I’m a huge fan of making your own toothpaste in order to avoid harmful ingredients like triclosan that are found in many conventional, store-bought products. And since neem has so many incredible benefits for oral and dental health, it makes sense that it would be the star of this recipe.
Neem has antibacterial properties that help reverse gum and mouth diseases including gingivitis. It also prevents cavities and plaque and leaves you with fresh breath. [1] In fact, on the Indian subcontinent (where neem trees grow natively), people have been chewing on neem twigs for many, many years in order to avoid cavities and tooth loss..
Combine the benefits of neem with those of the other ingredients included in this recipe, and you have one powerful toothpaste that you’ll want to add to your mouth-care regimen.
Let’s explore some of those other ingredients and their benefits now:
Coconut oil—Helps kill bad breath, prevent cavities, reduce gum inflammation and whiten teeth.
Bentonite Clay—Aids in the detoxification of heavy metals and toxins present in the mouth. On its own, bentonite clay holds a negative charge, so it binds easily with toxins and carries them away.
Baking Soda—This antibacterial and antifungal ingredient has been proven to kill Streptococcus mutans, which is linked to tooth decay. (2)
Xylitol—Has been shown to reduce early tooth decay. (3)
Cacao Powder—Helps with remineralization (and is also a key ingredient in my DIY probiotic toothpaste). (4, 5)
Ginger Powder—Creates a warming and soothing effect on the gums. It’s also packed with antioxidants needed to fight oral bacteria linked to inflammatory gum diseases like gingivitis.
Vitamin E Oil—Helps protect the body from free radicals with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. (6)
DIY Turmeric Teeth Whitening Paste[tasty-recipe id=”19028″]