5 Diy Toothpaste Ideas That’ll Make Your Smile Seriously Sparkle

Store-bought toothpaste is fine, but making your own? That’s next-level satisfying. You control the flavor, the texture, and the ingredients—plus you can skip the unnecessary dyes and mystery stuff. These five DIY toothpaste ideas are easy, budget-friendly, and customizable for every smile in your house.

Quick note before we dive in: Always be gentle with your enamel and gums. Use soft brushes, don’t over-scrub, and check with your dentist if you have sensitivity, cavities, or specific oral health needs. Ready to mix up something minty-fresh?

1. Classic Coconut-Mint Paste That Feels Like a Spa for Your Mouth

This is the go-to DIY toothpaste for a reason: it’s creamy, minty, and looks like the real deal. Coconut oil gives it that spreadable texture and a mild antimicrobial vibe, while baking soda gently freshens without overpowering. Perfect for everyday use when you want simple and effective.

Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons coconut oil (soft but not melted)
• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon xylitol powder (optional, for sweetness and cavity-fighting benefits)
• 8–10 drops peppermint essential oil (food-grade)
• 2–3 drops spearmint or vanilla extract (optional, for flavor balance)
• Pinch of fine sea salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mash the coconut oil with a spoon until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in baking soda until fully combined. Add xylitol if using and mix well.
3. Drop in the peppermint oil and any optional flavorings. Taste a tiny dab and adjust mint or sweetness.
4. Spoon into a small jar with a tight lid. Keep at room temp unless it’s warm—then store in a cooler spot so it doesn’t liquefy.

Pro tip: Dip a clean spatula into the jar to keep things hygienic. If you prefer a thinner texture, whisk in 1 teaspoon of filtered water at a time until it’s just right.

2. Gentle Clay + Aloe Paste For Sensitive Smiles

If your mouth yells at strong flavors or abrasives, this is your soothing solution. Bentonite clay is silky and low-abrasion, while aloe gel makes it cool and mild. It’s the toothpaste equivalent of a weighted blanket—calming but still effective.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons food-grade bentonite clay
• 2 tablespoons pure aloe vera gel (no dyes or alcohol)
• 1 tablespoon distilled water (more as needed)
• 1 teaspoon xylitol powder (optional, for gentle sweetness)
• 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt (optional)
• 4–6 drops spearmint or chamomile essential oil (food-grade, optional)

Instructions:

1. In a non-metal bowl, add the bentonite clay. (Clay can react with metal—use wood, silicone, or plastic tools.)
2. Whisk in aloe gel, then add distilled water a little at a time until you get a silky paste.
3. Stir in xylitol and a tiny pinch of sea salt if desired. Add essential oil and mix gently.
4. Transfer to a small squeeze tube or jar. If it thickens over time, mix in a few drops of water to refresh.

Serving suggestion: Pair with a super-soft toothbrush and gentle pressure. You can skip essential oils completely and flavor with a drop of vanilla extract for ultra-sensitive mouths.

3. Whitening Citrus-Charcoal Paste That Actually Feels Clean

Want a brighter smile without the harsh whitening strips? This charcoal-citrus blend brings a deep-clean feeling and helps lift surface stains from coffee and tea. The texture is smooth, the flavor is fresh, and your toothbrush will look very cool for 60 seconds.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon activated charcoal (ultra-fine powder)
• 1 teaspoon xylitol powder (optional)
• 6–8 drops lemon essential oil (food-grade) or 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest (very finely grated)
• 2–3 drops peppermint oil (optional for minty finish)

Instructions:

1. Cream the coconut oil in a bowl until smooth.
2. Stir in baking soda, then sprinkle in activated charcoal and mix slowly to avoid a black dust cloud.
3. Add xylitol and essential oils or zest. Taste and adjust mint/citrus to your liking.
4. Store in a dark container or cupboard to keep the oils fresh.

Pro tips: Use this 2–3 times a week rather than daily to minimize abrasion. Charcoal can stain light-colored silicone or fabrics, so rinse surfaces promptly. If you have dental restorations, check with your dentist before using charcoal products.

4. Herbal Baking Soda Paste With Green Tea And Myrrh

Think of this as your botanical mouth-care routine. Green tea brings gentle antioxidants, myrrh gives an herbal, old-school apothecary vibe, and baking soda keeps things fresh. It’s earthy, refreshing, and great if you like flavors beyond basic mint.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons baking soda
• 1 tablespoon fine calcium carbonate powder (food-grade, for smooth body)
• 2 tablespoons strong brewed green tea, cooled
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or avocado oil
• 1/4 teaspoon myrrh tincture or 2–3 drops myrrh essential oil (food-grade)
• 4–6 drops spearmint or wintergreen essential oil (food-grade, optional)
• 1 teaspoon xylitol powder (optional)

Instructions:

1. Whisk baking soda and calcium carbonate together in a small bowl.
2. Add the cooled green tea a little at a time to create a paste.
3. Blend in the oil for creaminess and stability.
4. Stir in myrrh and any mint oil. Adjust with more green tea if it’s too thick.

Variations: Swap green tea for sage tea or chamomile for a different herbal profile. For travel, dry the mixture: skip liquids and blend powders; add a few drops of water to your brush when you use it.

5. Kid-Friendly Strawberry Cream Paste (Yes, It’s Actually Tasty)

Winning over tiny humans is an art. This lightly sweet, berry-forward paste makes brushing feel like dessert without the sugar crash. It’s gentle, pink, and fun—perfect for kids or adults who want a break from mint.

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon baking soda (use 2 teaspoons for extra gentle)
• 1 tablespoon calcium carbonate powder (food-grade)
• 1–1.5 teaspoons xylitol powder
• 1 teaspoon freeze-dried strawberry powder (unsweetened)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1–2 teaspoons distilled water, as needed

Instructions:

1. Beat the coconut oil until fluffy.
2. Mix in baking soda and calcium carbonate until smooth.
3. Stir in xylitol and strawberry powder. Add vanilla if using.
4. Add a few drops of water to reach a creamy, frosting-like texture.
5. Store in a small jar. Use a clean spatula for each scoop.

Tips for little brushers: Make a game of it—let kids pick the color of their jar or add a tiny pinch of beet powder for a brighter pink. Remind them to spit, not swallow.

How To Use Your DIY Toothpaste (And Keep It Fresh)

Use about a pea-sized amount per brushing. Dip a clean, dry spatula into the jar instead of your toothbrush to avoid contamination. Most pastes keep 2–4 weeks at room temperature; if your home is warm, refrigerate and soften before use. If anything smells off or separates weirdly, make a fresh batch—these recipes come together fast.

Safety And Customization Notes

• Essential oils: Always use food-grade and go light—especially for kids or sensitive gums.
• Abrasiveness: Baking soda and charcoal can be mildly abrasive. If you have enamel erosion or sensitivity, choose the clay/aloe paste and use a soft brush.
• Fluoride: These are fluoride-free. If your dentist recommends fluoride, you can alternate with a standard fluoride toothpaste.
• Allergies: Check ingredients carefully—coconut oil, herbs, or citrus oils can be problematic for some.

You’ve got options now—minty, herbal, whitening, soothing, and kid-approved. Mix a batch, tweak the flavors, and find your favorite routine. Your smile’s about to feel fresh, clean, and totally customized—trust me, brushing is way more fun when you made the paste yourself.