Most conventional toothpastes contain a surprisingly long list of ingredients you'd never choose to put in your mouth voluntarily — artificial dyes (yes, the blue and red colorants that make your toothpaste look "fresh"), synthetic sweeteners like saccharin, carrageenan, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate), a foaming agent linked to canker sores in sensitive individuals. None of these make your teeth cleaner. They make the experience of brushing feel more familiar. The good news? You can make an effective, genuinely clean toothpaste at home in under five minutes, with ingredients you likely already have.
This recipe uses coconut oil as its base, baking soda as a gentle abrasive, peppermint essential oil for freshness, and optional xylitol for sweetness and dental health benefits. That's it.
What You Need
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons organic virgin coconut oil (softened or melted)
- 2 tablespoons baking soda (aluminum-free)
- 15–20 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1–2 teaspoons organic xylitol (optional, for sweetness + dental health benefits)
- Pinch of fine sea salt (optional, for extra mineral content)
Tools
- Small glass jar with lid (2–4 oz)
- Small spoon or spatula for mixing
How to Make It
- Soften the coconut oil until it's scoopable but not fully liquid.
- Combine coconut oil and baking soda in a small bowl. Stir until smooth.
- Add peppermint essential oil and mix well.
- If using, stir in xylitol and sea salt.
- Transfer to a clean glass jar. Store at room temperature.
Total time: under 5 minutes. Cost per jar: under $3.
To use: Scoop a small amount onto your toothbrush (a clean spoon or dedicated scooper keeps it hygienic). Brush as normal for 2 minutes. Spit and rinse.
A Note on Fluoride
This recipe does not contain fluoride. Fluoride is a proven cavity-fighter and is recommended by most dental associations. If you or your family have a history of cavities or are in a high-risk category, talk to your dentist before switching to a fluoride-free formula. Many people use this DIY toothpaste alongside a fluoride rinse, or alternate it with a fluoride toothpaste — that's a perfectly reasonable approach.
Why These Ingredients Work
Coconut oil — the base of this recipe, coconut oil has natural antimicrobial properties thanks to its high lauric acid content. It's also the foundation of traditional oil pulling, an ancient Ayurvedic practice studied for its role in reducing oral bacteria. We use Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil — cold-pressed, unrefined, USDA Organic, and Non-GMO Verified.
Baking soda — a mild abrasive that helps remove surface stains and neutralize acids in the mouth. It's been used in oral care for over a century and is well-supported by research. Use aluminum-free baking soda to keep the formula as clean as possible.
Peppermint essential oil — provides the fresh, clean feeling we associate with toothpaste, and has mild antimicrobial properties. Make sure you're using a food-grade or cosmetic-grade peppermint oil.
Xylitol — the optional ingredient that takes this recipe from good to genuinely dental-health-supporting. Unlike sugar, xylitol does not feed the bacteria that cause tooth decay. Research has shown it can actually inhibit Streptococcus mutans (the primary cavity-causing bacteria) and support remineralization. We use NOW Foods Organic Xylitol — USDA Organic, Non-GMO Verified, and derived from non-GMO corn.
Tips for Best Results
- Use a small dedicated spoon to scoop — don't double-dip your toothbrush directly into the jar to keep it clean.
- Coconut oil solidifies below 76°F — in cooler months your paste may be firmer. That's normal.
- This recipe does not foam. Conventional toothpaste foams because of SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate) — a surfactant linked to canker sores in some people. No foam is a feature, not a bug.
- Make a fresh batch every 4–6 weeks.
- Keep out of reach of pets — xylitol is toxic to dogs.
If You'd Rather Skip the DIY — Clean Store-Bought Toothpastes We Love
No time to mix your own? These are the fluoride-free toothpastes we trust — vetted for clean ingredients, effective formulas, and real results.
David's Fluoride-Free Toothpaste — EWG Verified
Our top pick. EWG Verified, SLS-free, whitening, and made in the USA. Nano hydroxyapatite formula supports enamel remineralization without fluoride. The metal tube is also fully recyclable.
Bite Toothpaste Bits — Zero Waste & Nano Hydroxyapatite
Tablet-format toothpaste — no tube, no plastic, no SLS. Each bit dissolves into a paste when you chew it. Nano hydroxyapatite formula, fluoride-free, and a 2-month supply per jar. Ideal if you want a truly zero-waste oral care routine.
Boka Fluoride-Free Toothpaste — Nano Hydroxyapatite
Boka's nano hydroxyapatite formula is one of the most talked-about clean toothpastes for good reason — it supports enamel strength and remineralization without fluoride. The Strawberry Mango flavor is also a great option for kids making the transition away from conventional toothpaste.
Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free Antiplaque & Whitening
The trusted household name for a reason. Tom's of Maine Fluoride-Free is a clean, widely available option that's easy to find and affordable to stock up on. Antiplaque + whitening in a familiar tube format — a great entry point for families transitioning to cleaner oral care.
Hello Epic Whitening Activated Charcoal Toothpaste — Fluoride Free
For anyone who wants a whitening boost alongside their clean swap. Hello's activated charcoal + coconut oil formula is fluoride-free, SLS-free, and vegan. The fresh mint + coconut oil combination makes it feel closest to a conventional toothpaste experience — easy for toothpaste skeptics to adopt.
Shop Hello Charcoal Toothpaste →
⭐ What Customers Are Saying
Readers who have made this DIY toothpaste consistently report that their mouth feels genuinely clean after brushing — not just minty-fresh from synthetic flavor, but actually clean. The coconut oil base leaves teeth feeling smooth, and the baking soda keeps breath fresh without the harshness of stronger whitening formulas. Many note that switching away from SLS-based toothpastes reduced their canker sore flare-ups noticeably. The xylitol addition gets particular praise for making the paste taste pleasant enough that even kids will use it.