Why You Should Switch to Homemade Mouthwash

“The power of essential oils to keep your teeth and gums healthy is not to be underestimated." ~ Dr. Josh Axe

When it comes to oral care, I’ve always been curious about natural alternatives. After learning about the harmful chemicals in commercial mouthwashes, I decided to make my own. The result? A refreshing and effective DIY mouthwash using doTERRA’s essential oils. It’s so simple to make, and the benefits for my mouth have been noticeable. Plus, it’s much more affordable and natural than store-bought options.

Why I Made the Switch to Homemade Mouthwash

Like many people, I used commercial mouthwashes for years, believing they were the best option for fresh breath and oral health. But when I took a closer look at the ingredients, I was shocked to see artificial sweeteners, dyes, and alcohol—none of which seemed ideal for my mouth.

So, I switched to a natural, homemade mouthwash. The ingredients I use are simple, effective, and safe. I’ve found that essential oils like doTERRA’s Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Clove work wonders in keeping my mouth fresh while providing some extra protection against bacteria and plaque.

Key Takeaways

• Homemade mouthwash offers a natural, chemical-free alternative to store-bought options.

• Essential oils like Peppermint, Tea Tree, and Clove can help fight bacteria, freshen breath, and promote oral health.

• DIY mouthwash is cost-effective and can be customized to suit your specific oral care needs.

• Natural mouthwash ingredients can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, and bad breath while being gentler on your mouth.

The Benefits of Using Natural Ingredients

I love how easy it is to make homemade mouthwash with natural ingredients. Not only does it give me the peace of mind that I’m avoiding chemicals, but I also get to customize my mouthwash with essential oils. Here's why I choose to use natural ingredients over commercial mouthwash:

• Reduced risk of oral health problems: Many store-bought mouthwashes contain alcohol or synthetic chemicals, which can irritate the gums or dry out the mouth. With a homemade recipe, you get the benefits of essential oils and herbs without the harsh side effects.

• Improved gum health: Homemade mouthwash helps reduce the risk of gum disease and inflammation, while promoting fresher breath and a healthier mouth overall.

• No artificial additives: The best part about making your own mouthwash is knowing exactly what’s going into it. No artificial dyes, flavors, or chemicals—just pure, natural ingredients.

Choosing the Right Essential Oils for Your Mouthwash

Essential oils are the star of the show in homemade mouthwash recipes. The oils I use offer incredible oral health benefits, helping freshen breath and fight bacteria. Here are some of my favorite oils to use for DIY mouthwash:

• Peppermint Oil: Refreshing and cooling, Peppermint oil helps reduce bad breath and promotes overall oral health. It’s also great for fighting germs and bacteria.

• Tea Tree Oil: Known for its antimicrobial properties, Tea Tree oil helps combat plaque and gingivitis, making it an essential ingredient for my mouthwash.

• Clove Oil: Clove oil has been used for centuries for its natural analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It can help reduce inflammation in the gums and relieve discomfort.

• Myrrh Oil: Myrrh is renowned for promoting healthy gums and teeth. It has soothing and healing properties, making it a great addition to your homemade mouthwash.

• Copaiba Oil: Known for its anti-inflammatory effects, Copaiba oil can help reduce swelling in the gums and promote a clean mouth.

• SuperMint Oil: A combination of Peppermint and Spearmint, SuperMint is a fantastic option for boosting freshness and combating bad breath.

• Spearmint Oil: Spearmint has a gentler minty flavor than Peppermint but is still highly effective in freshening breath and providing a clean, crisp feeling.

• Eucalyptus Oil: This oil has natural antibacterial properties and can promote gum health, making it an excellent option for mouthwash.

How to Make Your Own Homemade Mouthwash

Making your own mouthwash is simple, and you can easily tailor it to your taste. Here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

Basic Homemade Mouthwash Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of distilled water

• 1 tablespoon of baking soda

• 1 tablespoon of sea salt

• 10-15 drops of Peppermint oil

• 5-10 drops of Tea Tree oil

• 5-10 drops of Clove oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the sea salt and baking soda in warm water.

2. Once dissolved, add the essential oils and stir until well-mixed.

3. Pour the mixture into a glass bottle or container and store it in a cool, dark place.

4. Shake before each use, and rinse your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

You can also store your mouthwash in the fridge to keep it fresh for longer.

Soothing Recipe for Sensitive Gums

If you experience gum sensitivity, this soothing mouthwash recipe is perfect for calming your gums while still providing all the benefits of essential oils.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of distilled water

• 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel

• 1 teaspoon of baking soda

• 5 drops of Chamomile essential oil

• 5 drops of Clove oil

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the distilled water and aloe vera gel.

2. Stir in the baking soda until it’s completely dissolved.

3. Add the essential oils and mix well.

4. Pour into a glass container and store in the refrigerator.

This soothing mouthwash will not only help calm sensitive gums but also fight bacteria and promote gum health.

Healing Mouthwash for Gum Health

For a stronger mouthwash that fights bacteria and promotes healthy gums, this recipe is perfect. Tea Tree oil and Myrrh oil help reduce inflammation and support gum health.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup of water

• 1/2 cup of witch hazel

• 10 drops of Tea Tree oil

• 10 drops of Myrrh oil

• 1 tablespoon of dried sage

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine the water, witch hazel, and essential oils.

2. Add the dried sage and allow it to steep for 10-15 minutes.

3. Strain the mixture and store it in a glass bottle.

This blend is perfect for promoting gum health and reducing inflammation.

Storage and Tips for Homemade Mouthwash

Since homemade mouthwash doesn’t contain preservatives like store-bought versions, it’s important to store it properly. I recommend keeping your mouthwash in a glass bottle, preferably in the fridge, to maintain freshness. Be sure to shake it before each use.

How to Use Your Mouthwash

For best results, use your homemade mouthwash twice a day—once in the morning and once before bed. Swish the mouthwash around for at least 30 seconds, making sure it reaches all parts of your mouth. You can also gargle to help soothe a sore throat or reduce bacteria in your mouth.

Why You Should Make the Switch to Homemade Mouthwash

I’m so glad I made the switch to homemade mouthwash. It’s easy, effective, and full of natural ingredients that I can trust. Plus, I can customize it based on what my mouth needs. It’s an affordable, simple solution that leaves my mouth feeling fresh and clean every day.

Final Thoughts

Making your own mouthwash gives you control over what goes into your body and helps you avoid harsh chemicals. Plus, it’s an enjoyable way to support your oral health. So, why not try it for yourself?

FAQ

What are the benefits of making homemade mouthwash? Homemade mouthwash can reduce plaque, fight gingivitis, freshen breath, and avoid chemicals found in commercial mouthwashes.

What essential oils are best for homemade mouthwash? Peppermint, Tea Tree, Clove, Myrrh, and SuperMint are excellent choices for boosting oral health and freshening breath.

How do I store homemade mouthwash? Store your mouthwash in an airtight glass container and keep it in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Can homemade mouthwash be used for sensitive teeth? Yes, try using Aloe Vera and Clove oil for a soothing mouthwash that helps reduce sensitivity.

When should I use my homemade mouthwash? For the best results, use it in the morning and before bed to freshen your breath and promote oral health.