In the early 80's I worked in R&D for the company that makes Arm & Hammer Baking Soda. That was around the time when 'The Keyes Method' (Dr. Paul Keyes) was being touted as a alternative to gum surgery for patients with severe periodontal disease. I switched to baking soda & peroxide and have used that for years. After a few weeks of using this process it will be very difficult for anyone to switch back to various toothpastes.

The was another thread (here I think) touting the anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties of coconut oil. When my next shipment of coconut oil arrives from Puritan Vitamins I'm going to add that to the baking soda / peroxide mixture for improved consistency and the above mentioned benefits.

Toothpastes have sweeteners and flavors as well as the fluoride that, to my mind, impart a false sense of cleanliness in the oral cavity.

Take the challenge, switch to baking soda and peroxide for 2 - 3 weeks and see if you'll ever want to go back to commercial toothpastes again.