Prep: 10 mins | Cook: 0 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
As a homemade toothpaste recipe, this doesn’t traditionally have nutritional values, since it isn’t meant for consumption. However, if we still want to consider the usage amounts, it might be negligible. It’s also important to note natural products like coconut oil and essential oil may not have standardized nutritional values. Nevertheless, measurements might look like this:
kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
0 | 0g | 0g | 0g |
sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
There’s traditional Southern comfort food, and then there’s my Wintergreen Flavored Homemade Toothpaste. Trust me when I say the charms of the South extend well beyond biscuits and gravy. Living in Charleston, I’m no stranger to embracing new culinary trends and proving Southern cuisine certainly isn’t one-note, and this fruit-based recipe does just the trick. This homemade toothpaste, apart from being an interesting element to introduce in your daily routines, offers a myriad of health benefits. Plus, who could resist the fresh, minty twist of wintergreen?
A Southern Twist on Healthy Living
Southern cooking is often synonymous with soul-warming, hearty dishes. But as a Charleston-born-and-bred foodie with a love for coastal cuisine, I’ve learned to incorporate healthier options into my repertoire. This Wintergreen Flavored Homemade Toothpaste is much more than a quirky recipe—it’s a testament to the versatility of the flavors we hold dear in the South. It’s inspired by the fruit preserves that we love in our region, especially those made using the ever-versatile citrus family that the lemon peel comes from.
Say Hello to Natural, Healthy Ingredients
The main ingredients in this toothpaste are coconut oil, baking soda, xylitol, wintergreen essential oil, sea salt, and the peel of a lemon. Each is a superstar with its own health benefits. For example, baking soda and coconut oil have natural antimicrobial properties, and xylitol is a natural sweetener that helps prevent tooth decay. Plus, the zest of the lemon peel gives it a zingy freshness that’ll remind you of your favorite Southern lemon pies.
And did I mention the wonderfully clean chill of wintergreen? It has these natural compounds called methyl salicylates, which are great for oral health. No wonder most commercial toothpastes are minty!
A Toothpaste That Pairs with Your Meals
Our Wintergreen Flavored Homemade Toothpaste isn’t just a safe and natural option compared to commercial toothpastes, it’s also a cool complement to your meals. To draw a parallel, think about how a good Southern dish balances flavors—the slight sweetness of the xylitol may remind you of the cornbread’s sweetness, while the wintergreen’s peppery note is similar to the kick of spice we love in our fried chicken.
If you prepare and enjoy food the Southern way, like I do, then the idea of a homemade toothpaste that brings together flavors in a similar balancing act will feel exciting. Plus, it’ll help ensure fresh breath – ready for those hearty Southern conversations around the dinner table!
What You’ll Need
- 1/2 cup Coconut Oil
- 2 tablespoons Baking Soda
- 2 tablespoons Xylitol
- 30 drops Wintergreen Essential Oil
- 1/2 tablespoon Sea Salt
- Peel of 1 Lemon
Method
Step One
Start by melting the coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl for around 30 seconds or until it reaches a liquid state.
Step Two
Stir in the baking soda into the liquid coconut oil until it is fully combined and forms a paste.
Step Three
Add in the Xylitol and sea salt to the mixture, stirring thoroughly until both are well incorporated into the paste.
Step Four
Carefully grate the peel of 1 lemon and stir it into the paste, mixing until it is evenly distributed.
Step Five
Finally, add the wintergreen essential oil drops into the mixture. Ensure to stir it well for an even distribution of the flavor.
Step Six
Allow your homemade toothpaste to cool and solidify at room temperature, or speed up the process by placing it in the refrigerator. Once the toothpaste has reached a semi-solid state, it is ready to use.