Why I Stopped Buying Toothpaste—and Started Making My Own

I’ll admit it—I used to be a sucker for those fresh-tasting, minty, store-bought toothpastes. I’d stock up on whatever was on sale, completely unaware of what I was actually putting in my mouth multiple times a day. That changed when I began living off-grid. Suddenly, every product I brought into my home had to earn its keep. It had to be natural, effective, and aligned with the self-reliant lifestyle I was building.

That’s when I started learning about the powerful chemistry of saliva, the role of good bacteria in oral health, and the harsh reality of commercial toothpaste. What I discovered changed how I care for my teeth—and it’s led me to a simple, effective toothpaste I now make at home with just a few ingredients I can actually pronounce.

If you’re looking to simplify your life, reduce toxins, and take one more step toward total self-sufficiency, this one’s for you.

The Truth About Commercial Toothpaste

Let’s start with the basics. Most of us grew up thinking toothpaste was the hero of our oral hygiene routine. But if you’ve ever looked at the back of a toothpaste tube, you might find ingredients like fluoride, sodium lauryl sulfate (that same foaming agent in shampoo), artificial sweeteners, colors, and even propylene glycol—yes, the same stuff used in antifreeze.

Some of these ingredients are endocrine disruptors. Others are known irritants. And while they might give you a minty blast and a nice foam, they’re also doing a number on the beneficial bacteria and natural pH of your mouth.

Your saliva, it turns out, is the real MVP of oral health. It’s packed with enzymes, immune-supporting proteins, and natural baking soda to balance acids. The last thing we want to do is disrupt this delicate ecosystem. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what commercial toothpaste often does.

A Simpler Way to Keep Your Mouth Healthy

When I ditched the store-bought stuff, I wanted something that was not just safe, but actually beneficial—something that could clean my teeth, support my oral microbiome, and maybe even whiten a little along the way.

I experimented with a few homemade options and landed on one that hits all the marks. It’s cost-effective, easy to make, and made entirely of things I already keep in my homestead kitchen.

Here’s My Go-To Homemade Toothpaste Recipe

You’ll need:

• 2 tablespoons of coconut oil
• 3 tablespoons of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide (food grade, 3%)

Warm the coconut oil until it’s liquid, then mix in the baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. You can also add 2–3 drops of an essential oil like clove, cinnamon, or peppermint if you want a boost in flavor and extra antibacterial benefits.

Why These Ingredients Work So Well

• Coconut oil is a powerhouse. It contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus. It also has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce harmful bacteria while supporting healthy teeth and gums. Bonus: It helps gently whiten your teeth over time.
• Baking soda is a gentle abrasive that helps scrub away plaque and surface stains. It also works as a natural neutralizer, balancing the acids in your mouth that cause tooth decay.
• Hydrogen peroxide adds the deep-cleaning touch. It’s a mild antiseptic that helps break down the bacteria in your mouth through oxidation. Used in small amounts, it can help keep your breath fresh and your mouth feeling clean.
• Essential oils (optional) add more than just flavor. Clove oil, for example, is known for its numbing and antibacterial properties, making it great for soothing sensitive gums or preventing infection.

Storage Tips

Once your paste is mixed, store it in a small dark glass jar. This helps preserve the hydrogen peroxide, which can degrade with light. I keep mine in the bathroom, away from direct sunlight, and just dip my brush in each morning and night.

A Few Extra Notes for the Off-Grid Life

This toothpaste doesn’t foam like the store-bought kind. That’s a good thing—it means it’s not loaded with chemical foaming agents. It also might take a few days for your mouth to adjust to the taste and texture. But once you do, you’ll likely find it cleaner, fresher, and more natural.

If you’re off-grid, chances are you already value simplicity and sustainability. Making your own toothpaste fits perfectly into that mindset. It takes five minutes, saves money, and avoids contributing to the endless stream of plastic tubes and chemical-laden personal care products we’ve all grown too accustomed to.

For me, it was one of the easiest swaps I ever made—and it still feels like a small act of rebellion every time I brush my teeth.