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What Are the Different Types of Natural Mouthwash?

Jennifer Leigh
Jennifer Leigh

There are many varieties of natural mouthwash that can be used in place of synthetic mouthwashes that are full of preservatives and chemicals. Natural mouthwash can be purchased at the store or made at home using simple and inexpensive ingredients. This type of mouthwash can include ingredients such as baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, essential oils or many other things. When purchasing natural mouthwash, consumers can look on the label to determine whether it is truly natural or simply labeled that way. The benefits of natural mouthwash include not having unhealthy ingredients in it and being better for the environment.

Natural mouthwash can be purchased at many grocery and natural food stores. There are many different brands so individuals should look on the label for ingredients including natural coloring, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide. Sometimes natural oils are used along with aloe vera to provide a cleansing and cooling effect. It is healthier to avoid brands listed as natural that include ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfates and to make sure that the brands are paraben-free. Mouthwashes should be flavored with natural essential oils rather than chemicals.

Tea tree oil can be used to make natural mouthwash.
Tea tree oil can be used to make natural mouthwash.

Water is an ingredient included in many natural mouthwashes that helps bind the other ingredients together. Consumers should look for brands that use purified water as one of the top ingredients on the list. In homemade mouthwash, purified water is an excellent base to start the recipe off with before additional anti-bacterial and flavoring ingredients are added.

Natural mouthwash may contain coconut oil.
Natural mouthwash may contain coconut oil.

Homemade natural mouthwash is made from natural ingredients that kill germs and fight bad breath. Sea salt, baking soda and hydrogen peroxide are all effective at this. Other ingredients that have natural health effects include tea tree oil, coconut oil, and green tea extract. Many herbs naturally kill germs and freshen the breath including cloves, oregano and rosemary. All of these options are chemical- and preservative-free and still provide the freshening benefits of regular mouthwash.

Essential oil from cloves is often used in natural mouthwash.
Essential oil from cloves is often used in natural mouthwash.

The varieties of natural mouthwash are endless due to the many combinations of natural ingredients available. It is important for individuals to find a combination of flavors and ingredients they find enjoyable. When making it at home, it is possible to make small batches to test out the combinations.

Environmental concerns from certain mouthwashes include the risk of chemicals going down the drain and into the water system. Animal testing also occurs with some brands. Individuals should make sure that the brand they buy does not employ animal testing in the process of making it.

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    • Tea tree oil can be used to make natural mouthwash.
      By: Dmitry Vereshchagin
      Tea tree oil can be used to make natural mouthwash.
    • Natural mouthwash may contain coconut oil.
      By: Marco Mayer
      Natural mouthwash may contain coconut oil.
    • Essential oil from cloves is often used in natural mouthwash.
      By: serenacar
      Essential oil from cloves is often used in natural mouthwash.
    • One of the biggest reasons people use mouthwash is that it fights bad breath and helps keep the mouth smelling pleasant much longer than ordinary toothpaste does.
      By: Piotr Marcinski
      One of the biggest reasons people use mouthwash is that it fights bad breath and helps keep the mouth smelling pleasant much longer than ordinary toothpaste does.
    • Natural mouthwashes can also be purchased pre-packaged at the drugstore.
      By: chas53
      Natural mouthwashes can also be purchased pre-packaged at the drugstore.