6 Best Natural Homemade Mouthwashes: How To Make & Use Them Safely
Every kitchen holds the secret to gentle, chemical-free breath freshening and gum health.
Mouthwashes are a staple in most oral hygiene routines. While commercial options are convenient, they aren’t always suited to everyone—many contain harsh chemicals, high alcohol content, or artificial flavors that can be too strong, irritating, or unappealing. In response, more people are turning to homemade mouthwash as a cost-effective, gentle, and chemical-free approach to oral care. This article explores the purpose of mouthwash, its benefits, how it works, and offers step-by-step homemade natural mouthwash recipes you can safely prepare and use at home.
The Purpose Of A Mouthwash
Mouthwash, also known as an oral rinse, serves multiple purposes in maintaining oral health. Its main roles include:
- Enhancing the effectiveness of brushing and flossing by reaching areas that are hard to clean with a toothbrush or floss.
- Reducing oral cavities, especially when fluoride is present.
- Strengthening teeth and gums (for fluoride-containing solutions).
- Freshening breath and masking unpleasant odors.
- Preventing plaque build-up and inhibiting the growth of bacteria that cause cavities and gum disease.
- Helping treat mouth sores and soothing oral irritations.
- Loosening debris in the mouth, which can make subsequent brushing or flossing more effective.
Incorporating a quality mouthwash into your daily regimen supports comprehensive oral health and can address a range of oral care concerns.
How Do Mouthwashes Work?
Commercial and homemade mouthwashes work mainly by delivering ingredients that target bacteria and other sources of oral problems. Common active ingredients found in commercial mouthwashes include:
- Fluoride: Strengthens enamel and reduces cavities.
- Cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC): An antimicrobial agent that helps eliminate bacteria.
- Chlorhexidine and povidone-iodine: Antiseptics that reduce plaque and help heal sore gums.
- Essential oils: Such as eucalyptus, tea tree, or peppermint oil, which can reduce bacteria and freshen breath.
Homemade mouthwashes typically omit harsh chemicals and alcohol, relying instead on natural ingredients with antibacterial and soothing properties. According to research, oral rinses can significantly reduce plaque and gingivitis when used regularly, in combination with brushing and flossing.
Common Reasons for Mouthwash Use
| Purpose | Percentage of Users (%) |
|---|---|
| Maintaining oral hygiene | 51.9 |
| Improving breath | 45.5 |
| Lessen foul breath | 42.1 |
| Health professional’s recommendation | <20 |
Recipes For Homemade Mouthwashes
Below are six of the most effective and easy-to-prepare homemade mouthwash recipes. Each uses natural, accessible ingredients—most of which you may already have in your kitchen or bathroom cabinet. Before switching to these options, consult your dentist, especially if you have sensitive teeth, allergies, or specific oral health conditions.
1. Baking Soda Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate)
- 1/2 glass of warm water
Instructions:
- Mix the baking soda into warm water until fully dissolved.
- Rinse your mouth with the solution after or before brushing.
How Often: 3-4 times daily.
Why It Works: Baking soda neutralizes mouth acids, controls odor, and inhibits the growth of harmful bacteria while being gentle on the mouth’s tissues.
2. Salt Water Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon of salt (table, sea, or lite salt)
- 1 cup of warm water
Instructions:
- Dissolve the salt in warm water.
- Swish around your mouth for 30 seconds and spit out.
How Often: 2-3 times per day, especially for soothing the mouth after dental procedures or treating ulcers.
What others are reading
Why It Works: Salt water acts as a mild antiseptic, reduces inflammation, and promotes the healing of minor mouth sores and irritations.
3. Coconut Oil Pulling Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin coconut oil
Instructions:
- Place the oil in your mouth and swish it around for 10-15 minutes.
- Spit out (do not swallow) and rinse your mouth with warm water.
How Often: Once daily, preferably in the morning before eating or drinking anything.
Why It Works: Coconut oil contains lauric acid, which has antimicrobial properties that can help reduce harmful bacteria and improve breath.
4. Aloe Vera Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup of pure aloe vera juice
- 1/2 cup of distilled water
- 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
- 1 teaspoon baking soda (optional)
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly in a bottle.
- Shake well before use. Swish and spit after 30 seconds.
How Often: Once or twice daily.
Why It Works: Aloe vera soothes inflamed gums, has antibacterial properties, and helps maintain moisture in the mouth.
5. Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup of 3% food-grade hydrogen peroxide
- 1 cup of distilled water
- 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil (optional for flavor)
Instructions:
- Mix well and use as a rinse for 30 seconds before spitting out.
- Do not swallow; rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
How Often: 2-3 times per week (do not exceed to avoid oral irritation).
Why It Works: Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful antiseptic that whitens teeth, controls bacteria, and helps heal sores.
6. Essential Oil & Herbal Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of distilled or boiled water (cooled)
- 1 teaspoon each of whole cloves and ground cinnamon
- 2-3 drops peppermint or tea tree essential oil
Instructions:
- Boil water, cloves, and cinnamon together, then let steep for 10 minutes.
- Strain and add essential oil. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Why It Works: Clove and cinnamon are natural antimicrobials, and essential oils provide a fresh taste and help combat bad breath.
Benefits Of Homemade Mouthwash
- Chemical-free, gentle alternatives to commercial products for sensitive mouths.
- Low cost—uses common, affordable household ingredients.
- Customizable—you can adjust ingredients and flavors as needed.
- No artificial colors or preservatives.
- Environmentally friendly—less packaging waste.
While homemade mouthwashes offer several benefits, always consult a dental care professional prior to making major changes in your oral hygiene regimen, especially if you have dental restorations, ongoing issues, or concerns about allergic reactions.
Storage & Safety Tips For Homemade Mouthwash
- Always store homemade mouthwash in a sterilized glass bottle or container with a tight-fitting lid.
- Keep mouthwash refrigerated if it contains fresh or perishable ingredients (like aloe vera juice or boiled herbs).
- Label each bottle with its preparation date; discard after 2 weeks, or sooner if you notice cloudiness, sediment, or an off-smell.
- Shake well before each use to ensure ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Do not swallow homemade mouthwash, especially those containing hydrogen peroxide or essential oils.
Homemade versions may not last as long as commercial mouthwashes, which are formulated with preservatives for long-term shelf life. Monitor the mouthwash for signs of spoilage, such as changes in color, cloudiness, or unpleasant odors, and discard if any are observed.
Tips For Effective Use Of Homemade Mouthwash
- Use mouthwash after brushing and flossing for best results.
- Swish the solution vigorously around the mouth and between teeth for at least 30 seconds, then spit out.
- For specific oral issues (ulcers, gingivitis, post-dental procedures), follow your dentist’s recommendations about mouthwash type and frequency.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after use to maximize benefits, especially for antibacterial or remineralizing rinses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can homemade mouthwash replace commercial mouthwash?
A: Homemade mouthwash can serve as a gentle and effective alternative for many people, especially those sensitive to alcohol or artificial flavors. However, certain dental conditions may still benefit from specific formulas prescribed by your dentist.
Q2. Are homemade mouthwashes safe?
A: When made with food-grade, safe ingredients and used as directed, homemade mouthwashes are generally safe. Avoid swallowing, and always discuss changes with your dentist, especially if you have oral wounds, allergies, or chronic mouth conditions.
Q3. How long does homemade mouthwash last?
A: Homemade mouthwash, especially those containing water-based or fresh herbal ingredients, should be used within two weeks and kept refrigerated to prevent bacteria growth.
Q4. Which homemade mouthwash is best for sensitive gums?
A: Aloe vera-based mouthwash or mild saltwater rinses are generally soothing for sensitive gums and can help reduce inflammation.
Q5. Can kids use homemade mouthwash?
A: Use with caution under adult supervision. Select recipes free from essential oils and hydrogen peroxide, and ensure children understand not to swallow the rinse.
Key Takeaways
- DIY mouthwashes are natural, affordable, and chemical-free alternatives to store-bought oral rinses.
- Regular use supports improved oral hygiene, fresher breath, and reduced plaque.
- Popular homemade ingredients include baking soda, salt, aloe vera, coconut oil, and essential oils.
- Check with your dental care provider before switching to homemade mouthwash, especially if you have ongoing oral issues.
References
- https://homeandtexture.com/homemade-mouthwash/
- https://earth911.com/diy/natural-mouthwash-recipes/
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/homemade-mouthwash/
- https://www.stylecraze.com/articles/home-remedies-for-flawless-skin/
- https://blog.mountainroseherbs.com/herbal-mouthwash-recipe
- https://ajbls.com/sites/default/files/AsianJBiolLifeSci-12-1-172.pdf
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10690551/
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
