How to Use Essential Oils for Mouthwash

Why use essential oils for mouthwash to make homemade mouthwash? You can avoid the alcohol, dyes, preservatives, and artificial sweeteners present in many commercial mouthwashes and control the quality of the ingredients.

This article contains five mouthwash recipes. What will you find in these recipes? Some of the ingredients include:

• Baking soda may help neutralize the acid that causes cavities.
• Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that gives the mouthwash a slightly sweet taste. Xylitol may or may not help prevent cavities.
  
• Essential oils have properties that may kill some of the bacteria that cause cavities. The oils also give the mouthwash a more pleasant flavor—peppermint and spearmint are popular.

Go here for toothpaste recipes.

Note: Use sterilized containers to store mouthwash.

Natural Mouthwash Recipes With Baking Soda

Baking Soda Mouthwash

• 1/2 cup filtered or distilled water
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
  

Mix all ingredients in a glass container that has a lid. Shake well.

Use as needed, shaking well before each use (the baking soda settles to the bottom). Swish 2 to 3 teaspoons of mouthwash in your mouth for a minute or two and then spit it out.

Source: DIY Natural

Aloe Vera Mouthwash With Essential Oils

One study indicated that aloe vera may be an effective mouthwash due to its ability to reduce dental plaque.

• 1 cup aloe vera juice
• 1/2 cup distilled water
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 10 to 20 drops peppermint essential oil
  

Mix all ingredients in a bottle and use as needed, shaking before each use.

Source: DIY Natural

Essential Oil Mouthwash Recipe

Makes about 8 ounces.

• 1 teaspoon raw honey
• 2 drops spearmint essential oil
• 2 drops peppermint essential oil
• 1 drop anise essential oil
• 1 cup distilled water or sage herbal tea

1. Place honey in glass cup. Blend in the essential oils.
2. Add a small amount of the water or tea. Stir until honey is completely dissolved.
3. Stir in the remaining water or tea. Bottle and label.

To use: Shake well. Swish a small amount of the mixture in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds. Spit out.

Source: Aromatherapy, A Holistic Guide to Natural Healing With Essential Oils

Teeth Whitening Mouthwash

In addition to whitening, this mouthwash purportedly helps remineralize teeth using calcium carbonate powder and liquid trace minerals.

• 2 teaspoons calcium carbonate powder
• 10 drops liquid stevia
• 40 drops trace minerals concentrate
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 2 cups filtered or distilled water

1. In a large glass mixing cup, stir together the calcium powder and stevia.
2. Add the liquid minerals and essential oils.
3. Swirl the mixture until the calcium powder absorbs the essential oils.
4. Stir in the water.
5. Pour mouthwash into a glass bottle.
6. Close the lid tightly and shake for 30 to 60 seconds.

Store this mouthwash in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Use as needed, shaking well before each use.

Source: Living the Nourished Life

Peppermint-Myrrh-Lemon Essential Oils for Mouthwash

Makes about 4 ounces.

• 1/3 cup apple cider vinegar
• 4 teaspoons tea tree hydrosol (or brandy)
• 1 teaspoon vegetable glycerin
• 10 drops lemon essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil
• 5 drops myrrh essential oil

1. Combine all ingredients in a sterilized resealable 4-ounce glass jar. Seal and shake well.
2. Set jar aside in a cool, dark place for four days, shaking occasionally.
3. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into another sterilized resealable jar. Store in dark place for up to 12 months.

To use: In a glass, combine 1 teaspoon mouthwash and 1/4 cup warm weather. Use to rinse your mouth thoroughly, and then spit out the mixture. Do not swallow.

Source: The Complete Aromatherapy & Essential Oils Handbook for Everyday Wellness

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