A natural mouthwash adds to your sexy smile, providing fresher breath and a pleasant taste. Not bad for a starter.

And if using mouthwash gives you fresher breath, why wouldn’t you use it daily? Your closest friends would probably be grateful, and a few enemies as well.

Even though these benefits may be only be temporary, temporary is better than nothing, when the moment is right.

Traditional mouthwashes also promise fresh breath, reduced plaque, reduced gingivitis and fewer cavities. But, each of them comes with a variety of additives that you may or may not be comfortable with.

Some of these mouthwashes depend on additives to kill bacteria responsible for plaque, leading to gingivitis and decay or cavities.

Others additives try to counteract tooth dissolving bacterial acids that eat away at your precious enamel. These acids, if ignored, create cavities that dive deep into your teeth creating painful toothaches.

Okay, okay. You may not be ready to go completely natural. But with a little background that seeming giant step to shed all the additives might be made much smaller, and easier to take.

That’s right the one big difference between a traditional mouthwash and a natural mouthwash is the absence of the huge variety of chemical additives. And most of the additives don’t just kill bacteria, they also kill the living cells lining your mouth.

A Natural Mouthwash Does Not Contain

• Alcohols

• Preservatives

• Detergents

• Fluoride

Alcohol Additives

Alcohol, until recently has been the most common additive included in mouthwashes as it kills bacteria in the mouth. The logic-reduced the number of bacteria, reduced the odors.

In the mouth however, it also has cytotoxic effects-it kills surface tissue cells.  Regular alcohol use, even as a rinse, has also been shown in studies to increase the incidence of oral cancer.

Alcohol is also added to kill bacteria in backwash. Backwash is the inadvertent saliva and food debris contamination that occurs if you take a swig of mouthwash right out of the bottle. Remember the extra stuff you see in your drink after sharing with someone?

Manufacturer’s suggestions aside, you probably don’t always pour your mouthwash into a cup or glass first when you use it. So alcohol is added for your protection against backwash.

Parabens Are The Preservatives

Parabens are a group of antibacterial preservatives widely used in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. Though there are no studies suggesting a direct link to cancer and paraben use, other concerns have developed.

Parabens are also known to be EDCs or endocrine disrupting chemicals. Studies suggest the organs at greatest risk are those of the reproductive system, breast tissue, fat tissue and the pancreas.

A 2016 study recommends that parabens also be thoroughly investigated for their potential as metabolic disruptors. The specific areas of concern are reproductive problems as well as obesity and diabetes along with breast, ovarian and testicular cancers. Time will tell us more as recommended studies progress.

Detergents Or Foaming Agents-Froth and Foam Must Be Good

Cocamidopropyl betaine, a detergent, frequently found in mouthwashes, is rated at a moderate hazard level by the Environmental Working Group (www.ewg.org). It is used as a thickener and commonly found in many cosmetic products. It may create surface irritation and/or contact allergy.

Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Another common detergent and skin irritant, sodium laureth sulfate, is found in thousands of personal care products. It is frequently contaminated with 1,4-dioxane a known carcinogen and a manufacturing method contaminant.

The Cavity Fighting Additive-Sodium Fluoride

A 2016 study in the National Library Of Medicine at PubMed.gov shows that fluoride affects human embryonic stem cells.

Another, 2017 study, shows prolonged fluoride intake affects DNA, and disrupts normal cell functions. The authors specifically recommended that current fluoride supplementation be reviewed, due to the unfavorable evidence uncovered.

What Is A Reasonable Person To Do?-Go Naturel

With all of these additives and potential contaminants a natural mouthwash seems to be a reasonable request. The benefits of a natural mouthwash are simply no additives.

Flavours of Natural Mouthwash

Use your own essential oils to build the mouthwash flavour you prefer. If you decide to make your own mouthwashes using your essential oils, have at it. Just be sure you are using fresh, therapeutic grade oils that are approved for internal use. You can mix and match, choosing the ones you find most pleasing. Use these recipes as guides for formulating your own special mouthwashes.

4 Recipes For Natural Mouthwash

I’ll bet you’ve never tasted these before.

Myrrh-Charcoal [Black Mouthwash] Recipe

To 16oz. of water (one pint)

Add:

2Tbs. Vegetable glycerine

10 drops Myrrh oil

Flavor with:

10 drops of the Citrus Oil of Choice

(Lemon, Lime or Wild Orange)

1Tbs. Coconut hull charcoal-powdered

1Tbs. Baking Soda

4tsp. Xylitol as a sweetner (optional)

Directions:

Add vegetable glycerine to a 2 cup or larger measuring cup. (It will help with pouring into another container when finished.) Add Myrrh oil and citrus flavoring oil of choice. Add the charcoal powder and mix until throughly blended.

Add one cup of water, the baking soda and xylitol. Mix thoroughly. Add remaining water and mix until xylitol and baking soda are dissolved.

Makes 2 cups/16oz.

Place in a resealable container.

Shake well before use.

Pour approximately 1 Tbs [15ml] into a small glass, swish  for 30 seconds and spit out.

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Peppermint-Thyme Recipe

To 16oz. of water (one pint)

Add:

2Tbs. Vegetable glycerine

10 drops Peppermint Oil

10 Drops Thyme Oil

1Tbs. Baking Soda

4tsp. Xylitol as a sweetner (optional)

Directions:

Add vegetable glycerine to a 2 cup or larger measuring cup. (It will help with pouring into another container when finished.)

Add essential oils to glycerine and mix throughly. Add 2 cups of water, baking soda and xylitol. Mix until xylitol and baking soda are dissolved.

Makes 2 cups/16oz.

Place in a resealable container.

Shake well before use.

Pour approximately 1 Tbs [15ml] into a small glass, swish  for 30 seconds and spit out.

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Spearmint-Lemon Recipe

To 16oz. of water (one pint)

Add:

2Tbs. Vegetable glycerine

10 drops Lemon Oil

10 Drops Spearmint Oil

1Tbs. Baking

4tsp. Xylitol as a sweetner (optional)

Directions:

Add vegetable glycerine to a 2 cup or larger measuring cup. (It will help with pouring into another container when finished.)

Add essential oils to glycerine and mix throughly. Add 2 cups of water, baking soda and xylitol. Mix until xylitol and baking soda are dissolved.

Makes 2 cups/16oz.

Place in a resealable container.

Shake well before use.

Pour approximately 1 Tbs [15ml] into a small glass, swish  for 30 seconds and spit out.

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Cinnamon-Tea Tree Recipe

This one is a little spicy. You may want to add 5 drops Cinnamon oil taste it and add more if you desire, up to 10 drops.

To 16oz. of water (one pint)

Add:

2Tbs. Vegetable glycerine

10 drops Cinnamon Bark Oil

10 Drops Tea TreeOil

1Tbs. Baking Soda

4tsp. Xylitol as a sweetner (optional)

Directions:

Add vegetable glycerine to a 2 cup or larger measuring cup. (It will help with pouring into another container when finished.)

Add essential oils to glycerine and mix throughly. Add 2 cups of water, baking soda and xylitol. Mix until xylitol and baking soda are dissolved.

Makes 2 cups/16oz.

Place in a resealable container.

Shake well before use.

Pour approximately 1 Tbs[15ml] into a small glass, swish  for 30 seconds and spit out.

 

If you are unsure about the use of any particular ingredient, ask your holistic or biological dentist.