If you’ve been thinking about adding mouthwash to your oral health routine, but are unsure about the alcohol, chemicals, and sweeteners that can be used in mouthwash, you’re not alone. Many patients are unsure of putting anything in their body that is unnatural. Luckily, we have found a recipe if you are interested in a more natural approach to mouthwash.
Turns out, that you do not need high levels of alcohol or fluoride to reduce plaque and gum inflammation. After reviewing 11 studies that were published in the March 2008 issue of Evidence Based Dentistry the review found that mouth rinses made from essential oils were just as effective at reducing plaque and gingivitis.
Essential oils can help kill infections and in this following recipe, which was provided by Colgate.com, can help hinder microbial activity.
Follow this all natural recipe to create a mouthwash that you can feel good about rinsing with.
1 cup of water
2 teaspoons Echinacea tincture
3-4 drops myrrh essential oil (Commiphora myrrha)
2 drops tea tree essential oil (Melaleuca alternifolia)
Blend the ingredients in a dark container and store in a cool, dark place; this helps to protect the oils from the light. When you are ready to use it, shake well and swish it in your mouth for up to one minute, then spit and rinse your mouth with water.
The essential oils in this recipe have antimicrobial activity, which kills microorganisms and inhibits their growth. This helps remove bacteria in the mouth and stop the growth of plaque.
If your main concern is fresh breath, try adding two drops of peppermint or spearmint essential oil to a quarter cup of water and rinsing with that. Find the natural mouthwash rinse that is right for you and ask your dentist about other mouthwash options that could be right for you.