We all know that daily brushing and flossing is essential for a healthy mouth and general wellbeing, but what about mouthwash?

Mouthwash is helpful addition to an oral care routine. Rinsing with a mouthwash washes away food particles and debris that regular brushing and flossing can’t reach.

But when it comes to commercially available mouthwashes, ingredients can vary greatly. Those containing alcohol may have a risks attached to them when used frequently.

That’s why many people prefer simpler mouthwash preparations that they can make themselves.

When supported by good oral hygiene habits (daily brushing and flossing), a healthy diet, and regular professional check ups and cleanings, natural mouthwash remedies can be a powerful tool for oral health, reducing plaque and tartar, and helping avoid bad breath and gingivitis.

Salt mouthwash

One of the most common and effective treatments for a variety of conditions is the salt water rinse. 

Salt water – administered as a mouthwash solution – is a natural disinfectant and can help your body wash away bacteria particles that contribute to bad breath, a great way to naturally fight off gum inflammation.  

To make a salt water rinse, simply add 1/2 to 3/4 of a teaspoon of salt to a glass of lukewarm water. Mix well and then swirl the solution around in your mouth for 30 seconds or so. Spit out the solution when you’re finished and repeat up to three times per day. 

Note: Long term use of salt water rinses can create their own issues, disturbing the pH balance of the mouth and negatively impacting tooth enamel, so use only as a temporary solution. 

Baking soda mouthwashes

Also known as sodium bicarbonate, research shows that rinsing with high concentration baking soda mixes is an effective way to kill bacteria in the mouth, and is safe for daily use.

Baking soda has also been shown to have positive impacts on mouth sores, tooth sensitivity, and throat pain.

The recipe is simple: just add a teaspoon of baking soda to a cup of warm water. Swirl for 30 seconds, then expel. 

Tea tree oil mouthwash

Tea tree oil rinses may help in the treatment of gingivitis. Long used as a natural balm for skin conditions including athlete’s foot, acne, and dandruff, tea tree oil is also an effective treatment for injuries such as cuts and burns. 

According to a report published in Clinical Microbiology Reviews in 2006, Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) Oil: a Review of Antimicrobial and Other Medicinal Properties, some researchers have reported decreases in the levels of oral bacteria using a tea tree oil infused mouthwash. 

Don’t ingest tea tree oil directly however – it can be toxic. Toothpastes or mouthwashes containing tea tree oil are the way to go. Simply add 3 drops of tea tree oil to a cup of warm water, rinse and expel.

Lemon grass

Lemon grass is another option. A paper titled Efficacy of 0.25% Lemongrass Oil Mouthwash: A Three Arm Prospective Parallel Clinical Study showed that the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in lemongrass oil mouthwash is “a good herbal alternative to chlorhexidine mouthwash”. 

To administer a lemongrass mouthwash yourself, add two to three drops of lemongrass essential oil to a cup of lukewarm water and swirl for 30 seconds before expelling. 

Aloe Vera mouthwash

AloeVera is an effective mouthwash. A paper entitled Comparative efficacy of aloe vera mouthwash and chlorhexidine on periodontal health: A randomized controlled trial, found that aloevera washes equal in effectiveness to Chlorhexidine, the disinfectant and antiseptic commonly use in over the counter mouthwashes. 

Mix half a cup of aloe vera juice with half a cup of distilled water, rinse and expel.

Sage mouthwashes

Research shows that sage extract-based mouthwash effectively lowers bacteria numbers in the mouth, thereby improving bad breath. Sage oil is also thought to accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation of the mouth.

There are scores of commercially available sage-based mouthwashes, but making your own is easy too. Simply mix together a cup of boiling water, one teaspoon of salt and 8 to ten sage leaves. Leave to soak and cool, then use as a mouthwash as needed.  

Guava leaf mouthwashes

Mixing half a dozen guava leaves with a cup of boiling water creates a guava-infused mouthwash that helps fight gum disease. 

Research shows that guava leaves have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial properties and that “guava [is] an excellent antibacterial and antiplaque agent [and] may be a good adjunct to the mainstream periodontal treatment.” 

Oil pulling

Commonly known as ‘oil pulling’, rinsing the mouth with coconut oil is an increasingly popular way of improving oral hygiene. 

While more research is needed, there’s also some research citing its positive health impacts, including one study which finds “that oil pulling with coconut oil is helpful in decreasing plaque formation and plaque induced gingivitis”.

The recipe? Put a tablespoon of coconut oil into your mouth, let it melt, and swirl for five minutes, then expel.  

Remember, no natural remedy is a replacement for regular brushing and flossing and professional help and maintenance when it’s required. 

Simply Dental’s trained clinical team will work with you to create care plan focused on your happiness and health. Make a booking with Simply Dental here or call 0800 123 343.