How to Make Simple Mouthwashes

Last Updated: February 8, 2023 References Approved

If you can't find the right mouthwash or find it too expensive, you can try making your own. The great thing about homemade mouthwash is that you know what's in it and can avoid such ingredients as saccharin or coloring. Making mouthwash is fast, fun, and it works just as well as the commercial varieties.

Ingredients

Baking soda mouthwash:

1 part baking soda
6 parts water
Flavoring (mint)

Rosemary-mint mouthwash:

2½ cups distilled or mineral water
1 tsp fresh mint leaves
1 tsp rosemary leaves
1 tsp anise seeds

Spearmint mouthwash:

6 ounces water
2 ounces vodka
4 teaspoons liquid glycerine
1 teaspoon aloe vera gel
10-15 drops spearmint essential oil

Toothpaste mouthwash:

Toothpaste of choice
Water

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Baking Soda Mouthwash

1
Mix baking soda and water. You may have to experiment to get the texture you want.^{[1]
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Research source}
2
Add mint flavoring or whatever flavor you want your mouthwash to taste like. Just be sure that your flavoring has no sugar in it.^{[2]
X
Trustworthy Source
US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health
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3
Measure out 1 tablespoon of mouthwash and gargle for 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash

1
Boil the water.
2
Add herbs and seeds, infuse for 20 minutes.^{[3]
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3
Cool, strain and use as a gargle/mouthwash.
4
Double or triple the recipe and add 1 teaspoon of tincture of myrrh as a natural preservative, if you wish to make up a larger quantity.

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Spearmint Mouthwash

1
Boil the water and vodka.
2
Add glycerine and aloe vera gel.^{[4]
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Research source}
3
Remove from the heat, let cool slightly.
4
Add spearmint oil.^{[5]
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PubMed Central
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5
Pour into bottle, cap tightly.
6
Shake well.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Toothpaste Mouthwash

1
Get a small glass of drinking water.
2
Squeeze a little of your everyday toothpaste into your glass. Use roughly the same amount you'd need to brush your teeth.
3
Do not swallow this toothpaste!
4
Put a small amount of water in your mouth along with the paste. Work with your cheeks and tongue to break up the toothpaste. Then swoosh inside your mouth for 30 seconds (do not gargle).^{[6]
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Trustworthy Source
American Dental Association
World's largest dental professional organization and advocate for proper oral health
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- If needed, use a toothbrush to help break it down but be careful not to gag.
5
Spit it all out. Again, do not swallow. Your mouth should feel wonderfully refreshed.

Warnings

Never swallow mouthwash, even if it is just toothpaste and water.

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You could brush your teeth with a small amount of bicarbonate of soda or baking powder to whiten but this trick is not to be used frequently as it can wear down the teeth with overuse.

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