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1. Mary Jane

   I used coconut oil and baking soda toothpaste for about two years…until my pipes stopped draining because they they were plugged with oil. I spent hours one night pouring boiling water down and plunging until it finally let loose. Never again. It’s unfortunate.

   • pei

     unblock pipe using the following ingredients (bicarbonate soda and vinegar/lemon juice/cola drink with water) which make it easier without harsh chemicals.

   • Margo

     You need to spit into a bin. The coconut oil is definitely bad for drains. I do oil swilling (Ayurvedic practice) and spit oil out.

2. Shannon

   Has anyone ever made Bone Broth for OSTEO? Actually boiling meat bones? Does it help? Is it an old wives tail? What’s your recipe? Thanks

   • Shannon

     Oops, I guess this question should be in a different thread. Lol. I’d still love an answer.

3. Kuro

   Wouldn’t the baking soda make it really abrasive and destroy enamel?

   • ella willis

     Yes Doctor is the baking soda harsh on teeth can arrowroot work
     thanks for all you do to help others
     Ella be bless

4. Jeannette Grant

   Re deodorant. I discovered many years ago that I am allergic to everything from a cow, i.e., all dairy products, beef, veal. My problems with underarm odor disappeared (as well as a number of other physical and emotional problems). I used to use the strongest deodorant that I could buy, but I still had underarm odor, even after showering. Now I simply dab some baking soda on my underarm area after showering. I read all labels and do not eat even a molecule of anything from a cow. This includes ingredients such as casein, whey, gelatin, glycerin (unless from plant source), etc. Look on the internet for a list of all ingredients to avoid. If you give this a real try, you will be amazed at how your life will change. I discovered this through a doctor who stated that, in his experience with his patients, almost any condition COULD be caused by the ingestion of these foods and ingredients. (I told him that I could not possibly be allergic to these foods since I had eaten them all my life. A few months later our daughter’s 4-H dairy goat started producing 2 gallons of goat’s milk a day so we were not purchasing any cow’s milk or products.
   The personality of everyone in the family changed — much for the better — and all sorts of physical problems went away.)

5. Gwen Johnson

   Doesn’t this make an awful lot?! Or am I miss reading the recipe.

   • Gwen Johnson

     Oops! Disregard that question. I was misinterpreting not misreading. I think this is a good thing. I am going to e-mail this article and recipe to my dentist. Thanks

6. Miriam

   Hi Vivian, I really enjoy all your articles and I put them into practice to help my bones. About the tooth paste I have a commentary. I used a different formula that included baking soda. I gargled some times with baking soda as well. A friend of mine from Colombia, South America, prevented me from using baking soda for those 2 uses. She told me that the baking soda with the time can get rid of the teeth’s fillings. She said that that is very well know over there. So I stop doing it. Then I realized that I was cleaning the tube and the sinks in the bath room with vinegar and baking soda to avoid the use of chemicals. After a time I noticed that the silver chrome around the drain of the tub and around the drain of the sinks a long with the chrome of the lids were peeled out but I didn’t know the reason. So I put the commentary about the fillings for the teeth with my experience with the chrome and I concluded that baking soda can damage the metals. I don’t use the baking soda for that cleaning as well any more. It could be nice to investigate more about that! I’m glad people are able to make commentaries in your web that is very help full to maintain healthy bones. Thanks for helping us so much!
   Miriam

7. gloria

   Thank you for this recipe. I’ll have to get to a store that sells organic products. There isn’t one located close to where I live.

8. N. Ugarte

   What about people who have sensitive teeth? What can one use with your recipe for toothpaste to help sensitive teeth?

   Thanks for your response.

   • Luis South

     Make sure you have communicated with a professional dentist about what causes your teeth to be sensitive. For good oral health consider softening the plaque around the gums with a dental pick that can be bought for 99 cents then brushing with a simple paste made with water, baking soda and table salt. Slight bleeding from the gums may occur, but subsides as your gums become healthier. Periodically swab with a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and water, rinse out after 30 seconds.

9. Debbie

   Please check out Truvia as it is not Stevia, but rather adulterated Stevia. Check the ingredients, it should say just “Stevia”. Or grow your own as I do, the plant is very hardy.

10. Grace

    I just found your website. Thank you so much for your articles. I was wondering what you think of Burt’s bees fluoride free toothpaste for kids, Thieves dentarome ultra and natures gate fluoride free toothpaste? Thank you

    • Sue Mitrisin

      Check all product ingredients at this site: http://www.ewg.org/skindeep – even those who claim organic are often only partially organic and still contain toxic chemicals! I have a solution if you’re interested!

11. Gillian Halloway

    I wanted to say that I had read about how many women are using the weighted vest to help strengthen bones and when my Husband asked me what I wanted for the Holidays I said I would love a weight vest for weight walking .
    He got me a great vest by NYKNYC I love it .
    I wear it almost every day to increase my strength especially my back which seems a bit weak but this vest really is helping me so I wanted to thank the women who advised using a vest – I highly recommend it for stronger bones as well as muscles.

12. Polytrain

    My current dentist says brushing with baking soda can be fine, but he can’t in good conscience recommend it because it seems some people’s tooth enamel is very sensitive and weakens with exposure to baking soda (leading to sensitivity and possibly even a breakdown of enamel over time). BE VERY VERY CAREFUL AND CHECK WITH YOUR DENTIST. My daugher is hygenist and she says NEVER EVER use Baking Soda!

    • Arlene Walberg

      I’ve heard that baking soda is too abrasive, which is why I used it sparingly. I usually use hydrogen peroxide which is supposed to be good, it’s also green.

13. GEORGINA

    Dear Vivian
    Happy New Year and all the very best to you.
    Thank you very much for all your advice. much appreciated.

14. Elaine Myrie-Richards

    The baking soda as a “toothpaste” is not new to the third world. As a child in Jamaica, we used it sometimes, but without any other additive. We also used a natural fibre called “chew stick”, which made one’s teeth not only clean but feeling like silk. BTW, chewing sugar cane,is also another way of making the teeth feel silky smooth, while ingesting the delicious juice.

15. najat

    whats about dabur toothpast[fluoride free]

16. Elizabeth Goodyear

    Plan to pick up the ingrs for the toothpaste today!
    Question: What’s your opinion on the ? bone building mineral Strontium?

    Look forward to your reply,
    Elizabeth

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Elizabeth – I don’t recommend taking strontium as a supplement. For more info, please read this blog post: Strontium Demystified

17. Carolyn

    Thanks Vivian for the recipe for making toothpaste at home, especially for sensitive teeth. I have been using Kiss My Face Sensitive tooth paste for almost a year now. It works pretty well. I will try making my own since the Kiss My Face brand is expensive and hard to find. Thank you again for helping us keep our bones.

    Carolyn

    • NateandKels

      I have to show some thanks to you for reiuscng me from this particular crisis. Right after browsing throughout the internet and seeing advice which were not pleasant, I was thinking my entire life was over. Being alive without the presence of solutions to the issues you have resolved by means of this posting is a crucial case, as well as the ones which may have negatively affected my entire career if I had not noticed your web page. Your actual expertise and kindness in maneuvering all the stuff was invaluable. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come across such a step like this. I can also at this time look forward to my future. Thanks very much for the specialized and effective guide. I won’t be reluctant to propose the website to anybody who requires direction on this issue.

18. shari

    Can you run your article on fingernails and how they are like the windows to our bone health.

    • Frankie Tucker

      I would like to have the article on fingernails and how they are like the windows to our bone health.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Here’s a link to the article, Shari: How to Test Your Bone Health at Home

19. Linda

    Would dipping your brush in baking soda and brushing with that be ok. My Mom taught me this many years ago.

    • Jewell

      Hi Vivian,

      I’m interested in brands of toothpaste with non-toxic chemicals. What are your favorite brands?

      Thank you for all your very informative articles.

20. Barbara Wayne

    I have a question. I always thought Flouride was good for warding off cavities. The “media” always emphasized this for children. I remember in school taking “flouride (red) tablets to see where I needed to brush better. Thanks for the enlightenment.
    I use just baking soda now and got use to it, hoping this is good enough.
    I follow Dr. Goldschmidts’ advice.
    Thank you for being here.
    Barbara

    • Anne

      The red tablets were not fluoride tablets but a red dye. The fluoride was usually added to city water, and vitamins, and then applied topically to the teeth in a vile tasting gel.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      As long as you can tolerate the flavor and the texture, plain baking soda works just fine, Linda. 🙂

21. Cathy Court

    Thank you for this suggestion, Vivian. Unfortunately I have to use a toothpaste for sensitive teeth as my teeth have hairline cracks. Have you any suggestions for this? On another subject, I like your vinegar and water surface-cleaning fluid; it works very well. Thank you.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Cathy – Please see my reply to Leslie, below.

22. dorothy shoom

    Tank you for the info on toothpaste. I have a special request. Do you have
    any information on PROLIA. I have osteoporosis. and the DR. found a fracture
    in my rib. She wants a bone scan done, and for me to go on this Prolia
    injections. It is very new and I do not want to do this. Please let me know!!!
    This is urgent!
    Thank you very much.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Dorothy – Here’s a link to my review of Prolia: https://saveourbones.com/prolia-denosumab-review/

23. Mary V.

    I have been brushing my teeth with plain organic coconut oil for a year noq and love the way my teeth feel. Sometimes I add baking soda to it, but not for everyday use. The dentist told me to not use the BS everyday, because of the abrasion. I have very little tarter build up. I also use plain organic coconut oil to brush my three dogs teeth. They think it’s a yummy treat.

24. Janet

    Does adding lemon to water compromise the enamel on our teeth over time? Thanks for any information regarding this.

25. Artemis

    Trader Joe’s has a great toothpaste…All Natural * No Fluoride Antiplaque Toothpaste with Fennel, Propolis & Myrrh, large tube and very inexpensive. I have used for years and it has saved my teeth.

26. Patricia Morine

    I use 1 part coconut oil to 2 part baking soda for my deoderant, nice to know I can brush my teeth with it too 🙂

27. Patrick o"keeffe

    Vivian, I would love to make the toothpaste,but I just cannot get stevia here in Ireland. I tried in the health food store a few months ago and the lady there told me it is not allowed into Ireland. So is there something else I can use.

    • Anne

      I wonder if d-mannose would be a good sweetener to use instead of stevia?

    • Sarah

      i use Xylitol. It won’t turn acidic and eat into your teeth, it has a natural sweet taste and you should be able to find it in your country. Or (and here’s a back door way to get stevia) order through Ebay. Unless somebody else opens your mail, no one will know what you got in the mail.

      • Marcia

        I think the Xylitol may be an excellent addition (rather than stevia – which is not bad) because it actually kills the bacteria that causes cavities. See: http://www.xylitolpreventscavities.com/science/how-xylitol-works.html

      • Deb Hoff

        I have been making my own toothpaste for at least a year, same ratio of baking soda and organic coconut oil, but I put only 10 drops of organic peppermint essential oil in it, and no sweetener at all. You could drop the Stevia with no concerns!

28. Elaine Schaeffer

    I have tried Tom’s as you suggested a while back. Had a hard time finding and now it is everwhere but stopped using it sometime back not sure why just did. I have used arm & Hammer complete care and the whitening booster in arm & hammer. also whitening booster in arm and hammer and sensodyne pronamel and see it has fluoride. So go figure on the issues. your home remedy and the one with water and baking soda and hydrogen peroxide sound good. I have used the baking soda and hydrogen before. I do notice that my teeth have changed and it had caused me concern and maybe a lot to do with calcium but some say it old age but i do not believe that as much as i believe it is how you take care of you body. So still searching. Thank you.

29. Helen

    I have been using the above recipe for quite some time. I found it on the internet somehow as I love coconut oil and it is so healthy for you. This is a delightful toothpaste and I use it every day and the ingredients are so good for you especially the coconut oil which I use for cooking etc.
    Thanks Vivian.

30. LESLIE

    Hi! Vivian,

    THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS ARTICLE ON MAKING YOUR OWN TOOTHPASTE AT HOME!
    CAN YOU MAKE A TOOTHPASTE AT HOME FOR SENSITIVE TEETH ALSO? I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE THE RECIPE FOR IT, IF YOU CAN!

    LOVE, LESLIE (MS. L.)

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Leslie – For sensitive teeth, reduce the baking soda from 3 tbs to 2 tbs and use only 7-8 drops of peppermint oil. And add 7-8 drops of clove oil (essential oil) – clove oil is a mild anesthetic that helps reduce tooth sensitivity.

31. LynnCS

    I have used High a Flouride toothpaste to prevent sensitivity to the exposed root that results from gum recession. Last time I went to the hygenist my teeth were very sensitive because I wasn’t leaving the toothpaste on my teeth for a half hour after brushing. We talked about the dangers of flouride and (of course,) she said that you’re not eating large amounts of it. She said that the tests that showed dangerous side effects were done by ingesting large quantities of flouride.

    I would prefer not to use flouride but can’t find anything that would harden the root and teeth surfaces.

    Vivian, can you help me with this?

    • kathe

      For gum recession I would recommend a Himalayan salt rinse.

      About a teaspoon of salt and 1/4 cup of water. Swish it around for a few minutes.

      There is a site with more info and I will find it….and repost

      Also to the post on Tom’s toothpaste. There have been some concerns and I personally would not use it.

      • joan milton

        Thanks for the Himalayan salt rinse for gum recession. Will give it a try. Will look forward to any further suggestions.
        Joan

        • kathe

          Hi Joan,
          You are welcome.:)
          I would also recommend a google search for Ramiel Nagel. Lots of good info on teeth.

      • Mary V.

        I believe Tom’s of Maine has been bought out by Colgate. If not by them it’s by one of the other big companies. Mike Adams Health Ranger of Natural News had a list of all the big companies who have bought out the smaller health conscious companies. He also had a long list of companies who claim to be organic but or not.

        • Sue Mitrisin

          You are so right Mary V! Check here for the truth! http://www.ewg.org/skindeep

          This is a non-profit organization that provides this information free.

32. Luc Chene

    For toothpaste, I use 3 ounces of water to which I add 1 teaspoon of baking soda and one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide. I mix all and brush dipping my tooth brush often in the liquid.
    To buy a good toothpaste, I use Dr. Mercola’s to help also with whitening.

    • Sarah

      That’s a good recipe AS LONG AS YOU DON’T HAVE ANY AMALGAM
      FILLINGS, per my dentist. He recommends hydrogen peroxide, but only if you don’t have amalgams because they contain mercury and the peroxide releases mercury from the fillings.

33. Jo

    I, too, am interested as to what toothpastes you recommend. As someone else asked, is Tom’s safe? I believe I read what you recommended before but can’t find it now.

    • Vivian Goldschmidt, MA

      Hi Jo (and Janet) – I recommend a couple of safe and effective toothpaste brands in this article: Stop Brushing Your Teeth… Until You Read This

34. Janet

    So, what IS a brand of toothpaste that is safe to use, and where can it be purchased? Is “Tom’s” a safe one? Thank you.

35. maria hadjinicolaou

    thanks a lot for your information iam much grateful

36. Patsy Mayes

    Adding a drop or two of Tea Tree Oil would benefit your mouth and gums tremendously. I have been using toothpaste with Tea Tree Oil for many years now and have not had any plaque build up or gingivitis.

    • Gail Lyle

      What is the name of the toothpaste with tee tree oil?

      • Christine

        I have been using Tea Tree Toothpaste for about a year now and find it very good. I live in Australia and purchase from Discount Pharmacy the name of the toothpaste is Thursday Plantation. I also think I shall give the Coconut Oil a try as well.

    • Irene

      I have been using toothpaste from Melaleuca for the past 3 years.Some of the ingredients are: Melaleuca Oil,xylitol, and myrrh oil. It works great! It fights tartar, removes plaque, whitens teeth and freshens breath.I also have sensitive teeth.

37. Carol

    Perhaps a drop of some kind of essential oil would work and add to the benefits? Something other than peppermint which don’t like, personally.

    • Sarah

      Maybe try spearmint essential oil, or you could try clove, and if you want to get really fancy try rose. All are very healing and the tiny drop of rose is a nice touch.

38. Henry

    The long term use of fluoride on a young brain is awful . Did you ever read the warning on the tube , about what to do if your child under 6 years old swallows tooth past that falls off the tooth brush into their mouths , it is a visit to the emergency room at the hospital , to keep them from dying ! So what about an adult All the extra tooth paste that the manufactures show kids how to use tooth brush , there is no way that some toothpaste falls off into their mouths and is swallowed , what happens to their brains and bones from the fluoride to say nothing about the proylene glycol that is in there . this stuff does a job on the liver and kidneys , especially on a young body . but this furnishes a constant supply of customers and tons of cash to the dialysis centers . AMA doing their job as always !

39. Bette

    This is interesting. However Truvia contain sugar alcohols which I can not take. I might try this recipe without a sweetner.

40. peggy

    hello,you give a recipe for making your own toothpaste including baking powder.Doesn’t baking powder contain aluminium? Regards Peggy

    • Sarah

      Some does, but you can find aluminum free on most grocery store shelves

    • Rajean

      It calls for baking soda, not powder. You can, in fact though, buy the baking powder now without aluminum.

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41. Dhruba Kasaju

    Dear Vivian,

    I was using fluoride toothpest available in the market. But I was using the Neem (Herbal Plant) Toothpaste since long. Now I am using the Ayurvedic toothpaste made in India.

    Its a better idea to have toothpaste made in home itself.

    Thanks for your information.

    Dhruba

42. Jeannine

    Why not simply use baking soda alone?
    It works just fine … have done it in a pinch and recall my mother saying it was ‘the’ toothpaste when she was a girl in the depression.
    J

    • Sarah

      You can, just doesn’t taste very good, that’s all

43. Mary

    I have read a lot recently about how good fermented foods are for you and how they provide vitamin K. However apparently they are acidic and so are their juices which it is recommended to drink. This might be good for supporting healthy gut flora but is the ‘ash’ of these food alkaline and if not what is your opinion of them.
    Thanks for your advice

    Mary