PENNYWISE TOOTH CLEANERS

(Page 2 of 2)

January/February 1975
By Thomas W. King 
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[4] MAKE YER OWN TOOTHPASTE. This formula is simply an extension of the tooth powder recipe: To each half cup of homemade powder, add 3 teaspoons of glycerin, 10—20 drops of flavoring (peppermint, wintergreen, anise, cinnamon or whatever) and 1 drop of food coloring. Mix the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl and add just enough water to make the concoction "tooth-pastey". Spoon the substance into a small refillable plastic squeeze bottle or any container that dispenses easily and won't leak. Voila! Toothpaste!

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The amount of glycerin you add will control the "pastiness" of the cleanser and obviously the type of flavoring will determine the taste. Both ingredients are inexpensive and available at any drugstore. Your neighborhood grocer, of course, can supply you with salt, food coloring and baking soda.

Commercial toothpastes generally incorporate a slick, easyflowing combination of chalk, soap, glycerin and flavorings. Your homemade creation won't be as smooth . . . but I know you'll find it more satisfying, less wasteful and—above all—less expensive. You'll be able to make a year's supply of toothpaste (for a family of four) at a total cost of around a buck and a half.

The formulas I've outlined here have worked well for my family . . . but don't be afraid to experiment and work up your own recipes. You could, for example, add a very small amount of Basically (a Shaklee organic product) or powdered soap to give your home dentifrice extra cleaning power. We've never found this necessary, but it should work.

A little experience and imagination can go a long way. See what you can do to produce your own homemade milliondollar smiles . . . and let me know what happens!

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  • Debbie 3/30/2007 2:18:01 PM

    As a dental hygienist I take great exception to your comment to "go
    at it with a vengance" and SCRUB your teeth. I have spent most of
    my 30 yr career trying to get people to stop that. We see excessive
    wear, sensitive teeth, gums that have slid up the root of the
    tooth. Circles, small vibrating motions, or just brushing two teeth
    at a time is much better for the health of the mouth.

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