Dr. Kara Fitzgerald and Jay Wolkoff MS
Commercial toothpastes and mouthwashes are certainly convenient, but some of us would prefer to go that extra mile for our oral health with homemade toothpastes, tooth polishes, and mouthwashes. This can really make a difference for those with intense food sensitivities or strong aversions towards additives found in commercial pastes. With proper planning a DIY product should meet or surpass most commercial alternatives on the market both in terms of efficacy and quality.
Homemade Mouth Mouthwash
A mouthwash is a great place to start if you’re new to DIY oral hygiene products. They can be very simple to make and give you a lot of benefits:
• Can be easy to make and use straight after each meal
• Moderate the oral microbial population
• Return your post-meal oral pH to a healthy range. The oral pH naturally becomes more acidic when you eat food, and this promotes cavities. However, recent research shows that it’s not necessarily best to brush your teeth straight after a meal since the mouth environment is acidic at that point. That’s where a good mouthwash can be very useful.
These three variations we have found to be highly beneficial:
Super-Easy Mouthwash
The most basic, but effective formula. Baking soda and sea salt balance the pH in the mouth to reduce the bacterial activity that promotes S. mutans.
Ingredients:
• 1 Tablespoon of Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
• 1 or 2 Drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil (optional)
• 1 Cup of Boiling Water
Instructions:
Dissolve all ingredients into boiling water, then let cool. Keep at room temperature
Advanced Mouthwash
A step up from the basic formula. Xylitol improves the taste and has its own well researched anti-bacterial properties. The peppermint oil and tea tree oils provide some strong anti-microbial action, and make a good substitute for the sea-salt.
Ingredients:
• 1 Tablespoon of Baking Soda
• 1 Teaspoon of Sea Salt
• 1 Teaspoon of Xylitol
• 2 Drops of Peppermint Oil
• 2 Drops of Tea Tree Essential Oil
• 1 Cup to 1 Small Mason Jar Size of Boiling Water
Instructions:
Same as the previous recipe.
Herbal Mouthwash*
While quite a bit more labor intensive than the other recipes, this is really an excellent mouthwash. The echinacea, thyme, citrus peel, cardamom and cinnamon are anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory. Calendula tones, tightens and nourishes the gums. The cinnamon is also astringent and improves blood flow to deliver nutrients. Together the herbs create a pleasing flavor.
Some of the herbs used in this and other formulas below aren’t easy to come by in stores, but can be found online (look for organic where you can).
Ingredients:
• 1⁄4 Cup Dried Echinacea Root or Flower
• 1⁄4 Cup Dried Calendula Flowers
• 1⁄4 Cup Dried Thyme Leaves
• 1 Tablespoon of Dried Orange or Lemon Peel
• 1 Tablespoon of Cardamom Pods
• 1 Tablespoon Cinnamon Chips or 1 Cinnamon Stick
Instructions:
Coarsely chop fresh herbs. Combine all ingredients together in a 2 cup glass jar. Cover with 100 proof alcohol (or higher). Cover, label and let sit for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, strain. Will last for 2 – 3 years. To use, add 30 drops of the tincture to enough water to swish with. Swish for 30 – 60 seconds, spit out. Use 1 – 2 x/day. For children under 5, use 5 drops per mouthful/swish. Children 5 – 10, 10 drops.
Top tip for whitening: Rub the inner pith of orange or lemon peel on your teeth!
Homemade Toothpastes
For the well-timed, twice-a-day brushing there are some good DIY options for toothpastes. Homemade toothpastes are suitable for cavity prevention and soothing gum inflammation and sensitivity. But if remineralization is required it’s best to stick with the specialized commercial brands.
Note: These toothpaste powders can be moistened with glycerin to add a sweet flavor and a more soothing texture. Mix with glycerin until desired texture is reached, store in an airtight container.
A Toothpaste for Sensitive Gums*
This toothpaste is an excellent choice for those with inflammation and sensitivity in the gums. The calendula is anti-inflammatory and support tissue health and repair. Marshmallow also sooths any irritated tissue and helps the healing process. Both the clove and rose petal have strong anti-microbial properties.
Ingredients:
• 2 Tablespoons Calendula Flower Powder
• 1 – 2 Teaspoon Clove Powder (start with 1 teaspoon and add more if you want a stronger flavor)
• 2 Teaspoons Rose Petal Powder
• 2 Teaspoons Marshmallow Root Powder
Instructions:
Mix ingredients together, store in an air-tight container. To use, moisten toothbrush, sprinkle enough powder on bristles to lightly cover. Brush teeth evenly and softly for 2 – 3 minutes. Rinse well. Follow with a herbal tooth rinse.
A Toothpaste for Cavities and Tooth Infections*
This is another great toothpaste that provides excellent anti-microbial activity through the Echinacea and sage, as well as improved blood flow through the peppermint. These activities help to reduce S. mutans and strengthen the resilience of the teeth.
Ingredients:
• 1 Tablespoon Echinacea Root Powder
• 2 Teaspoons Peppermint Leaf Powder
• 2 Teaspoons Sage Leaf Powder
Instructions:
Same as the previous recipe.
Homemade Tooth Polish
A tooth polish can be a great way to keep your teeth exceptionally clean in between visits to your dental hygienist. However, we recommend using this mixture no one than two times per week, and only if you have no history of wear or erosion, since the baking soda and salt can be erosive.
Ingredients:
• 2 Tablespoons of Baking Soda
• 1 – 2 Tablespoons of Fine Sea Salt (not Coarse)
• 1 – 2 Drops of Peppermint Essential Oil (optional)
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients and store in a glass container. Add a dash to a moistened toothbrush as use as you would a toothpaste. Consider using an electric toothbrush for an added benefit.
Jay Wolkoff, MS, is a clinical nutritionist specializing in integrative and functional medicine. He currently practices at the office of Dr. Alan Wolkoff, DMD, where he offers nutrition and lifestyle counseling to support individuals experiencing dental concerns including extensive dental decay. Jay has a special interest in herbal medicine, and is a keen organic gardener, meditator and yoga practitioner.
*The herbal recipes Jay recommends above were learned from Brittany Wood Nickerson, a practicing herbalist with a particular expertise when it comes to oral health.