Why Use a Homemade Mouthwash?

Standard mouthwash from the store is filled with tons of potentially toxic ingredients, not to mention intoxicating alcohol and artificial flavors and colors. Potentially risky ingredients include:

  1. Triclosan – an endocrine disruptor that may weaken the immune system and increase the risk of allergies in children.
  2. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate – a foaming agent that may irritate the skin or lining of the mouth, increase the risk of cancer, and disrupt the endocrine system.
  3. Fluoride – may increase the risk of fluorosis which can increase the risk of bones breaking and affect sleep patterns and melatonin output by concentrating in the pineal gland.
  4. Propylene glycol – shown to affect body weight and also adversely affect the immune system.
  5. Diethanolamine – irritates the nose and throat. May burn the skin or impair vision if eyes are exposed.
  6. Microbeads – plastics that contaminate the ocean.

How Did I Pick the Ingredients for this Homemade Mouthwash?

This homemade mouthwash contains natural ingredients that alkanalize the mouth and help to stave off bacteria. People have used baking soda for centuries as a part of dental health care to raise the pH of the mouth and create an unfriendly environment for bacteria.

Salt naturally kills bacteria by disrupting the membrane function of bacteria.

Additionally, peppermint and clove essential oils add great flavor and aroma to the mixture and tea tree has been traditionally used to support the health of gums. Because experts do not recommended tea tree oil for ingestion, I encourage you to only swish and spit this mixture.

Xylitol is a naturally occuring sweetener that also prevents bacteria from sticking to teeth. It also contains no sugar, so there is no risk of acid erosion from using it in this mixture.

Here’s the Recipe

Ingredients

1/2 cup distilled water

2 teaspoons baking soda

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

4 drops peppermint essential oil

3 drops clove essential oil

2 drop tea tree essential oil

Xylitol, to taste

Directions

Simply combine all ingredients in a glass bottle. Shake well before each use. Swish and spit, but do not swallow.

What is your favorite essential oil DIY? For an effective and strong toilet bowl cleaner, come check out this post!

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