How do you use coconut oil toothpaste?
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Scoop a small, pea-sized amount of coconut oil toothpaste onto a dry, soft toothbrush. Brush gently for two minutes, morning and night, then spit and rinse with warm water. If the paste has firmed up in cooler weather, stir in a little warm water. It won't foam, and most people get used to that within a week.
Key takeaways
- A small, pea-sized amount on a dry, soft toothbrush is all you need.
- Brush for two minutes, twice a day, the same as you would with any toothpaste.
- Coconut oil sets when it's cool and softens when it's warm, so the texture changes with the seasons. That's normal.
- There's no SLS, so there's no foam. It feels different at first, and most people are used to it within a week.
- Use a clean, dry brush or a small spatula to scoop from the jar, and keep the lid on between uses.
How much coconut oil toothpaste should you use?
A small, pea-sized amount is plenty. Because our coconut toothpastes come in a jar rather than a tube, it's tempting to scoop more than you need, but a little goes a long way. A 150g jar gives one person three months or more of daily brushing when you stick to a small amount.
For children, use a small pea-sized amount and supervise their brushing. Your dentist or Plunket nurse can advise on the right toothpaste for your child's age.
Should you wet your toothbrush first?
No, we suggest brushing with a dry toothbrush. Coconut oil and water don't mix well, so a dry brush keeps the paste where you want it: on your teeth rather than sliding off the bristles. Rinse with warm water once you've finished brushing.
The rest of your routine stays the same. The New Zealand Dental Association recommends brushing twice a day, morning and night, for two minutes, holding the brush at a 45-degree angle to the gum line and using short, gentle, tooth-wide strokes. Healthify also suggests using a soft toothbrush, cleaning between your teeth once a day, and visiting your dentist at least once a year.
Why does coconut oil toothpaste go hard or runny?
Coconut oil changes texture with temperature. It sets below about 24°C and softens above it, so your paste may be firm on a frosty Northland morning and softer in the height of summer. Nothing is wrong with it when this happens. It's simply what coconut oil does.
If your paste has firmed up, add about 5ml (one teaspoon) of warm water and stir. It returns to a smooth, scoopable texture. If it's gone soft on a hot day, pop the lid on and keep the jar somewhere cooler, like a bathroom cupboard away from the window.
Does coconut oil toothpaste foam?
No. Our coconut toothpastes don't contain sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) or any other foaming agent, so you won't get the bubbles you're used to from supermarket toothpaste. The texture is smooth and slightly creamy instead.
That can feel strange for the first few days, because many of us associate foam with "clean". Give it a week. Most of our customers tell us that once they've adjusted, they don't miss the foam at all.
How do you keep a toothpaste jar clean?
Scoop with a clean, dry toothbrush or a small spatula, and put the lid back on after each use. If more than one person is using the same jar, a small spatula or clean teaspoon for each person is a tidy option, so no one shares a brush with the jar. Keep water out of the jar, apart from the small amount you add when softening firm paste in winter.
Our coconut toothpastes
All three of our coconut toothpastes are used the same way. They're made in small batches in Kerikeri, Northland, with organic virgin coconut oil, and they're fluoride-free, SLS-free and vegan. Each comes in a 150g glass jar.
- Organic Baking Soda Coconut Toothpaste: our classic, with a clean peppermint finish.
- Organic Sweet Peppermint Coconut Toothpaste: the familiar minty flavour, and an easy first step if you're new to natural toothpaste.
- Organic Strawberry Coconut Toothpaste: a bright, fruity flavour that's a favourite with families.
Prefer a powder? Our Natural Organic Toothpowder is made with finely powdered Northland kelp and warming spices. You can see the full range in Shop All, or read why more New Zealanders are switching to fluoride-free toothpaste.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a jar of coconut oil toothpaste last?
One 150g jar gives one person three months or more of daily brushing, as long as you use a small, pea-sized amount each time. Using a spatula or a dry brush to scoop also helps keep the paste in good condition until the jar is finished.
Can I use coconut oil toothpaste with an electric toothbrush?
Yes. Scoop a small amount onto the dry brush head, place it against your teeth before switching it on, and brush for two minutes as usual. Starting with the brush in your mouth stops the paste from flicking off, especially when it's soft in summer.
What should I do if my toothpaste has gone hard?
Add about 5ml (one teaspoon) of warm water and stir until it's smooth again. Coconut oil sets below about 24°C, so this is normal in cooler months. It doesn't mean anything has gone wrong with the paste, and it softens again as the weather warms.
Why doesn't coconut oil toothpaste foam?
Our coconut toothpastes don't contain SLS or any other foaming agent, so there are no bubbles. The paste feels smooth and slightly creamy instead. It can feel unusual at first, but most people find they're used to it within about a week of daily brushing.
Can children use coconut oil toothpaste?
Many families use our Strawberry Coconut Toothpaste. For children, use a small pea-sized amount and supervise their brushing. It's best to check with your dentist or Plunket nurse about the right toothpaste for your child's age and needs.
Sources
Maxwell & McIntyre: natural oral care handcrafted in Kerikeri, Northland · B Corp certified.