Every good dental care routine has at least three steps: floss, brush your teeth and then refresh your breath with minty-clean mouthwash. But, for many people—such as those with sensitive teeth or rare allergies—the store-bought options for mouthwash are slim to none. But that doesn’t mean that you have to skip out on that all-important post-brush mouthwash.
Fortunately, there are tons of natural homemade mouthwash recipes that make use of organic ingredients that your dentist—and teeth—will thank you for. Whether it’s aloe vera and mint oil or apple cider vinegar and baking soda, these natural homemade mouthwashes can help you boost your oral health and whiten your teeth—and, most importantly, beat bad breath.
Turmeric Mouthwash
Turmeric tastes great as the star of rice pilaf or as a hint of je ne sais quoi in a ginger chicken soup. It also happens to make for fantastic homemade mouthwash.
Combined with cloves and baking soda, turmeric mouthwash is the perfect organic alternative to over-the-counter mouthwash for those suffering from periodontal disease.
The main active substance in turmeric is curcumin—a biochemical agent with proven antimicrobial, antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In short, curcumin cur-kicks gum disease to the curb.
While it isn’t likely that a turmeric mouthwash will cure you of periodontal disease, it will alleviate the symptoms and can help prevent the conditioning from worsening.
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon turmeric
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon sodium bicarbonate
- ½ teaspoon L-arginine
- 3-5 cloves
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Soak the cloves in the water for 24 hours.
- Remove the cloves from the water and add the remaining ingredients to a sterilized jar with a rubber-sealed lid. Stir the ingredients well to combine or shake vigorously until combined.
- Store the mouthwash in the fridge for up to a month—but you should have finished it long before then.
Homemade Minty Mouthwash
For some, the mere mention of homemade mouthwash conjures up images of harsh pioneer living and really bad breath. But there’s nothing more refreshing than this homemade minty mouthwash.
One of the main active ingredients in peppermint oil is menthol—the same substance that adds minty freshness to your toothpaste and gum. Studies have shown that menthol has antibacterial and antifungal properties and even has powerful analgesic properties—i.e., it’s great at relieving pain.
A few drops of peppermint oil in this mouthwash won’t replace the painkillers in your medicine cabinet but it will leave you with an irresistibly fresh smile. Adding cinnamon to this natural mouthwash gives it an added antimicrobial boost so that your smile stays fresher longer.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon cloves
- 4-5 drops peppermint oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small pot and bring to a boil. Remove the pot from the heat and let the ingredients steep for at least 10 minutes.
- Strain the mouthwash through a fine mesh strainer until the liquid runs clear. Do not use a paper filter—it will absorb the peppermint oil.
- Transfer the mouthwash to a sterilized jar with a rubber-sealed lid and store it in your fridge for up to two weeks.
Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash
If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, then an apple cider vinegar mouthwash twice a day can keep tooth decay at bay.
Apple cider vinegar is rich in minerals that your teeth need such as magnesium, potassium and calcium. Additionally, research shows that apple cider vinegar is a potent antimicrobial agent even at low concentrations so it’s good for your dental health and your breath.
The best part about this mouthwash is that it’s insanely easy to make. Seriously, this is easier than flossing.
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Add the ingredients to a sterilized jar with a rubber-sealed lid and stir to combine.
- Store on the countertop for up to 2 weeks or, alternatively, scale the ingredients down and prepare the mouthwash before each use.
Briny, Shiny Mouthwash
Much like the apple cider vinegar mouthwash, this simply salty mouthwash is easy to make—and it still packs an oral health punch.
It’s common for dentists to prescribe a warm salt water rinse to patients in pain. This improvised mouthwash reduces inflammation, soothes pain, remineralizes teeth, kills off bad bacteria and rebalances your mouth’s pH level. In other words, it’s a miracle mouthwash.
Throwing in some baking soda to the mix can help to remove stains from your teeth and brighten your smile. And, if you really want a great mouthwash, add essential oils like tea tree oil or peppermint oil.
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- In a small pot, bring the water to a boil. Remove the water from the heat and let it cool until warm but not scalding.
- Add salt and baking soda to the warm water and stir until the salt has dissolved and the baking soda has been incorporated. You can add 4-5 drops of your preferred essential oil at this time.
- Pour the mouthwash into a sterilized jar with a rubber-sealed lid and store in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Wash it Down with a Dental Appointment
At Portrait Dental, we believe that naturally healthy ingredients lead to naturally healthy, portrait-perfect smiles. Book your next appointment with us today and ask our team of expert dentists about formulating an organic mouthwash and homemade toothpaste that fits your smile.