Chemistry 101: How To Make Homemade Toothpaste

By
Princess O
-

In case of an emergency, you can make your own toothpaste. This Instagram account has all the juicy details in the video below.

According to the video, start by mixing 10g of yeast with 30mL of water, then in a second cup, do a combination of food coloring with 100mL of 3% Hydrogen Peroxide. Then, pour the yeast solution quickly into the cup containing Hydrogen Peroxide.

This video was made by the educative site MEL Science. The site offers simple homemade experiments to enlighten its viewers.

The explanation behind the massive foam formation is due to the fact that yeast secretes catalase in the presence of Hydrogen peroxide. This catalase which is an enzyme accelerates the breakdown of Hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen. The oxygen liberated then brings about the massive foam formation.

So here’s your toothpaste recipe, you can try it when the need arises.

View this post on Instagram

Can you do this at home? Finally, YOU CAN!😃 ⠀ In one cup, mix 10 g of yeast with 30 mL water. Combine some food coloring and 100mL 3% hydrogen peroxide solution in a second cup. Quickly pour the yeast mixture into the colorful hydrogen peroxide. Observe the formation of a large amount of foam. * You can experiment and add 10mL liquid soap to the initial solution. This will make the foam thicker and fluffier! In the presence of hydrogen peroxide, yeast secretes an enzyme known as catalase very actively. This enzyme accelerates the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide into water and oxygen, which makes the mixture foam. #melscience #melchemistry #coolexperiments #safeexperiments #chemistryathome #diy #elephantstoothpaste #foam #yeast #education #scienceisfun

A post shared by MEL Science (@melscience) on