Buying mouthwash at the store can be overwhelming (there are more than 100 options in the marketplace) and cash-challenging (even generic brands are not cheap). Plus, trying to figure out what exactly is in the mouthwash you buy can be dizzyingly frustrating (or quite frightening once you figure it out).
So the next time you make a trip to the store for mouthwash, skip the usual personal hygiene aisle and shop for your own ingredients. You’ll end up with a mouthwash that tastes better, is often less expensive, uses ingredients that you can identify, and provides you with a natural alternative to freshening your breath.
We have four recipes for homemade mouthwash in this Personal Care Dentistry blog. You should be able to find all of the ingredients listed at your local grocery store or online. Happy gargling!
Super Simple Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 4 teaspoons of baking soda
- 4 drops of tea tree essential oil
- 4 drops of peppermint essential oil
Instructions:
Add all ingredients to a mason jar or similar container with a lid. Shake very well. Use about 2 tablespoons of this mixture each day, the same way you would use mouthwash for super white teeth and fresh breath. The baking soda will usually settle to the bottom of the container after a few hours, but don’t worry, this is normal. Simply shake well before each use.
Cinnamon and Honey Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 2 organic lemons, juiced
- ½ tablespoon of cinnamon powder
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda (not baking powder!)
- 5 teaspoons of raw, organic honey
- 1 cup of warm water
Instructions:
Using a mason jar or similar type of container with a tight-fitting lid, add all ingredients in the order given. Be sure the water is very warm as it needs to melt the honey. Close the lid and shake for one minute. Store in the fridge and use two tablespoons as a mouth rinse.
Grandma’s Disinfecting Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
Instructions:
Mix the ingredients together in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before each use. This will keep forever right on your bathroom countertop.
Herb-Infused Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 2 cups of filtered water
- ½ ounce of whole cloves
- 1 ounce of Oregon grape root
- 1 ounce of rosemary sprigs
Instructions:
Boil the water and then add all remaining ingredients to the water. Boil for one minute, then turn off the fire and cover the pot. Allow herbs to steep in the water overnight. Strain out the herbs with a piece of cheesecloth in the morning and store in a glass container with a tight-fitting lid. Shake well before each use and store in the refrigerator. This will keep 7 to 14 days in the fridge.
Sources: TheAlternativeDaily.com, DIYnatural.com, GreenMedInfo.com