Natural Solutions for Bad Breath, Cavity Prevention, and Gum Health With Our Favorite Homemade Mouthwash / Mouth Rinse Recipes.

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When it comes to maintaining a healthy, glowing smile, we all know the importance of brushing and flossing. But what about mouthwash? Incorporating a good rinse into your oral care routine can make a big difference in fighting bad breath, keeping gums healthy, and even strengthening your teeth. And the best part? You can make your own all-natural mouthwash at home!

With simple ingredients, you can customize your mouthwash to target specific concerns like bad breath, inflammation, cavity prevention, or teeth remineralization. It’s budget-friendly, eco-conscious, and lets you ditch harsh chemicals found in store-bought options. Trust me—you’ll love these five recipes that will leave your mouth feeling fresh, clean, and oh-so-healthy!

Why Make Your Own Mouthwash?

Making your own mouthwash / mouth rinse isn’t just a fun DIY project—it’s a game-changer for your oral care routine. Switching to homemade mouthwash has a range of benefits that go beyond the obvious, giving you a healthier, more natural alternative to store-bought options. Here’s why it’s worth the effort:

• Customizable to Your Needs: When you make your own mouthwash, you can tailor it to address specific concerns like gum inflammation, bad breath, whitening, or even cavity prevention. Need something soothing for irritated gums? Add aloe vera or tea tree oil. Want to brighten your smile? A little turmeric & coconut oil or baking soda can do wonders. With DIY, the power to create the perfect blend for your oral health is in your hands.

• Eco-Friendly and Sustainable: Store-bought mouthwash often comes in plastic bottles that add to environmental waste. By making your own, you can use reusable glass bottles, helping to reduce plastic usage while creating a more sustainable lifestyle. Plus, you’ll feel great knowing you’re contributing to a healthier planet with every swish.

• Budget-Friendly: Many of the ingredients used in homemade mouthwash, like baking soda, salt, or peppermint essential oil, are pantry staples or inexpensive to purchase. No need to spend on overpriced commercial products when you can whip up an effective mouthwash at home for a fraction of the cost.

• Gentle and Free of Harsh Chemicals: Store-bought mouthwashes often contain alcohol and synthetic chemicals that can dry out or irritate your mouth, leaving it feeling less-than-fresh. Homemade mouthwash uses natural, gentle ingredients that not only cleanse but also nourish your gums and teeth. It’s a safer option for sensitive mouths and an excellent choice for anyone looking to avoid potentially harmful additives.

• Empowering and Fun: Let’s not forget how satisfying it feels to create something that works so well. Making your own mouthwash allows you to take control of your health, use clean and effective ingredients, and add a little creativity to your routine. Plus, it’s a great way to involve family or kids in healthier habits!

5 Favorite DIY Mouthwash Recipes

Each recipe below is designed to target a specific oral health concern. Whether you’re battling bad breath, looking to prevent cavities, or soothing inflamed gums, there’s a recipe for you!

Fresh Mint & Cinnamon Mouthwash

Best For: Fighting Bad Breath

Ingredients:

1 cinnamon stick

1 cup distilled water

1 teaspoon baking soda

5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Simmer the cinnamon stick in water for 10 minutes.

Let the mixture cool and remove the cinnamon stick.

Add baking soda and peppermint essential oil, then stir well.

Store in a glass jar or bottle and shake before use.

Why It Works:

Cinnamon contains cinnamic aldehyde, which reduces bacteria in saliva, while peppermint refreshes your breath with its antiseptic properties. Baking soda neutralizes acids that contribute to bad breath.

Remineralizing Mouthwash

Best For: Strengthening Teeth and Preventing Cavities

Ingredients:

1 cup distilled water

1 tablespoon calcium carbonate

1 teaspoon xylitol

5 drops peppermint essential oil

5 drops magnesium oil

Instructions:

Mix all ingredients in a clean glass jar or bottle until dissolved.

Shake well before each use.

Why It Works:

Calcium carbonate replenishes minerals in tooth enamel, xylitol inhibits bacterial growth, and magnesium oil supports healthy teeth and gums.

Soothing Salt & Baking Soda Rinse

Best For: Inflammation and Gingivitis

Ingredients:

1 cup warm distilled water

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 teaspoon baking soda

Instructions:

Dissolve salt and baking soda in warm water.

Store in a glass container and use as needed.

Why It Works:

Salt reduces inflammation and soothes gums, while baking soda neutralizes acids and gently cleans teeth, helping to combat gingivitis.

Herbal Clove & Green Tea Mouthwash

Best For: Cavity Prevention and Bad Breath

Ingredients:

1 cup brewed green tea (cooled)

1 teaspoon raw honey

3 drops clove essential oil

Instructions:

Brew green tea, let it cool, and mix in honey and clove essential oil.

Store in a glass bottle and refrigerate.

Why It Works:

Green tea is rich in antioxidants that prevent decay, clove fights bacteria, and honey provides additional antibacterial benefits.

Aloe Vera & Tea Tree Oil Rinse

Best For: Irritated Gums and Fresh Breath

Ingredients:

1 cup aloe vera juice (Fresh from inside leaf)

5 drops tea tree oil

5 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

Combine ingredients in a bottle and shake well before use.

Why It Works:

Aloe vera soothes irritation, tea tree oil fights bacteria, and peppermint provides a fresh, clean feeling.

Remineralizing Your Teeth

Remineralizing your teeth is one of the most important steps in maintaining a healthy, cavity-free smile. Over time, daily wear and tear, exposure to acidic foods and drinks, and even natural aging can weaken your tooth enamel, making it more susceptible to decay and sensitivity. Fortunately, the process of remineralization can help restore the essential minerals your teeth need to stay strong and healthy.

What is remineralization?

It’s the process of replenishing minerals like calcium and phosphate in your tooth enamel. These minerals are crucial for maintaining the strength and integrity of your teeth, protecting them against cavities, erosion, and sensitivity. When your teeth are exposed to minerals in saliva, food, or oral care products, they can naturally repair minor damage and fortify against future decay.

Key ingredients for remineralization:

• Calcium Carbonate: A vital building block of strong enamel, calcium helps repair microscopic damage and fortifies teeth against decay. (See our post on making your own Calcium Carbonate Powder )

• Magnesium: This mineral supports the absorption and effectiveness of calcium, ensuring that your teeth are getting the full benefits.

• Xylitol: Known for its cavity-fighting properties, xylitol prevents harmful bacteria from sticking to your teeth and encourages a healthier oral environment.

By incorporating these ingredients into your oral care routine, you can actively strengthen your teeth and protect them from the effects of daily life. Whether it’s through a remineralizing mouthwash or toothpaste, (linked our our favorite store brand although we practically always make ours from scratch unless in a pinch) these minerals work together to rebuild your smile from the inside out.

For a complete natural oral care routine, pair your favorite remineralizing mouthwash with our DIY All-Natural Remineralizing Toothpaste. This powerhouse combination works synergistically to cleanse, protect, and strengthen your teeth, giving you the confidence to flash your healthiest, brightest smile yet!

Important Notes

While these homemade oral care recipes are designed to be gentle and effective, it’s important to remember that this is not medical advice. Every individual is unique, and what works well for one person may not work the same for another. Always consult with your healthcare physician or dental care team before incorporating new oral care recipes into your routine, especially if you have underlying dental or medical conditions, or are taking medications that could interact with certain ingredients.

The information provided in this post is based on personal experience and research, and it’s meant to inspire and inform—not to replace professional guidance. Your dentist and healthcare provider know your specific needs best, so be sure to check in with them to ensure these recipes are a good fit for your oral health goals.

Safety First: Perform a Patch Test

Before using any homemade mouthwash or toothpaste daily, test a small amount of the recipe on a small area of your mouth (like the inner cheek) or your skin. This quick patch test will help you determine if you have any sensitivities or allergic reactions to the ingredients. If you notice any redness, irritation, or discomfort, discontinue use immediately and consult with your healthcare provider.

There you have it—five all-natural, easy-to-make mouthwash / mouth rinse recipes for a fresh, healthy smile! Whether you’re battling bad breath, soothing gum inflammation, or strengthening your teeth, these DIY recipes have you covered. Remember to try our DIY remineralizing toothpaste for a complete natural oral care system.

Let me know in the comments which recipe is your favorite, and feel free to share your own DIY oral care tips. Stay tuned for our upcoming DIY guides on making your own cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, magnesium oil, tea tree oil, and clove oil at home! These easy, all-natural recipes will help you take your DIY journey to the next level, giving you full control over the purity and effectiveness of your ingredients.