There are definitely a lot of mouthwashes to choose from in the market, and we understand figuring out which one is best for you can be a challenge. Now, what happens when you are trying to be more natural in the things you consume? Does that apply to your mouthwash? This shift is a challenge that we do understand and can help with. 

Now before moving into the details of which mouthwash to consume, let's dig into what makes a good mouthwash first.

What do you want your mouthwash for?

When choosing a mouthwash, the first thing to consider is your personal oral health goals.

• Bad breath. If your main concern is bad breath, using a cosmetic mouthwash on the go during the day may be sufficient for increasing your confidence during that important afternoon meeting.

• Dry mouth. If you’re taking medications or have a condition that produces dry mouth as a side effect, using a mouthwash designed to provide oral comfort for many hours at a time may be your best bet.

• Plaque or gum issues. Other conditions, such as plaque buildup, receding gums, and gingivitis can be addressed by choosing mouthwashes containing fluoride, or those with other active ingredients that fight bacteria.

Other considerations:

• Price per ounce. Cost may be another factor to consider. Take a look at price as well as the number of fluid ounces each bottle of mouthwash contains. Packaging can sometimes be deceiving. Buying larger bottles or in bulk can sometimes reduce the price per ounce, making the mouthwash cheaper in the long run.

• ADA Seal of Acceptance. Check the mouthwash label for the ADA Seal of Acceptance. It means that it’s been tested for effectiveness. Not every mouthwash has it, including some with well-known names. Now keep in mind, most natural mouthwashes don't usually bear the seal of approval by the ADA because those products have not been tested as rigorously as the mouthwash that are being sold with this seal.

Main ingredients typically found:

It’s important to take a close look at the ingredient list. Many products have multiple ingredients geared to treat specific conditions or overall dental health. Some ingredients in mouthwash to look for include:

• Fluoride. This ingredient fights tooth decay and strengthens enamel.

• Cetylpyridinium chloride. This eliminates bad breath and kills bacteria.

• Chlorhexidine. This reduces plaque and controls gingivitis.

• Essential oils. Some mouthwashes contain compounds found in essential oils, such as menthol (peppermint), eucalyptus, and thymol (thyme), which have antifungal and antibacterial properties

• Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. This ingredient whitens teeth.

Now some things to consider:

• Alcohol in mouthwash does kill bacteria, but it cannot distinguish between good bacteria and bad bacteria. It also dries out your mouth, inhibiting your bacteria devouring saliva production.

• Chlorhexidine, when used for prolonged periods has been associated with tongue and gum swelling and irritation. Since it is a broad spectrum antimicrobial, it can disrupt the normal flora in the mouth, causing some patients to be more prone to dental plaque buildup, rashes and burning sensations.

• Cocamidopropyl betaine is a chemical derived from coconuts that causes foaming. Don’t let its natural origins fool you, many people are afflicted with blisters and skin irritations after use.

• Parabens are a group of preservatives derived from (PHBA) para-hydroxybenzoic acid. It is reported that these have a weak estrogenic effect, and although an association has been made between breast cancer and parabens, no direct link has been proven. We choose to err on the side of caution with this ingredient.

• Poloxamer 407 is an emulsifying agent. In simple terms, that means it helps water and oil mix together. The alarming effect is that chemically it blocks pores in your liver cells from absorbing lipoproteins, creating 10 times the amount of plasma lipid levels. Due to this reaction, cholesterol levels soar if the dosage is high enough. 

• Formaldehyde is toxic even in the smallest doses, we are talking about 0.1% is 1mL/Liter. It is common in mouthwash to be .025mL so if a small child ingests this it could be fatal, not to mention it is a common embalming solution. That’s a no for us.

It is not to say that all mouthwash that are not natural are all bad. In fact some that have the ADA seal of recommendation are actually good products that safely deliver what it promises, and do not have some of the ingredients mentioned above. However, we understand that there are different personal preferences and this blog delivers to those individuals. 

4 Natural Mouthwashes for better dental care:

There are lots of other great natural mouthwashes out there, and this list is by no means complete. We’ve included therapeutic mouthwashes you can buy over the counter in specialized stores and all of them are also available online.

1. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

Created by a dentist, this mouthwash is formulated to not contain any Alcohol Saccharin Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Benzalkonium Chloride (an allergen) Artificial colors or flavors. 

This product is designed to combat halitosis, cavity prevention, gum disease, & more. Used regularly, this rinse may help address bleeding gums, gingivitis, plaque & tartar buildup, & bad breath.

2. TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse

This product has also been created to fit the more natural consumers. It freshens Breath without Harsh Chemicals: Alcohol Free, Certified Non-Toxic, Sugar Free, Dye Free, Preservative Free, BPA Free. This mouthwash helps  Balance the natural  oral microbiome. 98% of the bacteria in your mouth is good bacteria and therefore it is recommended to maintain a balanced ecosystem in the mouth by neutralizing the toxins of bacteria, while protecting good bacteria.

It is also Dentist-Formulated & Recommended. No Stinging or Burning and uses Naturally Derived Ingredients with a great taste.

3. Uncle Harry's Natural Alkalizing Miracle Mouthwash

This product naturally balances pH levels in your mouth by neutralizing microbes that contribute to bad breath and dry mouth, leaving you minty fresh all day long. It is designed to educes swelling, and flushes out irritants by naturally maintaining your mouth’s natural alkaline pH. It's safe and non toxic, and can even help soothe a sore throat when gargled. 

It is uses all natural ingredients: Purified, deionized, microfiltered water and ten parts per million of silver mineral (99.000% pure), calcium carbonate (natural chalk), sea salt, mustard seed powder, magnetic earth, active ionic minerals, peppermint oil, eucalyptus, clove, wintergreen, and oregano essential oils.

It is an alcohol free, fluoride free, gluten free, glycerin free, and vegan to meet even the most sensitive and conscious tooth needs.

4. GuruNanda Oil Pulling Oil, Natural Mouthwash

This product is Non GMO, Alcohol Free, Fluoride Free, Preservative Free, & Artificial Flavor Free. Specifically formulated with Ayurvedic knowledge to promote healthy weight management, better breath, healthier teeth and gums, thicker and more lustrous hair, and radiant skin.

Also used for Oil pulling, it is a perfectly balanced combination of pure sesame oil, sunflower oil, coconut oil and peppermint oil. This formula was formulated with Vedic knowledge and Modern technology.

100% alcohol-free and contains no artificial flavors or colors. Our Oil is rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and contains iron, calcium, and magnesium, plus Vitamins A, B and E.