Making your own mouthwash at home can be a simple and effective way to maintain oral hygiene while avoiding some of the chemicals found in commercial products. Here’s a basic recipe for a homemade mouthwash that uses natural ingredients:

Basic Homemade Mouthwash Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup of distilled or boiled water (cooled)
  • 1-2 teaspoons of baking soda
  • 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil (or spearmint)
  • 2-3 drops of tea tree essential oil (optional, for its antibacterial properties)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Water:
    • Start with one cup of distilled or previously boiled water to ensure it’s free of impurities. Make sure it’s cooled down to room temperature.
  2. Add Baking Soda:
    • Add 1 to 2 teaspoons of baking soda to the water. Baking soda helps neutralize acids in the mouth, reducing the risk of tooth decay and improving breath.
  3. Add Essential Oils:
    • Add 2 to 3 drops of peppermint essential oil. This not only gives a fresh taste but also has antibacterial properties.
    • Optionally, add 2 to 3 drops of tea tree essential oil for its additional antibacterial effects. Be cautious with the amount, as tea tree oil is potent and can be overwhelming.
  4. Mix:
    • Stir or shake the mixture well to ensure that the baking soda is fully dissolved and the oils are evenly distributed.
  5. Store:
    • Pour the mixture into a clean bottle or jar with a lid. Store it in a cool, dry place.
  6. Use:
    • Shake well before each use. Swish about 1-2 tablespoons of the mouthwash in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit it out. Do not swallow.

Tips:

  • Do Not Swallow: Homemade mouthwashes should not be swallowed. While the ingredients are generally safe, they are intended for topical use only.
  • Shelf Life: Since this recipe includes natural ingredients without preservatives, it’s best used within a week or two. You can make smaller batches more frequently if needed.
  • Customization: Feel free to adjust the amount of essential oils based on your preference for strength and flavor. You can also experiment with other flavors like cinnamon or clove oil.

This simple homemade mouthwash can be an effective part of your daily oral hygiene routine. However, it’s important to continue regular dental check-ups and consult with a dentist if you have specific oral health concerns.

Mouthwash???  What is it doing here???

Yes mouthwash also has alcohol in it …. a lot ….. as in 28%!!!!

Go test it for alcohol content ….