22 Jul Natural Alternatives to Mouthwash
Holistic dentistry isn’t only about taking care of your teeth, it’s also about taking care of your body. While mouthwash can help strengthen your teeth, many commercial dental rinses contain added ingredients that aren’t conducive to your overall health.
Natural alternatives to mouthwash can be better for your teeth, gums, and overall well-being. At Prescott Dentistry, we also offer natural alternatives to fluoride treatments, like mineral mouth rinses, mineral cremes, and tooth powders.
Is Natural Mouthwash Good for Gums?
Gingivitis is an early stage of gum disease in which the gums become inflamed from an excess of harmful bacteria. Holistic preventive options can fight gum disease while keeping the health of your whole body in mind.
If you want to prevent gingivitis, one good technique is to use a natural mouthwash with no harsh ingredients. Natural mouthwash is good for your gums because it combats bacteria without irritating your gum tissue.
Why Use a Natural Mouthwash Alternative?
While using mouthwash is an effective way to keep your teeth clean, the alcohol-based mouthwash you typically find at the store can actually harm your oral health. Besides alcohol, commercial mouthwashes contain sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, and synthetic ingredients with adverse side effects.
Triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate can irritate oral tissue, especially in individuals with compromised immune systems. One study even linked these harsh additives with recurrent mouth ulcers.
Alcohol-based rinses may make your mouth feel clean, but they can damage your dental restorations and can also cause dry mouth. Saliva keeps your teeth strong and helps them fight bacteria, so a dry mouth can lead to an increased risk of tooth decay and gum disease.
Natural mouthwash is safe for sensitive teeth and gums and contains no harsh ingredients. It cleans your mouth effectively, without the risk of irritation or dry mouth from alcohol and synthetics. Adding certain essential oils to your natural mouthwash can also give it antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Simple Homemade Mouthwash
The best homeopathic mouthwash is a recipe that’s free from alcohol and has no chemical additives. You can find fluoride and alcohol-free mouth rinses at specialty stores, or you can try your hand at making your own.
Here’s a simple recipe you can try at home:
- 1 tsp. Salt
- 1 tsp. Baking soda
- 1 cup Distilled water
Simply mix these ingredients together and rinse and spit like you would with any other mouthwash. You can also add other beneficial, natural ingredients like aloe vera juice or a few drops of an essential oil like tea tree or peppermint.
Xylitol is a plant-based sugar substitute that has been known to break down plaque and kill bacteria. You can add a little to your homemade mouthwash for sweetness and its dental health benefits.
Holistic Dentistry in Prescott
As leaders in integrative holistic dental medicine, our team at Prescott Dentistry is dedicated to providing you with top-notch alternatives to traditional dental treatments that are both safe and effective. We offer biomimetic dental techniques to protect and treat your teeth comfortably and naturally.
Contact us or call 928-445-1660 today to learn more about how holistic dental care can keep your smile strong and healthy.
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