Homemade toothpaste...need advice!!!

**Mckeekitty** · 10-31-2009, 06:23 PM

Hi folks,

I'm going to try to make my own homemade toothpaste. I have an easy recipe (baking soda, salt, glycerin, and pepperment oil). My questions are:

Would you be freaked out receiving homemade toothpaste as a Christmas present? I would like to make a batch for gifts, but my husband thinks that it is a gross idea.

If you DON'T think it is a gross idea, how would you suggest presenting it? The recipe suggests a small glass jar (just dip your toothbrush in it) or a plastic pump dispenser. I'm leaning towards the small (4 oz) glass jars, but not sure where to buy a case of these. ebay has some, but pretty costly. Any ideas?

**Libby** · 10-31-2009, 06:53 PM

I'd opt for just trying it on yourself and family to see how it goes over. If it bodes well, then consider giving it to close friends and family that would actually trust you and know you're into homemade/natural things.

Getting that as a gift from a coworker or an acquaintance - basically someone I'm not very close to would kind of put me off. All b/c I don't know you well enough. And you don't want your efforts to go wasted right? I'd think the idea was great and may even want the recipe to try it out for myself but that's a bridge I'd have to cross but only when I'm ready.

**frugalfranny** · 10-31-2009, 07:01 PM

Of all the homemade items I would love to receive I don't think toothpaste would be too high on the list. Are you trying to tell someone they need to brush? have bad breath?

Nooooo......do you have a plan B?

**monkeywrangler71** · 10-31-2009, 07:07 PM

A little funny by itself, but I think it would be fine in a basket with homemade bath salts, etc. Only for someone that you think would be into it though.

They sell little mason jars that size.

**madhen** · 10-31-2009, 07:13 PM

Most jewelry supply catalogues offer small plastic containers that are meant for storing polished rocks, beads, etc. They are pretty small, but I have used them as containers for lip balm before, and they are a good size for that. They might be smaller than you want, though.

The other option is to ask via FreeCycle for used Stage 1 baby food jars with lids. Wash and sterilize, obviously.

If using the latter, I'd then design a quaint, old-fashioned-looking label with instructions and wrap the jar in that. If you use the smaller containers, you can glue them onto a 3x5" index card with the same label and instructions.

Be sure to list expiration date, if there is one.

If done correctly, I think they could make very cool little stocking stuffers.

**Mckeekitty** · 10-31-2009, 07:51 PM

THANK YOU all! Okay...I get the picture. I shall first make it just for us, and see how it goes. Too early in the game to consider it appropriate for gift-giving.

Thanks for the honest responses!

**Grainlady** · 11-01-2009, 09:35 AM

How about making a booklet of recipes for homemade items, along with a sample of each item, rather than just one jar of homemade toothpaste. You could extend it to lip balm, bath bombs, linen spray, scented sachets, lavender pillows (which can be added to the dryer to scent clothing), and a number of other possibilities.

Craft stores, like Hobby Lobby, small have empty containers and small zip-lock bags in a variety of sizes. You can also find small containers designed to fill at home and use on a trip, like 4-ounce spritz bottles made for hair spray.

**Rebookie** · 11-01-2009, 11:48 AM

The only issue I have with this is the fact that multiple brushes will be dipped in the same pot. I am a former Dental Assistant to my brother and we've always talk about the fact that tooth decay and gum disease are "contagious".

Contagious in the fact that all decay starts as a foreign bacteria. Which can easily be spread person to person through drinking, eating, and sharing tooth brushes.

That being said, why don't you make each person their own individual pot of TP with their name on it?

I think it would be a cool idea to either give them a pot of it OR make a cute basket with the ingredients inside and give them some flavors to choose from like cinnamon(my fav), spearamint, and lemon! Obviously it would be given as a per family gift.
=D

**Mckeekitty** · 11-01-2009, 12:15 PM

I really wish to thank you all on your suggestions!

I got the idea in my head because I paid $3.00 for a tube of Tom's of Maine toothpaste. I did some research on making my own dentrifice and stumbled upon a 1979 article in Mother Earth News. The article blasted the ingredients in commerical toothpastes.