Americans spend approximately $1.8 billion every year on buying toothpaste, according to the Valley Dental Group. Many of these store bought toothpastes and gels contain the ingredient fluoride, which is potentially dangerous to children if ingested in large quantities. A natural, safe alternative is a homemade toothpaste composed of baking soda and table salt, both of which will gently cleanse the teeth and kill bacteria found inside the mouth.

Pour 4 tsp. baking soda and 1 tsp. table salt into a small bowl.

Add 3 tsp. 3 percent hydrogen peroxide to the bowl.

Stir the ingredients and add 1 to 2 drops of peppermint, spearmint or cinnamon extract. This will give a more pleasant flavor to the toothpaste.

Dip a toothbrush into the homemade toothpaste and brush your teeth for two minutes before rinsing.

Cover the remaining toothpaste with plastic cling wrap and store it on your bathroom counter or on a shelf.