Top 9 DIY Natural Mouthwash Recipes for Fresh Breath

Using a natural mouthwash at home is a simple way to care for your teeth and gums. It helps clean your mouth gently without the harsh chemicals found in many store brands.

People often prefer natural options to avoid alcohol, fluoride, and artificial additives. Making your own mouthwash is simple and budget-friendly. You can also change the ingredients to match your needs or taste.

This article explains the key benefits of natural mouth rinses. It also shares clear, step-by-step recipes using essential oils and natural ingredients to keep your mouth clean, fresh, and healthy.

Benefits of natural mouthwash

Contrary to most commercial products, a chemical-free mouthwash offers teeth and gums the following benefits:

• Reduces bacteria that cause plaque, cavities, and gingivitis thanks for natural ingredients’ antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
• Avoids harsh additives like alcohol, fluoride, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS).

Using a fluoride-free mouthwash DIY lets you avoid synthetic chemicals while still caring for your teeth and gums.

• Freshens breath with natural flavors
• Whitens teeth gently without chemicals
• Soothes irritated gums and reduces inflammation.

If you often experience gum bleeding or tenderness, explore science-based home remedies for bleeding gums for extra gum care support.

• Supports overall oral health with effective plant-based ingredients

Common ingredients in natural mouthwash

Herbal mouthwash recipes use ingredients such as:

• Essential oils: peppermint, tea tree, myrrh, cinnamon, clove oil – for fresh breath and bacteria control
• Herbal infusions: rosemary, cloves, echinacea for gum health
• Apple cider vinegar: natural pH adjuster with antibacterial effects
• Hydrogen peroxide: gentle teeth whitening agent
• Baking soda: a mild cleanser and pH balancer
• Aloe vera: soothes irritated gums.

Aloe vera is also a powerful skincare ingredient. You can see its soothing benefits in these natural aloe vera face mask recipes.

• Xylitol: natural sweetener that also combats cavities
• Minerals: calcium carbonate to strengthen enamel

These create clean-ingredient mouthwash recipes that are safe and effective.

9 easy natural mouthwash recipes

Essential oil mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 3-4 drops peppermint essential oil
• 2 drops tea tree essential oil
• 2 drops myrrh essential oil

Instructions:

• Mix ingredients in a dark glass bottle.
• Shake well before use.
• Take about 2 tablespoons, swish in your mouth for 30-60 seconds, then spit it out. Do not swallow.
• Storage in a dark glass bottle is essential to protect the oils.

Baking soda and peppermint mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3-4 drops peppermint or tea tree oil

Instructions:

• Dissolve baking soda in water.
• Add essential oils and stir gently.
• Use 2 tablespoons to swish for 30 seconds, then spit out.

This mouthwash can help freshen breath and whiten teeth gently.

For more natural ways to use baking soda safely, check out natural remedies for sore throat, which also features baking soda as a gentle remedy.

Note:

Use this natural mouthwash maximum twice daily to prevent potential enamel wear from overuse of baking soda.

Grandma’s disinfecting mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar

Instructions:

• Add all ingredients in a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
• Shake well before use.
• Swish 2 tablespoons for 30 seconds and spit out.

This alcohol-free version can help balance mouth pH and fight bacteria.

Caution:

Though apple cider vinegar is a natural pH adjuster and antibacterial agent, it’s is highly acidic. So, rinsing with acidic solutions can erode tooth enamel over time.

If you try this natural oral care, use it only sparingly and always rinse with plain water afterward. Plain water can help neutralize the acid and protect enamel.

⇨ Related reading: Grandma’s natural hair fall remedies

Herb-infused mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• ½ ounce whole cloves
• 1 ounce Oregon grape root
• 1 ounce rosemary sprigs

Instructions:

• Boil water and add cloves, Oregon grape root, and rosemary. Continue boiling for 1 minute, then turn off the heat.
• Cover and steep herbs overnight.
• Strain through cheesecloth in the morning.
• Use 2 tablespoons to rinse and spit out.
• Keep the extra mouthwash in a tightly closed glass container and place it in the fridge. Shake well before each use.

Hydrogen peroxide whitening mouthwash

Ingredients:

• Equal parts hydrogen peroxide (3%) and filtered water

Instructions:

• Mix small batch just before use.
• Swish 1 tablespoon for 30 seconds, then spit out.
• Immediately follow with a plain water rinse for peroxide removal and tissue protection.
• Do not swallow or store leftover.

Note:

Use sparingly to avoid irritation. This homemade mouthwash should not be used long-term daily.

Sweet-smelling essential oil mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 20 drops essential oil (cinnamon, clove, wintergreen, peppermint, or tea tree)

Instructions:

• Combine in a glass container and shake well.
• Use 2 tablespoons to rinse your mouth for fresh breath.
• Store at room temperature and shake before use.

Super citrus oil mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 2 cups filtered water
• 2 teaspoons calcium carbonate powder
• 1 teaspoon xylitol crystals
• 10 drops trace mineral liquid
• 5 drops lemon essential oil
• 3 drops wild orange essential oil
• 10 drops peppermint essential oil

Along with fresh breath, mint also offer many other health benefits. Learn more in 10 amazing mint leaves benefits.

Instructions:

• Mix dry powders first.
• Add liquids and mix well.
• Pour in water and stir again.
• Use 2 tablespoons in your mouth as a rinse daily.
• Store in the refrigerator and shake well before each use.

Super simple mouthwash

Ingredients:

• 1 cup filtered water
• 4 teaspoons baking soda
• 4 drops tea tree essential oil
• 4 drops peppermint essential oil

Instructions:

• Pour ingredients into a clean, glass jar with a lid.
• Shake before each use as baking soda settles at the bottom.
• Use 2 tablespoons to rinse for fresh breath and mild teeth whitening.

Note:

• Use sparingly or for acute issues, as the high concentration may increase the risk of over-scrubbing the enamel if used too frequently.
• Shaking is necessary.

Cinnamon and honey mouthwash

Ingredients:

• Juice of 2 organic lemons
• ½ tablespoon cinnamon powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 5 teaspoons raw honey
• 1 cup warm filtered water

Instructions:

• Add all ingredients in order into a warm-water mason jar or similar container.
• Shake the jar for 1 minute until honey dissolves completely.
• Use 2 tablespoons to rinse your mouth, then spit out. Avoid swallowing.
• Store in the refrigerator.

Caution:

• Use this chemical free mouthwash maximum 1-2 times per week.

This recipe should be used with extreme caution and immediately followed by a neutralizing rinse of plain water. While the cinnamon and honey have beneficial properties, the high concentration of lemon juice poses a significant risk to tooth enamel with regular use.

• If you experience any new sensitivity, stop using the rinse immediately.

Tips for best use and storage

• Use 1-2 tablespoons of mouthwash to swish for 30 to 60 seconds, then spit out. Never swallow.
• Shake mouthwash well before each use, especially those with powders or oils separating.
• Store in dark glass bottles to protect essential oils from light degradation.
• Refrigerate mouthwashes containing fresh herbs, aloe vera, or hydrogen peroxide.
• Discard and remake natural mouthwash every 1 to 3 weeks for freshness and effectiveness.
• Avoid overuse of peroxide or acidic recipes to prevent oral irritation.

Side effects of using natural mouthwash

While natural mouthwash is generally safe, you may still experience some side effects when using it, depending on the ingredients and your personal sensitivity.​

Possible side effects include:

Oral irritation or burning

Some essential oils can cause burning or tingling. Peppermint and tea tree oil may bother sensitive mouths. This happens more often if these oils are not diluted well or are used in high amounts.​

 Dry mouth

Using mouthwash too often may dry your mouth. Alcohol or certain essential oils can reduce saliva. Less saliva can make teeth and gums less protected.​

 Taste changes

You might notice a strange or bitter taste after rinsing. Essential oils and herbal extracts can sometimes change how things taste for a short time.​

Teeth staining

Herbal mouthwashes with clove or cinnamon can sometimes stain teeth. Prescription mouthwashes with strong ingredients, used often or over a long period, may also cause stains.​

Allergic reactions

Some people may be allergic or sensitive to specific herbs or essential oils. This can cause swelling, redness, sores, or a skin rash in or around the mouth.​

Disruption of mouth bacteria

Using strong antibacterial mouthwash too often may upset the balance of bacteria in your mouth. This can sometimes cause more oral problems if the good bacteria are also reduced.​

Masking real problems

Natural mouthrinse can freshen breath or soothe gums for a short time. It does not fix dental disease. Constant bad breath, gum problems, or pain should be checked by a dentist.​

Precautions When Using Natural Mouthwash

Using a DIY natural mouthwash can be safe and effective if you follow key precautions:

• Always dilute essential oils as directed.

Essential oils are very strong. Using them undiluted or too much can irritate your mouth or gums.

• Stop using the mouthwash right away if you feel burning, irritation, notice unusual staining, or discomfort.

These signs mean the mouthwash may not suit you or was used incorrectly.

• Avoid using a natural mouth rinse if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to any of its ingredients.

Allergies to herbs or oils can cause swelling, rashes, or worse.

• Supervise children closely when they use mouthwash.
• Essential oils or baking soda can be harmful if swallowed. Always use mouthwash only for rinsing, not drinking.
• Talk to your dentist before using natural mouthrinse regularly if you have chronic mouth sores, recent dental work, or ongoing oral health issues. They can advise if it is safe for you.
• Avoid swallowing mouthwash during use.

Even natural rinses can irritate or be toxic if swallowed in large amounts.

• Store natural mouthwashes properly.

Without preservatives, homemade mouthwashes can spoil quickly and lose their effectiveness. Store them in a cool, dark place and follow the recipe’s storage guidelines.

Using these steps ensures your mouthrinse is safe and keeps your mouth healthy.

Conclusion

Switching to a natural mouthwash offers a safe, chemical-free way to maintain oral hygiene. Whether you prefer a simple homemade mouthwash with essential oils or a herbal infusion, these recipes provide fresh breath, cleaner teeth, and healthier gums without the synthetic additives found in many commercial products.

Try these recipes at home and enjoy the benefits of gentle and effective natural oral care today.

You may also like:
Is aloe vera toxic?
Can we eat grape seeds?
Natural remedies for snoring
Best vitamins and supplements for mental health
Top 8 healthy nuts and seeds for pregnancy
8 proven home remedies to sleep better

 

---

Disclaimer: This content is for information only. It is not medical advice. Always talk to a dentist or doctor before trying natural mouthwash. If you have allergies or oral health issues, get professional advice first. Results may vary from person to person.