Simple Homemade Toothpaste Recipe with Coconut Oil | Ireland

Making a simple homemade toothpaste recipe with coconut oil has become incredibly popular.

Many people want a natural, zero-waste alternative to commercial products.

But does it actually work? And more importantly—is it safe for your teeth?

Let’s break down the science behind DIY toothpaste, the best recipe to use, and what you need to watch out for.

The Magic of Coconut Oil (Backed by Science)

Coconut oil has legitimate, peer-reviewed backing for oral health.

It is rich in lauric acid, a compound with proven antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Research on oil pulling shows that coconut oil can:

• Significantly reduce salivary bacterial colony counts
• Lower plaque index scores
• Reduce gingivitis and gum inflammation

If not removed, this bacteria can lead to serious oral health issues. If you want to find out more about how gum disease develops and progresses, read our dedicated guide.

The Safety of Baking Soda (The RDA Scale)

A common myth is that baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) is too abrasive for your teeth.

This is actually false.

Toothpaste abrasiveness is measured by the RDA (Relative Dentin Abrasivity) scale. Pure baking soda has an RDA of just 7, which is incredibly gentle compared to the FDA maximum limit of 200.

Because it is highly alkaline, baking soda helps neutralize cavity-causing acids in the mouth.

However, the real danger lies in imprecise DIY mixing. Using tablespoons instead of exact milligram ratios can lead to an over-concentrated paste, which over time can erode enamel and cause severe tooth sensitivity.

The Recipe: Simple Coconut Oil Toothpaste

If you want to try a homemade approach, keep it simple and safe.

Here is a standard, minimally abrasive recipe:

• 2 tablespoons of organic, unrefined coconut oil (softened)
• 1 tablespoon of baking soda
• 10-15 drops of food-grade peppermint essential oil (for flavor and breath freshening)

Mix the baking soda and coconut oil until it forms a smooth paste, then stir in the peppermint oil. Store it in a clean, airtight glass jar.

The Dental Reality Check: What DIY Toothpaste Can’t Do

While coconut oil and baking soda are great for reducing bacteria and neutralizing acid, they have one major flaw.

They lack fluoride.

The overwhelming consensus among dental professionals is that fluoride is non-negotiable. Without it, you are significantly increasing your risk of cavities because your enamel cannot properly remineralize.

If you want to know what active ingredients can actually strengthen enamel, check out our guide on reversing early tooth decay.

Dentists do not recommend DIY toothpaste as a 100% replacement for a commercial product.

If you use a homemade paste, it should only be as a supplemental cleaner. To understand why standard formulations are highly recommended, we explain what each active ingredient in EU-approved toothpaste is used for in this detailed breakdown.

Final Thoughts

Making your own coconut oil toothpaste is a fun, natural way to clean your teeth and reduce bacteria.

Just remember that it lacks the enamel-building protection your teeth need to stay strong long-term.

Brush gently, measure your baking soda carefully, and always prioritize your enamel!

References

• Nagilla, J., Kulkarni, S., Madupu, P. R., Doshi, D., Bandari, S. R., & Srilatha, A. (2017). Comparative evaluation of antiplaque efficacy of coconut oil pulling and a placebo, among dental college students: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research, 11(9), ZC08–ZC11. https://doi.org/10.7860/JCDR/2017/26656/10563
• Grender, J., Adam, R., & Butler, A. (2021). A randomised clinical study to evaluate efficacy on gingival health of 62% and 67% sodium bicarbonate toothpastes. Oral Health & Preventive Dentistry, 19(1), 167–174. https://doi.org/10.3290/j.ohpd.b2403125
• Couteau, C., Doméjean, S., Lecoq, M., Ali, A., Bernet, M., Abbe-Denizot, A., & Coiffard, L. J. M. (2021). A study of 84 homemade toothpaste recipes and the problems arising from the type of product. British Dental Journal, 230(7), 401–405. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41415-021-2742-4