Using a natural mouthwash in conjunction with regular brushing and flossing is a good way to reduce oral bacteria and maintain (or achieve) optimal oral health and hygiene. Also known as a mouth rinse, oral rinse or tonic, a natural alcohol-free mouthwash may be the right choice for you. Here are ten great reasons why:

1. Natural mouthwash uses time-tested ingredients.

In a market dominated by the use of synthetic additives, many of the long-term health effects of these relatively new substances such as sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and triclosan are still unknown.1,2 A natural mouth rinse, such as Dental Herb Company’s Tooth & Gums Tonic, uses pure essential oils (distilled liquids extracted from flowers, leaves, bark, stems, roots, shrubs and trees) and botanicals—ingredients that have been known for their medicinal benefits for thousands of years. Three of the most commonly used essential oils in natural mouthwash and other natural mouth care products are peppermint, cinnamon and lavender. Research has proven the efficacy of their antibacterial, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties.3,4

Truly Natural® Ingredients

Peppermint

An essential oil that provides overall protection by reducing oral bacteria and inflammation.

2. Natural mouthwash is gentle for even the most sensitive mouths.

Medical conditions, medications, and even brushing habits can cause oral sensitivity. When the mouth is particularly susceptible, choosing gentler options such as natural toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash can prevent further discomfort. Botanical extracts condition oral tissue and offer hydration  to help soothe sensitive oral tissue.

3. Natural mouthwash feels great.

Most commercial mouth rinses contain alcohol to kill bacteria, and anyone who has used an alcohol-based mouthwash is familiar with their burning sensation.  While alcohol is effective on a short-term basis, the eventual result is that our bodies develop a resistance to the antibiotics found in these mouth care products. Furthermore, their burning discomfort can be unpleasant enough for consumers to want to discontinue this part of their oral care routine. Using a mouthwash can help decrease the risk of gingivitis and gum disease. An alcohol-free mouth rinse is better because it is equally effective at eradicating germs without the irritation.

4. Natural mouthwash has naturally antibacterial properties.

The antibacterial effect of essential oils in a natural mouth rinse has been shown to be highly effective in preventing gum disease without contributing to the rise of antibacterial-resistant bacteria.6 Many commercial mouthwashes use the additive Triclosan as an antibacterial agent. Although effective in preventing gum disease, studies have raised some concerns about its potential for making bacteria resistant to antibiotics.5

5. Natural mouthwash contains no harsh additives.

Alcohol, triclosan and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) can be harsh on oral tissue—particularly for those with compromised immune functioning. Diabetics, patients undergoing chemotherapy, and those with rheumatoid arthritis are more prone to developing gum disease and experiencing oral irritation from synthetic ingredients.7,8,9  Using a non alcoholic mouthwash and toothpaste can prevent uncomfortable and unnecessary side effects.

6. Natural mouthwash is effective.

The essential oils and herbal extracts found in a natural mouth rinse such as Dental Herb Company’s Tooth & Gums Tonic are valued for their therapeutic properties. Natural preservative free oral rinses that contain certain essential oils offer antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antifungal properties typically not found in most commercial mouth wash products.

7. Natural mouthwash doesn’t cause dry mouth.

Dry mouth (xerostomia) can be a side effect of certain medications, chemotherapy  or lifestyle choices. Regular use of an alcohol-based mouth rinse can also result in a decreased production of saliva. Dry mouth is as potentially detrimental to oral health as it is uncomfortable, and insufficient saliva increases the risk for cavities and gum disease.10 You can reduce your risk by choosing a natural alcohol free mouth rinse.

8. Natural mouthwash is in high demand.

Consumer demand for natural and organic food and personal care products has increased substantially in recent years. People want healthier alternatives and they want to feel more control over what their bodies are exposed to on a daily basis. Opting to buy organic foods and natural hygiene products are simple ways to provide a greater sense of overall wellbeing. Using a preservative free mouth rinse is a perfect way to start.

9. Natural mouthwash helps keep your mouth (and body) healthy.

Oral health is an excellent indicator of overall health. Infections of the oral mucosa can result in inflammation in other parts of the body because the oral mucosa provides a direct pathway into the bloodstream.11 Use a natural mouth rinse and toothpaste for highly effective cleansing and to help protect against gum disease.

10. Natural mouthwash contains no “mystery” ingredients.

Reading ingredient labels is not only daunting, it can be confusing. If you don’t like the idea of not recognizing (or being able to pronounce) the ingredients in your products, then choosing natural oral care products is the right choice for you.

Dental Herb Company is used and trusted by thousands of dentists and has earned a reputation for excellence in the field of all natural mouthwash and other natural oral care products. All products are made from the highest quality essential oils and herbal extracts, which work together to provide the foundation for superior oral health. When looking for a professional strength Truly Natural® mouth rinse, consider Tooth & Gums Tonic by Dental Herb Company, now available for purchase online.

References:

  1. Herlofson, BB, and P. Barkvoll. “Desquamative Effect of Sodium Lauryl Sulfate on Oral Mucosa. A Preliminary Study.” Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed. U.S. National Library of Medicine, n.d. Web. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7825393>.
  2. ”Triclosan Facts.” EPA.gov. Environmental Protection Agency, n.d. Web. <http://www.epa.gov/oppsrrd1/REDs/factsheets/triclosan_fs.htm>.
  3. Hoffmann, David. “Materia Medica.” Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine. Rochester, VT: Healing Arts, 2003. 561-62/567-68. Print.
  4. “Cinnamon Bark Essential Oil.” Mountainroseherbs.com. Mountain Rose Herbs, n.d. Web. <http://www.mountainroseherbs.com/learn/eo/cinnamonbark.php>.
  5. “Triclosan: What Consumers Should Know.” Fda.gov. Food and Drug Administration, n.d. Web. <http://www.fda.gov/forconsumers/consumerupdates/ucm205999.htm>.
  6. Meeker HG, Linke HAB. The antibacterial action of eugenol, thyme oil, and related essential oils used in dentistry. Compend. 1998;9(1):32-40.
  7. “Diabetes and Oral Health Problems.” Diabetes.org. American Diabetes Association, n.d. Web.
  8. Staff, Mayo Clinic. “Canker Sore Causes.” Mayo Clinic. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, n.d. Web. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/canker-sore/DS00354/DSECTION=causes>.
  9. Ogrendik, Mesut. “Rheumatoid Arthritis Is an Autoimmune Disease Caused by Periodontal Pathogens.” National Center for Biotechnology Information. U.S. National Library of Medicine, 24 May 2013. Web.
  10. “Bad Breath.” MayoClinic.com. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 18 Dec. 2012. Web. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bad-breath/DS00025/DSECTION=causes>.
  11. “Joint Failures Potentially Linked to Oral Bacteria.” ScienceDaily.com. ScienceDaily, 18 Apr. 2012. Web. <http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120418112047.htm>.