Ben and Gary Show - Episode 52

Should You Make Your Own Toothpaste?

We got an interesting question from Katharine. She said a top toothpaste irritated her gums.

Her dentist suggested that she try baking soda with peroxide. She wants to know our take on the pros and cons.

First, there are two reasons a toothpaste might be irritating to the gums.

• If it is whitening toothpaste, it may contain silica (sand) which irritates the gums
• If it contains a high concentration of lauryl sulfate (soap), it has a drying effect on the gums

Homemade toothpaste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide pros:

• A toothpaste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide was recommended back in the day to treat periodontal (gum) disease
• Its foaming action penetrated the gum pockets with oxygen, killing the oxygen phobic bacteria found there
• You can make your own or buy a formulation

Homemade toothpaste made of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide cons:

• This toothpaste is missing fluoride
• Fluoride has a significant value in preventing decay

What to do?

Prevident for dry mouth made by Colgate contains no lauryl sulfate and only a tiny amount of silica. You can add it to your homemade regimen.