What’s in your mouthwash? If you can’t answer that question, it may be time to rethink the solution you’re putting inside your mouth and consider making my 3-Ingredient Homemade Mouthwash instead.
Just think: How refreshing would it be to know every single ingredient in your mouthwash and still know it works to fight the harmful bacteria your mouth harbors?
If this appeals to you, you’re going to love my 3-Ingredient Homemade Mouthwash! So, let’s quickly discuss what makes this mouthwash so great and then we’ll dive right into the recipe.
What’s Hiding in Your Store-Bought Mouthwash?
While it can be tempting to grab a bottle of minty fresh mouthwash at the store, you may want to take a moment to consider what may be hiding in it.
For starters, many mouthwashes contain alcohol. And while alcohol is known to kill harmful bacteria that causes bad breath, it can also leave you with some less-than-pleasant effects.
First, alcohol is known to leave a burning sensation in your mouth, which can be exacerbated by mouth sores or cuts. But there’s more: Alcohol can also leave you with dry mouth!
So, if you’re one of the 10 to 25 percent of people who suffer from dry mouth, avoid alcohol-based mouthwashes.
A couple of other ingredients to watch out for are chlorine dioxide and chlorhexidine.
While some mouthwashes include chlorine dioxide for its antibacterial properties, research has shown that contact with chlorine dioxide can not only irritate your skin and throat but also cause coughing, shortness of breath, and even lung irritation! [1]
In fact, it’s officially listed as a hazardous substance. Now, I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to be putting hazardous substances in my mouth.
Likewise, chlorhexidine is often used for its antibacterial properties. But the problem with this chemical is that it’s known to cause allergic reactions!
Interestingly, the official side effects of using chlorhexidine are: tooth staining, increased tartar, mouth and throat irritation, gingivitis, mouth sores, and even unpleasant taste in your mouth. [2] That last one is especially shocking, isn’t it, especially given that it’s put in mouthwash?
Why not just make your own homemade mouthwash that contains all-natural ingredients?
This 3-Ingredient Homemade Mouthwash features water, hydrogen peroxide to help eliminate germs and bacteria, and peppermint essential oil, which is known to have some anti-microbial properties as well as add nice flavoring to the mouthwash. [3]
So, now that you know what’s in it, let’s take a look at the actual recipe. You’re only two minutes away from having your very own homemade mouthwash!
3-Ingredient Homemade Mouthwash
Time: 2 minutes
Makes: 1? cups
Ingredients
1 cup filtered water
? cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
5-7 drops peppermint essential oil
Directions
1. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine all the ingredients. Shake vigorously to combine and store in a cool dark place.
2. Before each use, shake the jar vigorously. Take a small mouthful and swish for 30 to 60 seconds. Spit and rinse with water. Never swallow the mouthwash.
