My homemade mouthwash will freshen your teeth and keep your mouth happy and balanced. Mouthwash is found in most homes because it’s advertised to keep mouths minty-fresh. The claims sound appealing, but this common practice has harmful side effects.
When people use an antiseptic mouthwash, the entire microbial balance in the mouth gets destroyed, not just the “bad” germs. Probiotics are necessary for good oral health, and the last thing we want to do is kill everyone.
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Clearing Up Mouthwash Confusion
Is mouthwash good for you or not? Many people are confused, and for a good reason! Several clinical studies claim that topical antimicrobial agents are safe and effective in preventing and controlling oral disease, especially gingivitis and dental plaque. We’re talking about chemicals like chlorhexidine (an antiseptic, antibacterial agent) and triclosan (an antimicrobial agent that has been a registered pesticide since the 1960s)! (1)
Thankfully, a recent MedicalDaily.com article has clarified things for us with this stark headline: (2)
“ANTISEPTIC MOUTHWASH RAISES HEART ATTACK RISK, BLOOD PRESSURE: CHLORHEXIDINE KILLS OFF ‘GOOD’ BACTERIA THAT HELPS BLOOD VESSELS RELAX!”
Here’s the quick run-down of the article:
- Antiseptic mouthwash products are commonly used to refresh and clean the mouth.
- According to a recent study published in the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine, using this type of mouthwash may increase blood pressure up to 3.5 millimeters of mercury (mmHg), significantly raising your heart attack risk!
- A total of 19 participants were recruited for the study, and part of the group used antiseptic mouthwash, and another group did not.
- Measuring the oral nitrate-reducing capacity and nitrite levels to determine effectiveness, the researchers discovered that Cordosyl use retracts oral bacterial conversion from nitrite to nitrate, ultimately reducing blood nitrate levels known to increase blood pressure.
- Using mouthwash caused the participants’ blood pressure to rise between 2 to 3.5 mmHg, “with a noticeable effect found within one day of using the mouthwash twice.”
- According to the study authors, killing off “good” oral bacteria plays a vital role in determining the plasma nitrate levels and the bodily control of blood pressure.
- “Killing off all these bugs each day is a disaster when small rises in blood pressure have a significant impact on morbidity and mortality from heart disease and stroke.”
Why Use All-Natural Mouthwash?
With all the mouthwash varieties on the market, why choose an all-natural one? The answer to this question is simple: Your oral health depends on it.
DIY Mouthwash is Toxin-Free
Just recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (3) finally issued a ruling that officially bans the use of triclocarban, triclosan, and 17 other dangerous chemicals in body care products. These products have been marketed as more effective than good old-fashioned soap and water, and consumers have misled them! The term antibacterial appeals to most oral health enthusiasts who do not know about probiotics.
The bottom line is that if we want to enjoy good health, we need to stay away from conventional toothpaste and mouthwash with harmful ingredients! You can rest easy knowing that this mouthwash is toxin-free and made with all-natural ingredients.
DIY Mouthwash is Customizable
Like most of my DIYs, this recipe is customizable. I recommend swapping essential oils to fit your specific needs. Here are some of my favorite blends.
- Lime, lemon, grapefruit: This citrus combination is uplifting and gives your body a boost of d-limonene.
- Orange, clove, peppermint: Orange essential oil whitens teeth beautifully, while peppermint and clove freshen breath. This is one of my favorite mouthwash blends.
- Cinnamon, clove, orange: I love this blend because it smells like Fall! Cinnamon adds a spicy twist to the orange EO.
- Chamomile and wintergreen: Chamomile is calming, and wintergreen has the power to freshen breath all day.
Homemade Mouthwash Ingredient Breakdown
You might be curious to know what exactly goes into a DIY mouthwash! Here’s what you need to make this recipe.
Distilled Water: Regular tap water is linked to oral health issues, obesity, and congenital disabilities. I recommend using purified or distilled water whenever possible.
Alcohol-Free Witch Hazel: One of the drawbacks of store-bought mouthwash is the unpleasant tingling sensation that can burn your mouth. In this recipe, we use witch hazel to ward off infections gently. It does all the work that an astringent does without irritation.
Baking Soda: This inexpensive ingredient is a pro at PH balancing. Its antimicrobial properties help ward off harmful bacteria. Baking soda can help eliminate halitosis (4) and purify the mouth.
Carrier Oil: Carrier oil helps disperse essential oils evenly. When creating a recipe with essential oils, using a carrier oil is vital. It is safe to ingest EOs or, in this case, swish essential oils in your mouth, but you never want to put a drop of essential oil in water and take a gulp. Wisdom is crucial, and carrier oils prevent your mouth from getting irritated.
I want to note that solid coconut oil is not recommended for oral health DIYs as it clogs drains.
Essential Oils: Essential oils are what make this recipe great! You can customize the essential oils to fit your preference and needs. If you prefer citrus-flavored products, add some lemon or lime essential oil. If you require serious breath-freshening, add clove or peppermint. The possibilities are endless!
How to Make Homemade Mouthwash with Essential Oils
Making your DIY mouthwash recipe is super easy. After completing this great homemade mouthwash recipe, I recommend creating homemade toothpaste for an added one-two punch!
- 10 drops essential oils*
- 1 teaspoon carrier oil (not regular coconut oil, as it can harden and clog your pipes)
- 1 tablespoon alcohol-free witch hazel
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup distilled water
- Supplies:
- Mason jar
- In a mason jar, mix the essential oils with the carrier oil, witch hazel, baking soda, and filtered water Shake to blend. When ready to use, swish approximately 1 tablespoon in the mouth for 10 to 15 seconds and rinse.
Bergamot, lemon, grapefruit
Sweet or wild orange, clove, peppermint, spearmint
Cinnamon bark of cinnamon leaf, clove, sweet or wild orange
Roman chamomile, spearmint, wintergreen
Frankincense, lime, myrrh
Step One: Mix Ingredients
In a mason jar, mix the essential oils, carrier oil, witch hazel, and baking soda.
Step Two: Add Water
Fill the jar the rest of the way with the distilled water. When ready to use, swish approximately 1 tablespoon in your mouth for 10-15 seconds and rinse. Store any leftover mouthwash in a dark, cool place.
