Tired of paying too much for mouthwash? Do you want to ditch toxins and use natural products? Or are you out of mouthwash and need to make your own? This homemade mouthwash recipe is for you! You can make your own natural mouthwash in under 5 minutes. Fight odor and bacteria at the same time, naturally!
I’ve always been a minimalist when it comes to self-care. Even before our lifestyle change (ditching toxic chemicals and living more naturally), I never understood the concept of mouthwash, facial serums, or special eye creams. That is until I hit 30!
Eye cream? Why yes, I believe my eyes could use some special treatment. Two kids + years of iffy sleep = eye cream intervention. Facial serum? Oh yes, let’s do it! And mouthwash? Well, that’s the subject of today’s post and something I’ve now added to my natural dental routine.
Of course, I think all of us know about store-bought mouthwash: the famous neon blue or green colors (far from natural, right?!) and a long list of ingredients that are far from natural.
Why do you need mouthwash?
Mouthwash can help to control plaque, prevent tooth decay, decrease inflammation in the mouth, treat bad breath, balance the pH of the mouth, offer antibacterial properties, and provide beneficial minerals for remineralizing teeth (this is one of the reasons I consume Real Salt and not table salt–and yes, I buy it in a 10 lb bucket).
Side note: This is my favorite natural mouthwash and toothpowder for remineralizing. I used this back in 2018 after having a couple of cavities and ended up not needing to fill one of them.
What is a natural alternative to mouthwash?
There are quite a few natural alternatives to mouthwash. Most mouthwash alternatives are made with simple ingredients that you can find in your kitchen or at the grocery store: baking soda, aloe vera, essential oils, and mineral-rich salt.
The ingredients used to make a homemade mouthwash alternative all depend on your goal for the mouthwash. This article from the dentist at Soundview Family Dental shares how to make specific homemade mouthwash recipes according to your dental needs, using natural ingredients.
The recipe below is the natural homemade mouthwash that I use on a daily basis after brushing for fighting off gingivitis and general mouth care. It’s become part of my dental hygiene routine.
How do I make my own mouthwash?
Making natural homemade mouthwash is super easy and a budget-friendly product to add to a good oral hygiene routine for oral health! As in 5 ingredient easy! Five ingredients that you can actually pronounce and probably already own. To make this homemade DIY mouthwash recipe, here’s what you’ll need…
- aloe vera juice (or gel)
- baking soda
- peppermint essential oil
- tea tree essential oil
- distilled water (or filtered water)
Aloe Vera
According to the Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry, aloe vera has been shown to help with periodontal disease, which is the inflammation of gums and bone that surround the teeth. According to another study, “Dental uses of Aloe Vera are multiple. It is extremely helpful in the treatment of gum diseases like gingivitis, periodontitis. It reduces bleeding, inflammation and swelling of the gums. It is a powerful antiseptic in pockets where normal cleaning is difficult, and its antifungal properties help greatly in the problem of denture stomatitis, apthous ulcers, cracked and split corners of the mouth…”
Baking Soda
Baking soda is believed to help neutralize acids (balance the pH of the mouth), take care of odors (good-bye, bad breath!), and fight germs. Some studies also show that baking soda may help fight stains on teeth.
Essential Oils
Peppermint essential oil and tea tree oil are added for their antibacterial properties. Peppermint also adds a natural minty flavor to homemade mouthwash. I like to buy my essential oils from Plant Therapy.
Distilled Water
Distilled water is used to dilute the aloe vera and other ingredients. You can also use filtered water, just make sure you keep the mouthwash in the fridge and use it quickly.
How to use homemade mouthwash
Using a homemade mouthwash is just like using a store-bought mouthwash. First, brush your teeth (I love this minty homemade toothpaste or the best store-bought natural toothpaste). Next, floss (I love this natural floss from Dr. Tungs). Pour the mouthwash into a cup (about 3-5 teaspoons) and swish the mouthwash for about 30 seconds. Spit it out. Keep this homemade mouthwash in the fridge between uses.
Easy Homemade Mouthwash
Equipment
- 8-ounce jar or larger
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup aloe vera juice OR aloe vera gel (check the supplement section of a health food store)
- 1/2 cup distilled water OR filtered water
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 2 drops peppermint essential oil
- 1 drop tea tree essential oil
Instructions
- To a 8-ounce bottle or larger (I purchase my bottles from HomeGoods or Target, check the kitchen gadget aisle), add all the ingredients: aloe vera, water, baking soda, peppermint essential oil, and tea tree oil.
- Seal the bottle and shake to combine the ingredients. The baking soda should dissolve after just a few shakes. Store the mouthwash in the fridge between uses.
To Use:
- Using a homemade mouthwash is just like using a store-bought mouthwash. First, brush your teeth (I love this minty homemade toothpaste or the best store-bought natural toothpaste). Next, floss (I love this natural floss from Dr. Tungs). Pour the mouthwash into a cup (about 3-5 teaspoons) and swish the mouthwash for about 30 seconds. Spit it out.
Hi Kristin! Would this still be effective if I left out the essential oil or is that necessary for cleaning the teeth?
Thanks for the recipe for a natural mouthwash seems very easy.
The essential oils which appear in the images above are by Aura Cacia. I contacted the company today and asked if they were safe for internal use. They said, “No,” that their bottles are labeled, “NOT FOR INTERNAL USE”
I’m not sure if that’s just cautionary since they list their intended use as aromatherapy, but it seems they may not be the best for putting in your mouth.
Hey yesenia, Essential oils, no matter what the brand may be, are not intended to be consumed unless you’re under a doctor’s specific counsel. Essential oils are incredibly potent, which is why they are always diluted and should not be consumed as a food or drink–any company that labels or advertises their oils otherwise is putting consumers in danger (in my opinion). A mouthwash shouldn’t be consumed as a drink (taken internally), as with any store-bought mouthwash with the same “do not ingest” labeling.
Hi Ktistin. Is this mouthwash ok for kids to use as well?
Yes, I believe so. As long as they don’t swallow.
Can I leave out the baking soda and add som xylitol. I think my family likes a sweet mouthwash.
Hey April, I would try reducing the baking soda and adding a bit of xylitol. I wouldn’t take it out completely.
I was wondering…Can I use virgin olive oil instead of essential oil?
Hey Vangelicest, Essential oils are very unique and not like traditional oils (sunflower, olive, etc.), so unfortunately olive oil won’t work.
I found your recipe in the newest “Willow and Sage” magazine. I started reading about the popular storebought mouthwash we were buying and it scared me to see what we used thinking we are staying healthy! The same day I made a shopping list and we went to the local health store. The first use was strange – it was so much different that painfully minty store brand, but the next day I enjoyed taste of essential oils and the fact that my mouth did not burn after using it. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
Hey Weronika, Thank you for popping over to Live Simply to share your experience with the mouthwash! I’m so glad you’re enjoying this!
Hi Kristin:
Which ingredient is the emulsifier in this receipt? Thanks.
Hey Marina, An emulsifier isn’t needed in this recipe since oil and water aren’t mixed together to create the final product.
The additional ingredients are
Organic
burdock root
Ginger root
Turmeric root
Sheep sorted
Peppermint leaf
Turkey rhubarb root
Slippery elm bark
Hey Laura, I would use the aloe juice with the additional herbs.
When I clicked on your aloe Vera juice where to buy I was sent to Amazon and purchased it. When I got it I saw it was aloe vera plus with a lot of extra ingredients. I don’t want to drink it. I just want to make your mouthwash. Can I still use it or should I return it? Not sure if any of those ingredients would be absorbed by swishing it in my mouth.
Hey Laura, I haven’t been able to find an aloe vera juice that doesn’t have additional ingredients, just because aloe goes bad quickly–even the regular one has additional ingredients. I’m not about the additional ingredients in the Plus, but my guess is that they are safe for the mouthwash.
And thank you for brining the Plus to my attention–Amazon must have switched out the regular with the plus. I’ll update that link.
Hey Kristen,
Could you use a hydrosol instead of the distilled water?
Hey Phil, I believe so.
This recipe sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it! Got the Aloe Vera juice in the cart right now. 😉 But I have a question: What do you think of the idea of putting coconut oil or peroxide in the mouthwash?
I’ve read and experienced so many good things with coconut oil for the teeth, just curious if maybe it would help whiten them. Just a thought! 🙂
Thanks again for the recipe! 😀
Hey Bree, I think either one would be a great addition. If you go with coconut oil, I would use fractionated coconut oil, since it’s in liquid form.
I live outside the U.S., and I’m not sure I can get aloe vera juice in my country. Is there any substitute I can use instead? (I’m thinking a little bit of aloe vera gel plus something else, maybe an herbal tea/tincture?) I’m new to DIY self-care, so I’m not sure how to adapt recipes yet. 🙂
Hey Amy, Hmmm, I’m not sure if there’s a substitute. You could try fresh aloe in small batches, or just leave it out and let the baking soda and water do the “magic.” You could also try an herbal mouthwash, like this: http://mountainroseblog.com/herbal-mouthwash-recipe/.
Hey Kristin! I just came across your blog through Pinterest. I just have to say that I love your story! Eating processed foods has never really concerned me until recently. I thought, “I grew up on processed food and I’m just fine!” But I’m starting to realize that my adult body isn’t really loving the processed food anymore. I’m not quite ready to switch to a super strict diet, and may never do that. But I am trying to use fresh and healthy ingredients in my home cooking. I am excited to explore your blog some more!
I just have a quick question on the mouthwash. Does it leave a bad aftertaste? That’s the main reason I haven’t used store bought mouthwash, I can’t stand the aftertaste. It leaves a terrible taste in my mouth for hours. And it burns. I’m looking for something that will be good for my mouth and teeth, but not leave that horrible taste. Also, what else do you use Aloe Vera juice for?? I have never even heard of it until now.
Thank you! – Oh, and I think your blog is beautiful.
-Keeley
Hey Keeley,
Thank you so much!
I totally understand about the processed food. I felt the same way, and then once I began reading and learning about the food we were consuming, I was quite shocked to realize most of it wasn’t even food: lacking naturally-occurring vitamins, minerals, and nutrients. I’m excited for you! I love the idea of “real food” (presented originally by Michael Pollan) because it’s a lifestyle of just eating the way great-grandma did, and as you mention “fresh and healthy ingredients in… and home cooking.” I love the fact that it’s not a restricting diet, but rather a delicious lifestyle! You’re doing an awesome job at adopting this lifestyle already!!
For the mouthwash, I haven’t found that it leaves an aftertaste. It’s pretty neutral, other than the essential oil which can be added for “flavor,” but even that taste doesn’t linger. I really prefer using aloe vera gel in my DIYs, it’s super soothing for the skin, but it’s thick, so I use aloe juice in this recipe. Aloe vera juice is sold as a “dietary supplement” so you can actually drink it in small amounts. From what I’ve read, it’s great for the digestive system and immune system. You could definitely try gel, which is more versatile for DIYs, but it will create a thicker product.
Hey Kristin,
I completely agree! I’ve been using mouthwash lately as one of those in-between things that helps out in the afternoon. I’ve been brushing twice a day but towards the end of the work day I find my mouth needs a bit of maintenance.
I’m curious to hear about how you found these different ingredients. I’ve heard of baking soda, aloe vera and essential oils all being useful for oral health, but what led you to this specific recipe?
Hey Oradyne, I’ve stumbled across the research and suggestions as well that baking soda and aloe vera are great for dental health, so I used this research to create a mouthwash for myself. When I make a DIY, I also take a look at what’s on the market in health food stores. Many times the ingredients listed on these natural products are incredibly easy to reproduce at home with a bit of tweaking.
So your ratio of ingredients is based on taste preference as opposed to health or scientific data ?
Hi Lana,
You’re welcome to research the benefits of the ingredients in the recipe. Then you can develop a ratio recipe you feel comfortable using.
LS Team.
What would the shelf life be?
Hey Adrienne, I’ve kept my mouthwash out at room temperature for 7 days without any issue. Any longer, I store the remaining mouthwash in the fridge. The mouthwash will last for several months in the fridge.
Hi Kristin, thanks for the recipe. I have aloe vera plants and am wondering what you think about using the gel directly from the plant instead of the juice?
Hey Cheryl, You’re welcome :). I think fresh aloe gel would be awesome! The only concern would be the texture. Just thinking out loud, if the texture is funky (chunky) I would try mixing the the mouthwash with an immersion blender or mixer. The mouthwash might not last as long at room temperature, so storing the final product in the fridge will be essential.
Is it okay to leave out the tea tree oil? Also, would it be okay to switch clove oil for the peppermint to have a little variety?
Hey Toni, Yes, you can :). Clove oil is a “hot” oil, but good for dental health (from what I’ve read), so I would stick with just a drop.
Thank you, Kristin, for this recipe. I will definitely put it to good use in my on-going journey to amore healthy lifestyle. I was a little taken back however, when I saw that you were using Aura Cacia oil in this recipe. I realize that you are not swallowing the mouth wash, but liquids that we put in our mouths absorb very quickly into our blood stream. I have no personal knowledge of Aura Cacia oil and how pure it is, but if you think this might be an issue for you there are therapeutic-grade oils out there. I use them for my tooth powder recipe. Thanks again. I’m happy that I stumbled upon your blog. I think it will be a huge help in my journey!
Hey Stephanie, Enjoy the mouthwash! I’m so glad you found Live Simply!
Regarding essential oils, Aura Cacia is a fantastic brand of oils. They are well-sourced and I have the utmost respect for the company. They are a sister company of Simply Organic and Frontier Co-op (I work with them outside the blog doing photography projects on occasion, so I’ve been able to get to know the companies under Frontier from the inside) and can vouch for their quality :). Here’s an article that may prove helpful regarding essential oils, quality, etc: https://livesimply.me/2015/03/07/essential-oils-101-22-important-questions-answers/. I personally wouldn’t recommend ingesting (swallowing oils in food or water) any oil brands, including Young Living or DoTerra, unless someone is seeing a practitioner. While the skin does absorb substances, purposely swallowing oils can prove very dangerous with repeated uses and when not overseen by a qualified practitioner for a specific reason.
Thanks for sharing this. I have been trying to make as much homemade things as possible, and this would be good to try.
Awesome, Kaolee! This homemade recipe is a great one to make. Enjoy!!
Thank you!!! I went to Walmart yesterday put mouthwash in my cart then put it back because I want healthier and cheaper mouthwash. So did my homework and found you. I will be using your mouth wash recipe from now on.
Thank you so much!!!,
Nina from Hawaii?
That’s great, Navina! SO happy the Live Simply blog is helping you. Thank you for taking the time to share and comment.
LS Team