A Guide to DIY Natural Toothpaste with Diatomaceous Earth

Andy Hemmer
Apr 7
4 min read

Updated: Jun 12

In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, many people are reevaluating what they put into their bodies — and that includes what they put into their mouths. One everyday product that often gets overlooked is toothpaste. While conventional toothpastes promise cavity protection, whitening, and fresh breath, they may also contain chemicals and additives that raise serious health concerns.

Fortunately, making your own toothpaste at home is not only easy but also empowering. One of the best ingredients for a natural and effective toothpaste is diatomaceous earth. In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of using diatomaceous earth in oral care, how to make your own DIY natural toothpaste, and why you may want to avoid ingredients like fluoride and sodium saccharin.

Why Choose Natural Toothpaste?

Many people are unaware of the potential risks that traditional toothpaste might pose. A shift towards natural alternatives can provide not only peace of mind but also better oral health outcomes. When you use natural toothpaste, you control the ingredients. This ensures that you avoid harmful additives and chemicals.

Benefits of Natural Toothpaste

Natural toothpaste offers several advantages compared to its conventional counterparts. Here are some of the key benefits:

Safe Ingredients: Natural pastes don’t have harmful chemicals.
Eco-Friendly: Homemade options reduce plastic waste.
Tailored to Your Needs: You can customize flavors and adjust ingredients based on your preferences.

Choosing to go natural is a proactive decision. It’s a step towards better health and a more sustainable lifestyle.

What Is Diatomaceous Earth?

Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a naturally occurring, soft, siliceous sedimentary rock that crumbles into a fine white to off-white powder. It consists of the fossilized remains of diatoms — tiny aquatic organisms. DE has been utilized for various purposes, from pest control to detoxification. But when it comes to oral health, food-grade diatomaceous earth offers unique advantages:

Mild Abrasiveness: DE gently removes plaque and stains without damaging enamel.
Mineral Content: It contains trace minerals like calcium, magnesium, and silica, promoting strong teeth and gums.
Detoxifying Properties: Its porous structure helps absorb toxins and bacteria.

These properties make diatomaceous earth an exceptional choice for natural toothpaste.

How to Make Your Own Natural Toothpaste with Diatomaceous Earth

Here's a simple, customizable recipe for a homemade toothpaste that uses food-grade diatomaceous earth as the star ingredient:

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons food-grade diatomaceous earth
2 tablespoons baking soda
2 tablespoons coconut oil (antibacterial and soothing)
10–15 drops peppermint or spearmint essential oil (for flavor and freshness)
Optional: 1 teaspoon xylitol (a natural sweetener that combats bacteria)
Optional: A pinch of sea salt (for mineral content)

Instructions:

In a non-metallic bowl, mix the diatomaceous earth and baking soda.
Add coconut oil and stir until you get a paste-like consistency.
Add essential oil drops and optional ingredients, if using.
Store in a glass jar with a lid. Use a small spoon or spatula to apply to your toothbrush.

This recipe allows you to create a highly personalized paste. Feel free to modify the ingredients according to your taste preferences.

Why Avoid Fluoride and Sodium Saccharin?

While fluoride and sodium saccharin are common in most commercial toothpastes, they come with concerns that are worth considering.

The Toxicity of Fluoride

Fluoride has been promoted for its role in preventing cavities, but research is raising questions about its long-term safety.

Neurotoxicity: Studies link high fluoride intake to lower IQ scores and neurological issues, especially in children.
Thyroid Dysfunction: Fluoride may interfere with thyroid hormone production, resulting in metabolic issues.
Dental Fluorosis: Excess fluoride can cause permanent discoloration and damage to tooth enamel, particularly in developing teeth.
Body Accumulation: Fluoride can build up in bones and tissues, potentially contributing to skeletal problems.

Fluoride is classified as a neurotoxicant by the Lancet Neurology, alongside lead and mercury. While some exposure might be beneficial, daily use from multiple sources (water, toothpaste, rinses, etc.) can easily exceed safe limits.

Concerns About Sodium Saccharin

Sodium saccharin is an artificial sweetener used in toothpaste to improve taste. While it's generally considered safe, concerns persist:

Cancer Link: In the 1970s, saccharin was linked to bladder cancer in lab rats. Despite later research suggesting this doesn’t apply to humans, it led to saccharin being viewed as a possible carcinogen.
Allergic Reactions: Some people report headaches, rashes, or other reactions after using products with sodium saccharin.
Synthetic Composition: Unlike natural alternatives like xylitol or stevia, saccharin is entirely synthetic and offers no health benefits.

For those aiming to live a more natural lifestyle, removing synthetic sweeteners like saccharin is often an easy first step.

Final Thoughts

Your mouth is the gateway to your body — and what you brush with truly matters. By opting to make your own toothpaste with safe, natural ingredients like diatomaceous earth, you take control over what you put in your mouth. This choice also reduces your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals.

The added bonus? Making your own toothpaste is cost-effective, customizable, and empowering.

Try this DIY toothpaste and embrace a cleaner, more conscious approach to oral care. You will benefit from improved oral health, knowing that what you're using is both safe and beneficial.

Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a dentist or healthcare provider before making changes to your oral health routine.