How to Make All-Natural Homemade Mouthwash

All-natural, homemade mouthwash is the best of both worlds – effective and tastes great! Learn how to make homemade mouthwash in this super simple recipe for a healthier mouth.

Why use all natural DIY mouthwash?

Always and forever – I have hated using mouthwash. The taste. The burn. The horror.

Until I started making my own. Now, I love the taste, and the burn is more of a “that feels nice” kind of burn. My mouth feels healthy and fresh without the unwanted effects of store-bought mouthwash. Most of them contain alcohol and chemicals I’d rather not put in my mouth, thank-you-very-much.

Yesterday I started getting some inflammation on the left side of my gums, so I knew it was time to mix up some of this homemade mouthwash recipe and get it under control. I’m a terrible flosser (gasp!) as many people are. When I’ve neglected my mouth for too long, it starts sending me signals and I know I need to give it some love!

Does homemade mouthwash really work?

Yes, it absolutely can because it helps fight bacteria and freshen breath. It is especially effective if used consistently and in conjunction with regular visits to your dentist.

Many times my husband and I have had sore gums or plaque buildup and used this simple homemade mouthwash. It always makes us feel better! And we are always like, “Why don’t we use this every day?”

We should. Because it so stinkin’ easy to make, extremely frugal, and tasty! So. Let’s get to the recipe, shall we?

What natural mouthwash kills bacteria?

Any homemade mouthwash can kill bacteria if it includes baking soda, which has antibacterial properties. Essential oils are also anti-bacterial because they contain compounds like terpenes and phenols, which help stop the growth of bacterial cell membranes (1). 

How to Make DIY Homemade Mouthwash

You will need:

• A glass jar or bottle to mix the homemade mouthwash in (I prefer this kind)
• Filtered or distilled water
• Thieves, On Guard, or Germ Fighter essential oil blend (like this), or Cinnamon essential oil
• Peppermint, Lemon, or Orange essential oil
• Baking soda

Tip: I’m a big fan of the Plant Therapy essential oil brand. And no, I’m not getting paid by them to say this. They just have really great quality oils without having to spend an arm and a leg. For the price, to me, they’re top notch.

Honestly, this recipe is like the easiest thing ever. Just start with a simple glass jar or bottle. I love using this kind of simple salad dressing bottle with a cork. Simple to shake and then pour into your mouth.

Even better, I found a glass mouthwash dispenser bottle on Amazon. This would be absolutely perfect for your homemade mouthwash!

Add 5-7 drops of Thieves, On Guard, or Germ Fighter essential oil blend to your bottle. This blend includes clove, lemon, cinnamon, eucalyptus, and rosemary oils. Alternatively, you could use cinnamon if you do not have any of this blend. These oils are the superstar of this recipe. They help kill germs and bacteria and are great for healing inflammation. 

According to legend, 15th century French thieves used to douse themselves in this oil blend before robbing the homes of those suffering with the plague and it kept them from contracting the disease. It’s potent stuff! And very cleansing for your mouth.

Next, add 5-10 drops of either peppermint, lemon, or orange essential oil. It’s really your personal preference. These oils are also cleansing and help to freshen breath. You can add all three if you wish!

Finally, fill your bottle or jar to the top with filtered water (around 8 ounces). Add 1 teaspoon of baking soda. The baking soda helps the oils disperse better in the liquid, since oil and water don’t mix. It also adds an additional freshening power.

Give the mouthwash a good shake and it’s ready to use! Be sure to shake the mixture before each use, as the oils will settle to the top of the water.

I recommend using a glass container instead of plastic for essential oil recipes. As stated, these oils are very potent and can break down plastics.

When you’re ready to use, give the homemade mouthwash mixture a good shake and pour a small amount into your mouth. Swish, swish, swish for up to a minute. Be sure to spit and do not swallow! Essential oils are not meant for ingestion.

 

And that’s the full recipe – couldn’t be easier.

2 More Simple Natural Mouthwash Ideas to Try:

If you don’t want to use essential oils, here are a couple other simple ideas for homemade mouthwash:

• Pour 1 cup boiling water over 1 tablespoon of whole cloves and 1 stick of cinnamon and allow to cool. Strain, and then swish in your mouth.
• Make a simple salt water solution with a cup of warm water and 1 teaspoon sea salt. Swish, gargle, and enjoy!

Not keen to make your own mouthwash, or don’t want to get all the ingredients? No worries! Here’s a great all-natural mouthwash that requires zero prep:

Try out this super simple homemade mouthwash recipe and let me know how you like it. Share your favorite oral care tip in the comments below!