Making Toothpaste

Learning Intention

We are learning that we can make new products from food grade materials 

Success Criteria

I will mix together reactants that create a chemical change when mixed with saliva to promote oral health.

According to ancient records, the first toothpaste was made by the ancient Egyptians (c. 3,000‑5,000 BC), using the ashes from burnt oxen hooves or egg shells. The ashes were converted into powdered form and then combined with pumice. This combination was primarily meant to remove the accumulated debris from the surface of the teeth. It is believed that water was added to this mixture to form a paste before use.

Toothpaste has various uses, such as freshening the breath, helping to prevent oral problems including halitosis, whitening the teeth and helping with overall teeth cleanliness. However, it is interesting that it can be easily made at home using basic ingredients and a simple procedure.

Baking soda

The alkaline nature of baking soda neutralizes the pH of the oral cavity. This chemical also has mild abrasive properties to remove stains from teeth.

Sea salt

The alkaline property of sea salt makes it a good ingredient of a natural toothpaste.

Essential Oil (mint)

For flavour and to freshen the breath

Water

Adding a few drops of water to allow the powdered ingredients to form a paste