Natural Dental Health For Kids

It's that time of year again when I'm bringing my kids into the dentist for their 6-month check-ups. Somehow, trips to the dentist, and an array of other doctors, starts to feel like a full-time job. It's always really important for me to find medical professionals that air on the holistic side, or are at least respectful of my desire to build and maintain health through the most natural paths. 
 
We've been seeing a wonderful pediatric dentist. Unfortunately, the practice isn't holistic, though they're respectful and accommodating. With that being said, I wanted to share my favorite toothpaste recipes to help keep your teeth healthy and clean!
 
I’ve been using this recipe for the last 4years! I started with it when the dentist said that there was a small cavity on the back of one of my molars and wanted to fill it. I declined and decided to try to remineralize my teeth. I never felt the cavity, so it wasn’t severely worrying to me. Long story short, I didn’t get back to the dentist for about two years. After we had moved and settled into our new home, I scheduled with a new dentist for a cleaning. I didn’t mention that spot from years before and they didn’t find any cavities!  I still hold some healthy skepticism about remineralizing teeth and think many potential cavities are found by overzealous dentists, so I always recommend getting a second opinion if a diagnosis doesn’t feel right.
 
For the toothpaste, you’ll need bentonite clay, calcium carbonate powder, xylitol, coconut oil, and baking soda. This recipe is originally from Wellness Mama and adapted to suit our families tastes!
 
Ingredients:
 
5 Tb Calcium Carbonate Powder
2 Tb Baking Powder
1 Tb Xylitol Powder- use more to adjust sweetness
1 Tb Bentonite Clay
3-5 Tb coconut oil
Essential oil of your choice
 
Start by mixing 5 tb of calcium carbonate powder, 2 tb baking powder, 1 tb xylitol powder and 1 tb bentonite clay with a plastic spoon (using metal will deionize the bentonite clay and defeat the purpose of it). Mix in the coconut oil to create a paste. A splash of water can also be added in to help mixing.
 
I use a small 4 oz mason jar and dip my toothbrush into the paste. I’ve tried to use it in small squeezable tubes, but depending on the room’s temperature can get quite hard! Have you made your own toothpaste before?