6 All-Natural Mouthwashes to Help Break Your Listerine Habit

Do you remember those commercials that told you to suffer through your mouthwash routine? Well, a lot of us still follow that regimen. After all, mouthwash kills harmful bacteria in the mouth and leaves your breath smelling minty fresh… right?

Not exactly. While mouthwash does kill bacteria, it doesn’t distinguish between good bacteria and the helpful flora that live in your mouth. Since antibacterial mouthwashes can wipe out all of the good bacteria, the bad bacteria come back at a different rate, making the problem of bad breath even worse.

Antibacterial mouthwashes can have even more adverse effects for some people, due to their destruction of the oral microbiome. The oral microbiome is an essential part of a healthy gut microbiome, so blasting bacteria in the mouth can have repercussions on your digestion and general wellbeing. If we think of the gastrointestinal tract as a river, then the mouth is the source of that river. What you do in the mouth sets the stage for everything that comes after in the gastrointestinal tract and in the whole body.

The alcohol in most mouthwashes also dries out your mouth, which can make bad breath even worse, since saliva is what maintains a healthy pH in the mouth. Without saliva, bad bacteria run rampant and encourage halitosis. The drying effects of mouthwash can even increase your risk of oral cancer, according to some studies.

The best way to keep your mouth smelling minty fresh is to brush, floss, and scrape your tongue at least once a day – no mouthwash needed.

But maybe you’re one of those people who loves their mouthwash routine and the fresh feeling it gives you. Especially if you’ve already transitioned to a better toothpaste that doesn’t have that super-minty flavor, you might not be entirely ready to give up mouthwash, and that’s OK.

There are a few products that aren’t as harmful as some of the bigger conventional brands (though in all honesty, you’re really spitting the money you invested in the product down the drain no matter what, as far as oral health is concerned).

Whenever you’re picking a better mouthwash, go for something made with natural ingredients and devoid of the following ingredients:

  • Alcohol
  • Chlorine dioxide
  • Chlorhexidine
  • Cocamidopropyl betaine
  • Parabens
  • Poloxamer 407
  • Formaldehyde
  • Saccharin

Here are a few products we like for their all-natural approach to making your mouth taste and smell a little bit sweeter.

  1. Aesop Mouthwash

This alcohol-free mouthwash from Australian skincare line Aesop boasts a pleasant flavor combo of clove bud, aniseed, and spearmint. No alcohol is used in this mouthwash, though it does use essential oils, which tend to kill bacteria as well, so be wary of using this product too often.

  1. Oral Essentials

Oral Essentials is a dentist-formulated mouthwash made with Dead Sea salt, well known for its rich mineral content. This ingredient can actually help remineralize your teeth. The mouthwash also contains holy basil oil, a known adaptogen, and aloe vera juice, which is renowned for its soothing and healing properties.

Oral Essentials Sugar Alcohol Free Mouthwash, 16 oz

  1. Georganics Coconut Pulling Mouthwash

This mouthwash was formulated in accordance with an ancient Ayurvedic remedy for bad breath known as oil pulling. The mouthwash has a light coconut aroma thanks to organic coconut oil.

Georganics Organic Coconut Oil Pulling Natural Mouthwash, 30 day supply

  1. TheraBreath Oral Rinse

This dentist-designed mouthwash uses OXYD-8, a patented form of ClO2, as an oxygenating agent. Along with peppermint essential oil, this substance kills germs to freshen breath, so be wary of overuse.

TheraBreath Fresh Breath Oral Rinse – Mild Mint Flavor

  1. Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash

This mouthwash is made with neem, also known as the Indian toothbrush tree. Studies have shown that neem is as powerful for mouth health as chlorhexidine without being nearly as dangerous.

Auromere Ayurvedic Mouthwash

  1. The Natural Dentist Antigingivitis Mouthwash

This mouthwash is specially designed for sensitive gums with a tendency to bleed. Containing 20 percent aloe vera, along with Echinacea, calendula, and a touch of cinnamon, this mouthwash will quickly soothe any painful gums.

Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Antigingivitis Rinse in Peppermint Twist

  1. Homemade Mouthwash

You can also make your own homemade mouthwash simply with distilled water and baking soda. No need to add essential oils as they kill bacteria and could be harmful. Add sea salt to the combo for more mineralizing properties, though this mixture may be a bit less palatable. Then again, if you’ve been spending years swishing strong alcohol solutions, then a natural mix of baking soda, water, and salt should be a breeze! Of all the mouthwashes, this one is my favorite for its safety and efficacy in the mouth—and you won’t feel bad when you spit it down the drain!

Dr. Mark Burhenne

The post 6 All-Natural Mouthwashes to Help Break Your Listerine Habit appeared first on Ask the Dentist.



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