Mouthwash has long been hailed as a hero in the fight against bad breath and oral hygiene woes. With promises of minty freshness and germ-killing power, it’s often a staple in bathroom cabinets worldwide. However, research suggests that this seemingly harmless elixir might not be as beneficial as we once thought. In fact, it could be doing more harm than good to your oral health and overall well-being.
- Disruption of Oral Microbiome: Our mouths are home to a diverse community of bacteria, both good and bad, that play crucial roles in maintaining oral health. However, using mouthwash containing antibacterial agents like chlorhexidine or alcohol can disrupt this delicate balance. By indiscriminately killing bacteria, mouthwash can eliminate beneficial microbes that help keep harmful bacteria in check, potentially leading to an imbalance in the oral microbiome.
- Dry Mouth: Many commercial mouthwashes contain alcohol, which can have a drying effect on the mouth. While this may initially provide a sensation of freshness, frequent use of alcohol-based mouthwashes can exacerbate dry mouth symptoms over time. A dry mouth creates an environment conducive to bacterial growth and can contribute to issues like bad breath and an increased risk of dental decay.
- Increased Risk of Oral Cancer: Some studies have suggested a potential link between long-term use of alcohol-containing mouthwashes and an increased risk of oral cancer. Although more research is needed to establish a definitive connection, the presence of alcohol in mouthwash raises concerns due to its potential to cause irritation and damage to the delicate tissues of the mouth, which could potentially contribute to the development of cancerous lesions.
- Masking Underlying Issues: One of the most significant drawbacks of relying on mouthwash is that it can mask underlying oral health issues without addressing their root causes. While mouthwash may temporarily freshen breath or reduce the appearance of plaque, it does not replace essential oral hygiene practices such as brushing and flossing. Using mouthwash as a substitute for proper oral care can give a false sense of security and lead to neglect of crucial aspects of dental hygiene.
Crazy right? But I’ve got an easy solution for you!
Instead of using conventional mouthwash that is full of harsh and toxic chemicals, artificial colors and flavors you can easily make your own mouthwash with only a few simple ingredients. If you’re not a DIY person but still want to have a mouthwash that is actually going to improve your oral health and not disrupt it I’ve got a solution for that too!
DIY Mouthwash Recipe:
What you’ll need to make it.
- Glass Bottle
- Spearmint or Peppermint Essential Oil
- Clove Essential Oil
- Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil
- Thieves Essential Oil
- Orange Essential Oil
- Baking Soda
- Celtic Salt (important for trace minerals)
- Stevia or Monk Fruit Powder
Steps:
- Put 3 teaspoons of Celtic Salt, 3 teaspoons of baking soda, and 1.5 teaspoons stevia leaf powder into a bottle.
- Pour distilled water into the bottle, filling it almost to the top.
- Add 15 drops of spearmint or peppermint oil, 9 drops of clove and cinnamon oil, 6 drops of Thieves oil, 6-9 drops of orange oil.
- Put a lid on the bottle and shake well before each use.
- Enjoy your organic, toxic free, and antibacterial natural mouthwash, without all the junk!
- Store in a cabinet
If DIY recipes aren’t your thing but you would still like to use a mouthwash that is beneficial for oral care then I’ve got the easy button for you.
Young Living provides an entire line of Thieves Oral care products.
Thieves essential oil is one of Young Living’s most popular products, and for great reason! This incredible blend is wonderful for cleansing and purifying as well as supporting the immune system. One sniff (or quick PubMed search!) is all it takes to fall in love with this blend!
But it gets better. Young Living offers a complete line of personal care products infused with the Thieves essential oil blend. This means our homes can be fresh, clean and toxin-free with ease… and smell incredible at the same time! High quality, effective products, sustainable sourcing, and safety for the whole family. That’s a winning situation!
Since we’re addressing mouthwash in this post here’s just a snippet of why the Young Living mouthwash is amazing: Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash delivers an invigorating clean that’s free from harsh alcohol, fluoride, and artificial dyes or flavors and is infused with the Thieves essential oil blend. Quillaja saponaria bark extract, also known as soapbark, contains saponins that act as a natural foaming agent to help loosen buildup and clean hard-to-reach areas for a better clean than brushing alone.
You can find all my favorite Young Living Oral Care products HERE
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