How to Make Simple Mouthwashes

Co-authored by Pradeep Adatrow, DDS, MS

Last Updated: December 27, 2023 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

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You may have to experiment to get the texture you want.^{[1]
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Research source}
Just be sure that your flavoring has no sugar in it.^{[2]
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US Food and Drug Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for promoting public health

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Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Rosemary-Mint Mouthwash

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^{[3]
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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

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^{[5]
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PubMed Central
Journal archive from the U.S. National Institutes of Health

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Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Toothpaste Mouthwash

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Use roughly the same amount you'd need to brush your teeth.
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).
- If needed, use a toothbrush to help break it down but be careful not to gag.
Again, do not swallow. Your mouth should feel wonderfully refreshed.

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Tips

Try using bubble gum flavor instead of mint to make a children's mouthwash.

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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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