Mouthwashes offer a host of benefits. These include fighting off bacteria, reducing inflammation, maintaining the pH, freshening breath, and brightening teeth. Mouthwashes have therapeutic as well as cosmetic uses. While getting an over-the-counter mouthwash is easy and hassle-free, it does not suit everyone. Some even contain alcohol that can dry the mucosa of your mouth, leading to serious complications like cavities.
Hence, commercial mouthwashes cannot be trusted entirely. But can you make your own mouthwash? Yes, it is simple and easy to make one at home. The ingredients are easily available in your pantry or at a drugstore. If you are open to the idea, here are 5 DIY mouthwash recipes that you can try at home.
5 DIY Mouthwash Solutions
Here are 5 easy-to-make DIY mouthwash recipes that you can try today.
1. Basic Homemade Mouthwash
This basic recipe can also be made with just three ingredients by removing the optional ingredients. It is quick, simple, and easy to make. It offers a host of clinical advantages, like balancing the pH of the mouth, reducing dental inflammation, surrounding the teeth with essential minerals, and destroying acid-forming bacteria.
Ingredients:
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. salt
• 1 cup distilled water
• 1 tsp. xylitol (optional)
• 20 drops of mineral drops (optional)
• 8 to 10 drops of essential oils (optional)
• Clean, empty bottle with lid
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake till the baking soda and salt are completely dissolved. Keep in the bathroom and shake well before each use.
The baking soda alkalizes the mouth, reducing the chances of the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. Salt reduces inflammation and promotes healing.
Among the optional ingredients, xylitol is a sweetener that will impart flavor to the mouthwash without harming the teeth. Mineral drops will restore beneficial minerals that are lost due to plaque buildup and acidic bacteria.
The essential oils will impart flavor to the mouthwash and disrupt the bacterial cell wall, reducing the risk of cavities, plaque build-up, periodontal disease, and gingivitis.
2. Turmeric Mouthwash
Prevents tooth decay and reduces irritation and inflammation
Ingredients:
• 1 tsp. turmeric
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1 tsp. Calcium carbonate
• 1 tsp. L-arginine
• 8-10 cloves
• 2 cups water
• Clean, empty bottle with lid
Instructions:
In the bottle, add two cups of water and soak the cloves. Soak for a minimum of 1 hour or up to 24 hours. Remove the cloves and add the remaining ingredients. Place the lid and shake the bottle to thoroughly mix the ingredients. Store in the refrigerator.
Turmeric contains curcumin. It protects the mouth against gingivitis and other gum diseases and also helps reduce inflammation. Baking soda reduces the growth of cavity-causing bacteria, and L-arginine is an amino acid that reduces cavities as well.
3. Aloe Vera Mouthwash
The anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of aloe vera make it an excellent ingredient for oral hygiene. This simple mouthwash recipe can help fight plaque, gingivitis, and cavities, reducing irritation and inflammation and preventing tooth decay.
Ingredients:
• ½ cup aloe vera juice
• 1 ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ cup distilled water
• 3 drops of essential oil of choice (optional)
• Clean, empty bottle with lid
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients to the bottle and shake to mix the contents. Keep shaking till the ingredients are dissolved. If you don’t like the taste of the mouthwash, you can add a few more drops of essential oils to adjust the taste to your liking. Refrigerate between uses and use within two weeks.
Aloe vera has proven itself useful for cosmetic and medicinal purposes. It is antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, and improves overall health. It is a magic ingredient that attacks several health issues at one time.
Aloe vera is extremely beneficial for treating oral issues and improving oral hygiene. It not only diminishes plaque formation and gingival bleeding, but it also treats periodontal indices.
The alkaline baking soda neutralizes the acid that bacteria produce upon consumption of caffeinated and carbonated products. It fixes bad breath and maintains oral pH.
Caution: You cannot use aloe vera if you are using certain medications, like prescribed diabetes medicine. So, confirm with your physician before using an aloe vera mouthwash.
4. Essential Oils Mouthwash
Essential oils are used extensively due to their medicinal uses. They are gentle and effective and do not have side effects. Essential oils can also help you with your oral hygiene. While some oils can fight off bacteria, others are soothing and will relieve your irritation. Essential oils help freshen your breath and whiten your teeth.
Ingredients:
• 5 drops tea tree essential oil
• 5 drops peppermint essential oil
• 3 drops lemon essential oil
• 3 drops spearmint essential oil
• 3 cups water
• 6 drops liquid pure stevia (optional)
• 8 drops concentrated trace minerals liquid
• 1 tablespoon calcium carbonate powder
• Clean bottle with lid
Instructions:
Add all the ingredients to the bottle. Place the lid on the bottle and mix well.
Tea tree oil helps fight gingivitis and bacteria. It also helps speed up the healing process and reduce inflammation.
Peppermint oil gives you a fresh breath and has antimicrobial properties. Similarly, spearmint oil fights off bacterial infections and gingivitis while imparting a nice flavor to the mouthwash.
Lemon essential oil whitens your teeth and removes plaque. You can add liquid stevia if you want your mouthwash to have a sweet flavor.
5. Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash
Also known as Grandma’s disinfecting mouthwash, apple cider vinegar is packed with minerals that address many aspects of oral health and hygiene.
Ingredients:
• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup water
• Clean bottle with lid
Instructions:
Add the ingredients to the bottle and shake to thoroughly mix the ingredients.
Apple cider vinegar has magnesium, calcium, sodium, and potassium. It fights off bacteria and improves the overall health of your teeth. It imparts fresh breath and eliminates the foul smell.
