Homemade Antiseptic Mouthwash

Regular rising with antiseptic mouthwash is a must for any healthy dental routine. Plaque buildup, bacteria and other oral microorganisms can cause gingivitis, gum disease or tooth decay. Although plenty of commercial mouthwash brands can aid these conditions, using a few ingredients you could easily make your own and save yourself a few dollars.

Basic Alcohol-Free Mouthwash

• While some commercial mouthwash brands are quite effective in fighting bacteria and eliminating mouth odor, nonetheless they contain alcohol. If you’re not particularly thrilled with the substance used as an ingredient in your mouth wash, here is an alternative. This mouth wash contains highly antibacterial ingredients, such as clove, rosemary and myrrh; plants known for their antiseptic properties and is alcohol-free. In addition, this mouth wash will keep your breath fresh and fight germs. Prepare the tincture the night before and use it in the morning. You’ll need 1 ounce of cloves or myrrh in powder form. You also can substitute 2 to 4 ounces of goldenseal or rosemary for the myrrh. Boil 2 cups of water, then place the herbs in a mason jar and cover with the boiling water. Using another pot, boil one cup of water. Add 2 tablespoons of angelica seeds, which you purchase at a health food store, and 2 drops of lemon verbena or peppermint oil. Strain the mixture and place in a separate jar. Refrigerate overnight. In the morning, strain the herbal tincture and add to the jar in the refrigerator.

Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash

• Tea tree oil has been used to disinfect the mouth and kill germs prior to oral procedures. It also has been known to reduce irritation caused by removing teeth. Known for its antibacterial and antiseptic properties as a mouthwash, tea tree oil can help fight plaque buildup, bacterial infection and fungi. Tea tree oil also can be used to treat an oral condition called oral candidiasis--a fungal infection affecting the mouth and throat. To make a tea tree mouthwash you’ll need 1 cup of warm water, half a teaspoon of myrrh tincture, purchased at your local organic market, 2 to 3 drops of tea tree oil and 2 to 3 drops of peppermint oil. Combine the ingredients and gargle.
  To treat oral candidiasis, use 1 tablespoon of 5 tea tree solution, found at a health food store and gargle up to four times a day. Don’t forget to spit the solution out.