I’m a big supporter of making your own toothpaste to avoid questionable ingredients found in many commercial products. Neem, long prized for oral health benefits, is the main ingredient in this DIY toothpaste because of its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects.
Neem helps reduce gum disease, including gingivitis, and can contribute to cavity prevention, plaque control, and fresher breath. On the Indian subcontinent, where neem grows natively, people have used neem twigs for centuries as a natural dental hygiene tool.
When combined with the other ingredients in this recipe, neem becomes part of a balanced, effective toothpaste that supports oral health and the mouth’s microbiome.
Below is a brief overview of the key ingredients and their oral benefits:
Coconut oil — Has antimicrobial properties that can reduce bad breath, help prevent cavities, ease gum inflammation, and contribute to tooth-whitening effects.
Bentonite clay — A detoxifying agent that can bind to toxins and heavy metals in the mouth. Bentonite typically carries a negative charge, allowing it to attract and remove debris.
Baking soda — An antibacterial and antifungal compound shown to inhibit Streptococcus mutans, a bacterium associated with tooth decay.
Xylitol — A sugar alcohol that has been shown to reduce early tooth decay by interfering with bacteria that cause cavities.
Cacao powder — Supports remineralization and is used in some natural dentifrices as a beneficial component for enamel health.
Ginger powder — Provides a warming, soothing sensation for the gums and contains antioxidants that help combat oral bacteria linked to inflammatory gum conditions.
Vitamin E oil — Offers antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that help protect tissues in the mouth.
Love Your Gums Neem Toothpaste
4.5 from 2 reviews
This toothpaste helps disrupt the biofilm that leads to cavities while supporting a healthy oral microbiome. Maintaining a balanced population of beneficial and harmful bacteria in the mouth helps prevent bad breath, decay, and other issues.
- Author: Dr. Burhenne
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: Makes about 1/2 cup
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons Cold-pressed organic coconut oil
- 4 tablespoons Food grade bentonite clay
- 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda
- 2 tablespoons Xylitol
- 2 capsules FOS probiotics (fructooligosaccharides)
- 2 crushed capsules oral probiotics
- 2 capsules (or 1/4 teaspoon) powdered neem leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon Cacao powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Ginger powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Vitamin E oil
- 4 tablespoons Distilled or filtered water (divided)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, gently heat the coconut oil over low heat until it melts, about 1–2 minutes.
- Combine bentonite clay, baking soda, xylitol, FOS, crushed probiotic capsules, neem powder, cacao, and ginger in a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend for 10–15 seconds so the powders mix evenly. Tap the sides and lid to settle the powder and wait a minute before opening.
- Pour about 2 tablespoons of the melted coconut oil into the blender and blend another 10–15 seconds. The mixture may be crumbly; pause and use the small end of a wooden spoon, chopstick, or spatula to scrape the sides and ensure the powders mix with the oil.
- Add the remaining coconut oil and the vitamin E oil, then blend for 10–15 more seconds. The mixture should become smoother and more fluid; scrape the edges again if needed and blend until the texture is creamy.
- With the blender running, slowly add 3 tablespoons of the water and blend for at least 30 seconds until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Transfer the toothpaste to a glass jar with a plastic lid or a nontoxic refillable squeeze tube. If you plan to use a squeeze tube and the mixture is too thick, add the remaining tablespoon of water to reach a suitable consistency. Use a fork to mix in any residual powder that did not fully incorporate.
Notes
Limit use of metal utensils with bentonite clay because the clay can attract metals when mixed with water. Mixing by hand is a simple alternative.
How to use your Love Your Gums Neem Toothpaste
Use a clean spoon to place toothpaste on your toothbrush. Store half the batch at room temperature and use that portion within 7–10 days; refrigerate the remainder for up to 4 weeks. If using a refillable squeeze tube, fill the tube and squeeze about a quarter teaspoon onto your brush twice daily for best results. Refrigeration will extend freshness.