Maybe your mouthwash makes everything seem fresh and clean, but it's your mouthwash that could easily be one of the reasons for bad breath and worse.
We all know that human mouth is home to large colonies of harmful bacteria and they multiply at a fast pace.
It's these bacteria that are the main culprits of Bad Breath and the main reason for Gum Disease.
By constantly killing off bacteria using a strong chemical anti-bacterial mouthwash, you are actually increasing the resistant strains of bacteria!
Here are some of the chemicals found in many commercial mouthwashes:
Thymol (2-isopropyl-5-methylphenol)
This is used to control varroa mites and prevent fermentation and the growth of mold.
It is also used in rebinding old books where it is used to control mold.
Thymol is also used to treat Ringworm infections and hookworm.
It is also used as a preservative in anesthetic and as an antiseptic in mouthwash. It has also been added to cigarettes to relax the trachea and smooth the inhalation of smoke.
Eucalyptol
This one has a spicy aroma and taste.
Hexetidine (Oraldene)
This is an anti-bacterial and anti-fungal drug used in some mouthwashes.
Too much of this taken internally encourages clotting in the brain which integrates complex sensory and neural functions, it causes these functions to fail.
If that weren't enough, complications from an overdose includes allergic reactions and unstable heartbeats.
Hexetidine is considered to be carcinogenic.
Methyl Salicylate
This stuff causes dilation of the capillaries and an increase in blood circulation.
It's also a flavoring and fragrance substance to some products as an odor masking agent for certain pesticides.
In its pure state, methyl salicylate is toxic, especially true when taken internally.
A teaspoon of methyl salicylate is the equivalent of over twenty-three 300 mg aspirin tablets.
Methyl Salicylate has proved fatal for young children with small doses.
Benzalkonium chloride
This ingredient has many in industrial uses from a disinfectant in mouthwash to microbial corrosion inhibition in oil fields.
Benzalkonium chloride is an allergen.
A solution of 10% or more is toxic to humans, causing irritation to the skin and mucosa, and death if taken internally.
Cetylpyridinium Chloride
This is considered by manufacturers to be one of the best chemical preventatives of plaque formation. It is believed to be an aid for preventing gingivitis.
This chemical regrettably causes tooth staining.
Besides that, it simply doesn't taste good.
A study in 1998 actually shows this chemical was responsible for an increase in plaque build-up rather than a decrease as claimed.
Methylparaben
This is an anti-fungal chemical preservative added to products ranging from mouthwash to hair gels to extend shelf-life.
Even though some studies show the potential for tumors with the presence of parabens the research is inconclusive.
But it questions this mouthwash ingredient.
Alcohol
Added to many mouthwash for the sole purpose of giving your mouth a tingling sensation and a false impression that something excellent is happening.
On the contrary, alcohol-containing mouthwashes may increase the risk of development of oral cancer.
Mouthwash Manufacturers claim that doses of chemicals and drugs are well within acceptable limits laid down by the regulatory authorities.
If you aren't satisfied with commercial mouthwashes that are made from artificial colors, flavors, fluoride, sweeteners and other chemicals, we bring you 100% natural mouthwash and toothpaste recipes that you can make.
Natures Mouth Wash
This is a great recipe for cleansing, and makes your breath wonderful.
Natural and antibacterial homemade mouthwash
This mouthwash is antibacterial and antifungal keeping your breath fresh.
You can use a small mason jar for your mouthwash
1 cup filtered or distilled water
1tsp baking soda
10 drops peppermint essential oil
5 drops tea tree essential oil; When used as a mouth wash, acts as a natural cure for bad breath, oral candidiasis, gingivitis, plaque, and inflamed gums.
Baking soda will settle to the bottom of the jar when not in use, so be sure to shake mouthwash before each use. Swish about 2-3 teaspoons of this homemade formula in your mouth for a minute or two. As with any mouthwash, try to avoid swallowing this while gargling.
Natures Toothpaste
3 Tbsp of coconut oil
3 Tbsp of baking soda
10 drops of essential Peppermint oil
A recent study has proven that using coconut oil is effective in reducing plaque.
So we start with the coconut oil, mixing it with the baking soda, and peppermint oil.
Once it is well mixed put into a small glass jar with a lid. Maybe a mason jar or a baby food jar.
In order to mix when it's really cold you may have to warm the coconut oil up a bit to bring it to a liquid state.
In warmer weather the oil and baking soda may separate, just give it a mix.
