feeder outside in a spot where hummingbirds are likely to visit. Look for a place with some shelter from the wind and plenty of flowers nearby, as hummingbirds love colorful blooms. Then, just sit back and wait for those tiny, fluttering visitors to arrive! You’ll be amazed at how quickly they find your new feeder. Enjoy watching them sip away!

We haven’t had a visitor yet that I could photograph, but I’m confident those little hummingbirds are on their way! They tend to be quick and a bit shy, but once they catch sight of the nectar, they won’t be able to resist. I’m keeping an eye out, and I’m sure it won’t be long before we have some feathered friends stopping by for a sip. Stay tuned for those cute photos!