3 Natural Mouthwashes for Fresher Breath and Healthy Teeth

I often get asked questions about which mouthwash is best for a healthy mouth. This is a great question because many supermarket mouthwashes out there aren’t the best option for your mouth and body.

The real way to get a healthy mouth is to eat the right foods. However, many of my patients also want that clean feeling.
So, let’s look into homemade mouthwashes which are the best option for you and your family.

 

Do mouthwashes really work?

If you’re still using conventional mouthwashes like Listerine that contain alcohol, hydrogen peroxide or chlorhexidine, I’ve got news for you. Daily use may be harming your oral microbiome but in the long term, they could be making your breath worse.

Sure, it might feel like you’re cleaning your mouth when you use such astringent products but that’s precisely the problem. Your mouth isn’t meant to be sterile. When you use harsh antimicrobials you actually harm the delicate balance that exists to protect you.

This is why I always say, if you see a mouthwash that claims to kill 99.9% of germs, you should run far, far away.

 

Is there a healthy mouthwash to choose from the supermarket?

For healthy teeth, food provides your best tools. Instead of simply disinfecting the mouth, I encourage a healthier mouth first by addressing your gut health with a better diet and probiotics. You might be surprised to hear how many causes of bad breath actually start in the gut.

One study showed that alcohol mouthwashes may increase risk of prediabetes in certain people.

The problem with mouthwashes like Listerine, is that they often have active ingredients that decrease the health of microbes that protect against dental disease.

Use supermarket mouthwashes with a great degree of discretion.

 

So what mouthwash is best to use?

If you’re familiar with my work, you’d know that food is the primary way to prevent disease.

When you’re eating right, you shouldn’t need harsh antibacterial mouthwashes. However, sometimes mouthwashes can be pleasant and beneficial when done right. Many of my patients ask what ingredients can be used at home to give them fresh breath and cure bad breath.

So, I’ve put together some natural dental remedies for over the counter mouthwash. Here are three alternatives to commercial mouthwashes packed with ingredients that are great for your oral microbiome and more.

 

3 natural homemade mouthwashes?

Try these variations to freshen your breath and improve your oral health.

 

Spicy Ginger & Mint Herb Mouthwash

One of the reasons I like this mouthwash recipe is that it’s got all the right natural ingredients without using any essential oils. While essential oils can be great for your mouth, they are strong antimicrobials and if you use too much it could hurt your oral microbiome.

This mouthwash is savory and the longer you let it simmer the spicier it will become. One of the benefits of the spiciness is it stimulates salivation, which is great for your teeth.

Ingredients:

• Ginger root – This should be fresh and about one inch grated. Ginger is naturally antibacterial. If you enjoy the taste of ginger, feel free to use more.
• Peppermint – This should be fresh and torn or chopped coarsely. A small bunch works well. Most people associate mouthwash and toothpastes with peppermint flavor, this is because peppermint is great for your teeth and gums. It’s main component is menthol, which is naturally soothing.

• Turmeric – You can use the powdered form from your spice cabinet. I recommend a teaspoon or two. Turmeric is a powerful anti-inflammatory and great for overall oral health and in fighting gum disease.
• Cinnamon – You can use a teaspoon or two from your spices or add a cinnamon stick. Cinnamon is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and adds to the spiciness for better flavor and salivation.

You probably noticed I wasn’t strict with the exact amounts needed in this recipe. This is because it’s all going to be simmered in water and each spice can be adjusted according to your personal taste.

Recipe:

1. Add everything to about 2 to 3 cups of water in a pot on the stove.
2. Bring to a low simmer.
3. Let simmer covered for 25-30 minutes. Keeping in mind that the longer you let it simmer the spicer it will become.
4. Taste periodically and simmer longer if you’d prefer a stronger flavor, but not going past 45 minutes.
5. Strain through a very fine strainer into a glass jar.
6. Let cool and store in the fridge for up to three weeks.

 

Easy CocoMint Mouthwash

This mouthwash doesn’t require any simmering and is a great option for anyone who wants something easy. Plus, the ingredients are probably already in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
• ½ teaspoon of Celtic sea salt or pink Himalayan sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon of baking soda
• 2 drops of peppermint oil

Recipe:

1. Mix ingredients in a glass container and shake well.
2. You’ll have to shake with each use.
3. Keep out of sunlight but also somewhere warm enough where the coconut oil won’t solidify. If it does become solid, you can run the glass jar under warm water.

 

Stain Fighting, Soothing Mouthwash

The baking soda in this mouthwash fight stains, neutralizes the pH of your mouth, and helps with bad breath. The aloe vera juice is great for inflammation, bleeding gums, and gingivitis. One study has found aloe vera may be effective to infiltrate into periodontal pockets, where bacteria can cause imbalance and begin the gum disease process. 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water
• 1 cup of aloe vera juice
• 2 teaspoons of baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon of Celtic sea salt or pink Himalayan sea salt
• 2 drops of peppermint oil
• 1 drop cinnamon oil (optional)

Recipe:

1. Mix ingredients in a glass container and shake well.
2. You’ll have to shake with each use.
3. Store in the fridge up to three weeks.

 

Don’t Have Time for DIY Mouthwash? Try Coconut Oil Pulling Instead

If you don’t have the time to make your own mouthwash, another replacement for your conventional mouthwash is coconut oil pulling. This is an Ayurvedic technique of swishing coconut oil, through the oral environment in order to balance the oral microbiome. Coconut oil pulling may have benefits by decreasing the colonies of harmful bacteria (yet to be confirmed by studies).

While you can simply scoop a mouthful of coconut oil, you might prefer a blend that’s more liquid and has some essential oils for flavoring. Swish de Coco is a great option because it’s delicious and uses only three pure ingredients – coconut oil, MCT oil, and a few drops of essential oils. These ingredients soothe inflammation, heal tissues, and promotes a healthy pH balance.

Anti-bacterial mouthwashes don’t take into account the natural balance in your mouth. It’s time we stopped harming our oral microbiome and instead used products that support this helpful ecosystem.

Share this article with that friend who loves a healthy DIY project – these options are great for your health and taste delicious!

Now we want to hear from you. Please leave your questions in the comments below.

For more information on Dr. Lin’s at-home clinical protocol that highlights the steps parents can take to prevent dental problems in their children: Click here.

Resources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3633300/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3200013/

https://www.drstevenlin.com/coconut-oil-pulling-fact-myth/