Ingredients

* 1/4 cup of baking soda
* 1/8 cup of water
* Edible flavoring (optional)


Steps

1. Mix the baking soda and water in a container.
2. Add flavoring (optional).
3. Shake the container rapidly.
4. Slowly pour a small portion onto your tooth brush and start to brush!

Tips

* You might be surprised to know that this method whitens your teeth just as well as using a brand name toothpaste and it will still prevent cavities.
* One suggested flavoring is lemon or lime flavor as these are very refreshing and they also help to brighten teeth. However, be aware that adding anything acidic (such as lemon or lime juice) to the ‘toothpaste’ will cause a ‘fizzling’ chemical reaction with the baking soda.
* In some places, for example India, Neem twigs are used for brushing teeth. (Neem is a kind of tree.) Similarly, Miswak sticks are used in the Middle East. These are natural alternatives to toothpaste and there is no need for a toothbrush either. These suggestions are easy and are a sustainable solution for our planet if you live around these trees.
* Just dipping a wet toothbrush in kosher salt does the job well.
* While camping you can use ashes from your fire: This also is a good tooth whitener.

Warnings

* Baking soda can and actually does dissolve orthodonthic glue. Don't use this recipe if you wear braces or any other kind of permanent/fixed dental correctors!
* Do not use too much flavoring - this could cause numbness of the tongue.
* Sugar is not a flavoring!
* If you've swallowed a lot of the “toothpaste” mixture, drink water and seek medical assistance if needed; too much baking soda may make you vomit.
* Be careful if you use this treatment frequently; it might wear the enamel off your teeth.
* Use caution whenever using wood ashes, since ashes that have been mixed with water can create lye, a very caustic chemical.