In the world of natural living, more and more people are turning away from traditional toothpaste and exploring simpler, non-toxic alternatives. One surprising trend? Using Castile soap to brush your teeth. Yes—soap!
At first glance, it might sound strange, maybe even a little gross. But once you understand how Castile soap works and why it’s become a go-to for natural oral care, it just might make sense.
In this guide, we’ll dive into why people are using liquid Castile soap to brush their teeth, how to do it safely, and what you need to know before making the switch.
🧼 What Is Castile Soap?
Castile soap is a gentle, all-natural soap made primarily from vegetable oils like olive oil, coconut oil, hemp oil, or jojoba oil. It originated in the Castile region of Spain and has been used for centuries as a multi-purpose cleanser.
Unlike conventional soaps or toothpastes, true Castile soap is biodegradable, non-toxic, and free from synthetic detergents, artificial fragrances, fluoride, and SLS (sodium lauryl sulfate).
Many brands also add essential oils or natural botanicals, making it even more appealing to the clean-living crowd.
Check out our absolute favorite castiel soap brand here!
🦷 Why Brush Your Teeth with Liquid Castile Soap?
While it’s not the most conventional dental product, Castile soap has a few compelling qualities:
1. It Removes Bacteria & Build-Up
Castile soap is a natural surfactant, meaning it helps break up oils, food particles, and plaque on your teeth and gums.
2. It’s Non-Toxic and Fluoride-Free
Many people switch to Castile soap to avoid questionable ingredients in commercial toothpastes like fluoride, triclosan, synthetic flavors, or artificial sweeteners.
3. It’s Incredibly Affordable
One bottle of liquid Castile soap can replace dozens of personal care products—including toothpaste. A single bottle goes a long way!
4. It’s Gentle Yet Effective
Thanks to its plant-based ingredients, Castile soap is gentle on sensitive mouths while still doing a thorough job of cleansing.
👄 What Does It Taste Like?
Let’s be honest: it’s soap. It tastes like soap.
That said, many people opt for peppermint or spearmint Castile soap to make it more palatable. Others get used to the taste quickly—especially once they notice how clean and smooth their teeth feel afterward.
Pro tip: Start with a very small amount to avoid overwhelming your taste buds.
🪥 How to Brush Your Teeth with Castile Soap
✔️ What You Need:
- Liquid Castile soap (unscented or peppermint is best)
- A clean toothbrush
- Optional: water to dilute, baking soda or xylitol for flavor (if needed)
✅ Steps:
- Wet your toothbrush with warm water.
- Add 1–2 drops of liquid Castile soap (yes, just a drop or two!).
- Brush as usual, focusing on your teeth and gums.
- Rinse thoroughly—you’ll want to swish with water a few times to remove any soap residue.
- Follow up with a mouth rinse (saltwater, herbal rinse, or natural mouthwash) if desired.
💡 Tip: If the taste is too strong, dilute your Castile soap with distilled water and keep it in a small dropper bottle for easy use.
🧪 Is It Safe to Use Soap in Your Mouth?
Yes—as long as you’re using a true, natural Castile soap with clean ingredients. Look for:
- Certified organic
- Fragrance-free or naturally scented
- No synthetic preservatives or dyes
Avoid soaps made for cleaning or those with essential oils not safe for ingestion (like eucalyptus or tea tree in high concentrations).
✅ Pros & Cons of Brushing with Castile Soap
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Natural and non-toxic | Soapy taste can be off-putting |
| Budget-friendly | Not ideal for children |
| Great for oral bacteria balance | Not widely dentist-approved (yet) |
| No foaming agents or artificial ingredients | Requires thorough rinsing |
| Multi-use product |
💬 What Do People Say?
Those who use it report:
- Squeaky clean teeth
- Reduced plaque and tartar
- Improved gum health
- Fewer mouth sores and irritations
While there are no large-scale clinical studies on Castile soap as toothpaste, many holistic dentists and natural health communities support its use as a gentle alternative.
🦷 Should You Replace Toothpaste with Castile Soap?
That depends on your goals. If you’re aiming to reduce your toxic load, simplify your routine, or embrace more minimalist living, Castile soap can be a great alternative.
But keep in mind:
- It doesn’t contain fluoride (which some people still want for cavity prevention)
- It might not be the best option for kids or those who dislike strong flavors
You could also alternate between Castile soap and another natural toothpaste to balance your routine.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Brushing your teeth with liquid Castile soap might not be for everyone—but it’s safe, effective, affordable, and surprisingly refreshing once you get used to it. For natural wellness enthusiasts and DIY-minded folks, it offers a simple way to ditch synthetic products and care for your mouth in a cleaner, greener way.
Just remember: less is more, always rinse well, and choose a high-quality soap made for personal care—not dish duty.