It’s not your imagination. Your dentist may be handing you a small cup of water instead of mouthwash after your six-month dental cleaning more often nowadays. Some dental professionals may believe the studies about how killing all the bacteria in your mouth (both good and bad) could reverse tooth decay. For others, water over mouthwash may be a way to save money on dental supplies.

Then there’s a third group of dental professionals who may be skipping the midday mouthwash because most brands recommend only using the oral rinse a maximum of two times per day. (If you already rinsed during your morning brush, you will more than likely rinse your mouth again at night out of habit.) Whatever the reason is, even when you leave your dentist’s office, mouthwash is probably already in your bathroom or on your grocery list. But before you buy more oral rinse to put in your medicine cabinet, why not make your own homemade mouthwash instead?

How to Make Four Types of Homemade Mouthwash

Ingredients for Baking Soda Mouthwash

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of sea salt (optional)
• 1 teaspoon of xylitol (optional, for sweetness and dental benefits)
• 3-5 drops of essential oil (peppermint, tea tree, clove, or cinnamon)

Ingredients for Aloe Vera Mouthwash

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1/2 cup of aloe vera juice
• 2 drops of peppermint essential oil
• 1 teaspoon of baking soda (optional)

Ingredients for Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 1/4 cup of 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 2-3 drops of peppermint essential oil

Ingredients for Saltwater Mouthwash

• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon of lite salt or sea salt

Instructions for Making Homemade Mouthwash

1. In a clean container, combine ingredients. (Do not combine all of the ingredients from all four types of homemade mouth. Combine ingredients for only each individual set of ingredients.)
2. If using baking soda and sea salt, stir until dissolved completely.
3. Pour the mouthwash into a glass bottle or container with a lid.
4. Shake the bottle before each use to ensure the ingredients are mixed.

When you’re ready to use one of these four types of homemade mouthwash, pour out a tablespoon (or recycle prior commercial mouthwash tops), and swish it around your mouth for 30 seconds. Then, spit it out. Do not swallow the mixture.

Why Distilled Water Is Used in Homemade Mouthwash

While three of the four types of homemade mouthwash mentioned above specify distilled water, it’s not strictly necessary. Distilled water does have benefits though. First, it can be made at home. Second, distilled water is free of impurities, minerals and contaminants that can come in tap water. For saltwater mouthwash specifically, using distilled water can provide a consistent concentration of salt. But boiling and then cooling boiling water can also help to kill potential bacteria and impurities. Whatever water is left over from the boiled-then-cooled water can be safely consumed as drinking water, to cook pasta, to drink in tea or coffee, or to water plants.

How Listerine Became the Go-To Mouthwash

Mouthwash has been around since ancient times with Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, who used herbs, vinegar and salt water as oral rinse. Modern mouthwash, however, appeared in the 19th century. The main difference is the later version included alcohol-based solutions to fight against germs.

Listerine, which is one of the strongest brands of mouthwash, was initially created as a surgical antiseptic and preventative medicine. In its early days, it was sold to treat dandruff; a floor cleaner; a hair tonic; a deodorant; and a potential “remedy” for diseases such as diphtheria, dysentery, smallpox and gonorrhea. St. Louis-based doctor Dr. Joseph Lawrence, who created the Listerine formula, paid homage to the English surgeon Dr. Joseph Lister by using a similar name. By 1895, Listerine’s marketing focus was on preventing plaque deposition and gingival inflammation. It even had comical advertising, including a gargoyle poster that said, “Gargoyle with listerine. One taste and you know it’s working.”

Pros of Using Mouthwash After Brushing Teeth

Including mouthwash in your oral hygiene can offer several health benefits. Mouthwash helps to avoid bad breath by killing bacteria that would normally cause odors in your mouth, especially from eating strong or spicy foods. Mouthwash reduces plaque because of its antibacterial agents connecting with teeth and gums. This also helps to prevent cavities and gum disease. Mouthwash can help prevent and manage gingivitis and periodontitis by reducing harmful bacteria in the mouth. While it’s not the same as teeth whiteners, it can help remove surface stains on teeth to keep a smile brighter (and lighter). Fluoride mouthwashes strengthen tooth enamel and also help prevent cavities. And for minor mouth injuries, such as canker sores, it can soothe oral irritation.

Cons of Skipping Mouthwash After Brushing Teeth

Skipping mouthwash may not have the same immediate effects as not brushing or flossing regularly.  If you maintain good brushing and flossing habits, your oral health should still be in good shape even without mouthwash. However, there are some additional and studied benefits for your teeth, as mentioned above, and using the oral rinse means you’ll reach areas that a toothbrush or dental floss might miss.

Ideally, do all three on a consistent basis. Floss first to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth. Then, brush your teeth for two minutes. While you’re brushing, the loosened debris and plaque from flossing will also be removed. Additionally, dental floss adds fluoride in between your teeth where the gum tissue is. Finally, rinse your mouth for 30 seconds and spit all excess toothpaste and food articles out.

Alcohol Abuse from Homemade Mouthwash

Homemade mouthwash, which doesn’t have alcohol in it, is a less risky option than commercial mouthwash brands that do include alcohol. Homemade mouthwash doesn’t trigger alcohol-related issues. Many commercial mouthwashes contain a significant amount of alcohol (ethanol), as high as 26%. This can be problematic, and lead to trigger cravings and relapsing. Of the four homemade wash recipes above, none have alcohol. (Hydrogen peroxide also does not contain alcohol. It is a chemical compound of hydrogen and oxygen.)

Storage Tips for Homemade Mouthwash

The one downside to homemade mouthwash that isn’t the case for commercial brands is that the former lasts less time (i.e., two weeks). Meanwhile, commercial versions have a shelf life of approximately two to three years from the manufacturer date because it contains preservatives to stretch out its longevity. Both types of oral rinse must be kept in a cool, dry place though. Once the commercial version is open, it should be used within a year for maximum effectiveness.

You’ll start to recognize when mouthwash has gone bad for a few reasons. The expiration date is an obvious notification, but there are signs before and after that date. Bad mouthwash will become cloudy or change its color. There will also be an off-putting smell that will make you not want to use it. Finally, if the ingredients start swirling on their own and don’t go back to normal if they are shaken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best homemade mouthwash? 

All four types listed above are effective homemade mouthwashes. Testing each of the four to see which one you like best helps.

What natural mouthwash kills bacteria?

Essential oils have natural antibacterial and antifungal properties, while aloe vera has natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Baking soda creates an alkaline environment that bacteria shies away from, and salt dehydrates and kills bacteria. And hydrogen peroxide is an antiseptic that kills bacteria by releasing oxygen.

Is it better to rinse with mouthwash or hydrogen peroxide?

It’s important that you dilute 3% hydrogen peroxide with equal parts water, and limit use to once or twice a week. Overuse can lead to irritation, enamel damage and potential nausea, which differs from twice-daily use of mouthwash.