Small changes made to our daily habits can add up. This week, with help from the Eco-Dentistry Association, we'll provide tips to help you green your dental hygiene routine.

MAKE YOUR OWN

Store-bought toothpaste can include some questionable ingredients and it's easy to concoct your own paste with a few simple ingredients.

Baking soda is central to most DIY recipes. Adjust flavor and texture by adding peppermint oil, spearmint oil, cinnamon, or salt. Care2 offers a good basic toothpaste recipe to get you started.

INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon sea salt, finely ground
1 drop peppermint, spearmint, sweet orange, clove, or cinnamon bark essential oil
A few drops tap water

Combine ingredients in a small bowl and mix them thoroughly with a toothbrush, your finger, or a small spoon until a smooth, thick paste forms. The paste shouldn’t be too runny; it has to stay on your toothbrush.

Dip your toothbrush into the paste and use as you would regular commercial toothpaste.