DIY: Mouthwash Recipe Made with Essential Oils for a Fresh, Clean Mouth

If you look on the back of your mouthwash bottle, what you may discover is that you are actually just getting a mouthful of chemicals. Active ingredients in mouthwash usually include Benzalkonium chloride, Methylparaben, Hydrogen peroxide, Domiphen bromide, Hexetidine, and Chlorhexidine gluconate. (You can read more about each active ingredient at http://www.oralhealthnet.co.uk/detail/31/ingredients-of-mouthwash/) Other popular ingredients include foaming agents, ethyl alcohol, flavored oils, antimicrobial ingredients, colorants, preservatives and fluoride. One of the most popular ingredients, ethyl alcohol, can weaken the lining of gums and oral cavity, which can increase the risk of damaging chemicals affecting your DNA. Research reported by Standford University suggests, though it is not conclusive, that the alcohol in antiseptic mouthwash might increase the risk of oral cancer. Read more about the study at http://www.livestrong.com/article/109596-ingredients-antiseptic-mouthwash/ .  Most mouthwashes also include synthetic colors, aromas, and flavorings—which are basically perfumes. These perfumes and alcohols contained in most mouthwashes may take away mouth odors temporarily, but they can also alter the basic flora and pH of your mouth and throat which can have serious side effects. Not all mouthwashes are created equal, and some use more questionable ingredients than others. One way to freshen your mouth without the worry is to create your own mouthwash using essential oils that are antimicrobial and antiseptic in nature. You can easily make your own mouthwash that is free of chemicals, perfumes, preservatives, artificial colors, and more with two simple ingredients—water and essential oils—which can be just as beneficial (if not more) than chemicals used in traditional mouthwashes. Try this simple and cost effective mouthwash recipe for a clean, refreshed, and healthy mouth.
Ingredients: 10 drops of essential oil(s)
2 cups water (distilled, filtered, or boiled water)
16 ounce dark glass bottle

DIRECTIONS: 1. Put 10 drops of the dōTERRA essential oil(s) of your choice into the glass bottle.
2. Pour in 2 cups of distilled, filtered, or boiled water into glass bottle. Note: If you boiled water, make sure you let the water come to room temperature before adding to bottle.
3. When using, shake first and take a small sip of your homemade mouthwash. Swish around your mouth and gargle for 30 seconds. Do not swallow.
4. You’re done! It’s that easy. There are many essential oils you could use in your mouthwash. Below are a few suggested oils you could use, by themselves, or by combining two or more to make a blend. Be careful when using Cinnamon essential oil as it can be irritating if too much is used. Start with 1 drop and gradually increase if desired. Also, did you know you can use dōTERRA’s On Guard® Natural Whitening Toothpaste can be used as a mouthwash as well? After you’re done brushing just put a little bit of water in your mouth, gargle, and spit.
1. Put 10 drops of the dōTERRA essential oil(s) of your choice into the glass bottle.
2. Pour in 2 cups of distilled, filtered, or boiled water into glass bottle. Note: If you boiled water, make sure you let the water come to room temperature before adding to bottle.
3. When using, shake first and take a small sip of your homemade mouthwash. Swish around your mouth and gargle for 30 seconds. Do not swallow.
4. You’re done! It’s that easy.
There are many essential oils you could use in your mouthwash. Below are a few suggested oils you could use, by themselves, or by combining two or more to make a blend. Be careful when using Cinnamon essential oil as it can be irritating if too much is used. Start with 1 drop and gradually increase if desired. Also, did you know you can use dōTERRA’s On Guard^® Natural Whitening Toothpaste can be used as a mouthwash as well? After you’re done brushing just put a little bit of water in your mouth, gargle, and spit.

For more information about essential oils email: abella4@att.net Teri Ercolani or
jetboxmomma@gmail.com Kristin Sarti