The homemade homemaker
Ethical and green living
Every year Britons spend a small fortune on mouthwashes, bleaches and toothpastes in their quest for a perfect smile. But, argues Vicki Lesley, why not try some homemade concoctions that are both cheap and free from abrasive chemicals?
Wed 5 Mar 2008 07.29 EST
A toothbrush is a necessary purchase, but toothpaste doesn't have to be. Photograph: David Cheskin/PA
As every perfect housewife knows, nothing creates a great impression like a dazzling smile. This fact hasn't escaped the 'oral hygiene' industry either. Brits spend a fortune on toothpaste, mouthwash, dental floss, breath fresheners and whiteners - last year, the industry was worth a whopping £700m.
Yet many of the benefits we get from these shop-bought, industrially produced products could just as easily be gained from homemade, natural products, at a fraction of the cost.
Such products also avoid exposure to harsh abrasives, and chemicals like sodium lauryl sulphate (added to make the toothpaste frothy) or triclosan (an antibacterial agent which has been shown to form chloroform gas when mixed with tap water).
Even the old faithful, fluoride, is controversial in some quarters. Overexposure to fluoride may lead to a phenomenon called fluorosis, which can cause bone and joint problems, or irreversible discolouration of the teeth. Since fluoride is naturally present in water in some areas, and added to the water supply in others, there are some who believe we don't need it in toothpaste as well.
Dental fluorosis (as opposed to the skeletal fluorosis, which affects bones) is a particular issue for very young children, which is why dentists recommend using only a pea-sized amount of toothpaste for anyone under the age of 5.
If you want to have a go at making your own toothpaste, what do you need? Well, there are certain basic ingredients which go into any teeth-cleaning preparation, or dentifrice, to give it its proper name. The simplest dentifrice is actually a powder which you use by sprinkling onto a damp toothbrush.
The chief ingredient will usually be an abrasive agent, such as chalk or baking soda, which is added to remove stains and loosen food particles. You may also include ingredients to whiten your teeth such as lemon juice or, surprisingly, strawberries.
They contain malic acid, which has a whitening effect without causing irritation or tooth sensitivity (a possible side-effect of hydrogen peroxide, the whitener of choice in most commercial bleaching kits). And of course you'll probably want to add flavourings like peppermint, cinnamon or cloves to make it taste nice!
To turn the powder into a paste, you'll need something to draw in moisture. Glycerine is a popular choice in homemade recipes but you could also use water, honey, or oil (peppermint is an obvious choice for a minty flavour, or tea-tree oil for a natural anti-bacterial effect).
If you want to make up bigger batches you could try adding tincture of myrrh, which acts as a natural preservative, as well as having anti-bacterial properties.
If this sounds a bit too much like the Three Wise Men, don't worry, myrrh is readily available online from herbal remedy suppliers such as Baldwins in south London or The Superfood Company in Reading.
As with most homemade preparations, the exact amounts used will depend on your own personal taste - you may need to experiment with the quantities a bit until you get the exact flavour, consistency and cleaning power you desire.
The other main kind of dentifrice is mouthwash, which, depending on the ingredients, is used to freshen breath and kill the bacteria which cause plaque and gum disease.
Homemade versions can range from the most basic, tried-and-tested formula of a teaspoon of table salt in a glass of warm water, to more involved herbal infusions, or alcohol-based recipes such as those below.
And to keep your breath sweet between meals you can try chewing on fresh parsley, fennel seeds or anise seeds.
Finally, we shouldn't forget the role of the humble toothbrush in all this. If you really want to get back to nature, why not try using a miswak - a 'natural toothbrush' made from the fibrous twigs of the salvadara persica or peelu tree, commonly used in Islamic communities.
There are many claims made for this 'miracle brush', which has a spiritual as well as a health-giving significance for Muslims. Not only does it strengthen the gums and guard against tooth decay, it's also said to aid digestion, improve eyesight, cure headaches and even make you more eloquent! If you want to try one out for yourself you can get one from the online Islamic retailer Simply Islam.
Citrus tooth powder
1 tbsp dried lemon or orange peel
Place peel in food processor, grind until it becomes a fine powder. Add baking soda and salt, then process for a few seconds more until you have a fine powder. Store in an airtight jar.
Peppermint Toothpaste
6 tsps baking soda
4 tsps glycerine
15 drops peppermint oil
Mix ingredients together thoroughly until a paste forms. Store in an airtight jar.
Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash
250ml distilled or mineral water
1 tsp of fresh mint leaves
1 tsp of rosemary leaves
1 tsp of anise seeds
Boil the water, add the herbs and seeds, infuse for 20 minutes. Cool, strain and use as a gargle/mouthwash.
Spearmint mouthwash
4 tsps liquid glycerine
10-15 drops Spearmint essential oil
Boil the water and vodka, add the glycerine and aloe vera gel. Remove from the heat, leave to cool slightly. Add the spearmint oil, shake well. Pour into a bottle, cap tightly.