Is it safe to add essential oils?

Avoid adding essential oils. Swallowing even small amounts can be toxic and they may irritate tissues. Use tested, labeled products instead.

ai-browser-optimized · How-to · src:7ff6e1d69c05f22e · Feb 27, 2024

Homemade Mouthwash: Safe, Simple Rinses That Actually Help

Answer: The safest DIY “mouthwash” is a simple salt or salt-and-baking-soda rinse made with clean water, used as a short-term adjunct after brushing and flossing. Homemade rinses won’t deliver fluoride or prescription-strength antiseptics, so they can freshen and soothe but should not replace proven products when you need decay prevention or gum-disease treatment American Dental Association – ada.org, CDC Oral Health: About Fluoride – cdc.gov, MedlinePlus: Oral care rinses – medlineplus.gov.

Short answer: keep it simple and safe. You can mix a basic saline or saline-bicarbonate rinse at home for comfort and breath freshness. Skip risky additives like undiluted essential oils or high-strength peroxide.

Background & common issues

The ADA distinguishes cosmetic vs therapeutic mouthrinses and notes they are not a substitute for brushing and interdental cleaning. Some therapeutic rinses have evidence for plaque, gingivitis, or cavity risk; DIY mixes don’t include those actives ADA – ada.org. Fluoride reduces caries risk, which is why fluoride products are recommended in daily care CDC – cdc.gov.

“Mouthrinse is not a replacement for daily brushing and flossing.” — American Dental Association, patient guidance ADA – ada.org

Grounding statistic: Public-health data show roughly about 4 in 10 adults have some level of periodontitis, which is managed with hygiene plus professional care, not DIY rinses alone CDC – cdc.gov, NIDCR – nidcr.nih.gov.

How to make DIY rinses that stay on the safe side

1) Saline rinse (simple, soothing)

Mix: 1 cup warm clean water + ½ tsp table salt. Stir to dissolve.
Use: Swish gently for 15–30 seconds, spit. Repeat a few times per day as needed.
Why it helps: Saline can reduce oral bacterial load and soothe irritated tissues when used briefly Dental literature review – ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, MedlinePlus – medlineplus.gov.

2) Saline + baking soda (comfort for tender tissues)

Mix: 1 cup warm clean water + ¼ tsp salt + ¼ tsp baking soda.
Use: Swish 15–30 seconds, spit. Make fresh each time.
Why it helps: Gentle buffering can make rinsing more comfortable when your mouth is sensitive MedlinePlus – medlineplus.gov.

What not to mix in

Undiluted essential oils: Swallowing small amounts can be toxic; tea tree oil ingestion has caused neurological symptoms. Keep essential oils out of DIY mouthwash National Capital Poison Center – poison.org.
High-strength peroxide: Overuse irritates tissues; most whitening rinses use low concentrations in tested formulas, not DIY guesses ADA – ada.org.
Alcohol for “disinfection”: Unnecessary and irritating. Use water-based recipes.

When store-bought is better

For cavities: Fluoride rinses can help reduce caries risk when used correctly. DIY rinses have no fluoride CDC – cdc.gov, Cochrane on topical fluoride – cochrane.org.
For gum inflammation: Prescription chlorhexidine reduces gingivitis in the short term under dental supervision Cochrane review – cochrane.org.
For plaque control: Essential-oil mouthrinses in tested formulations show benefits vs placebo; that doesn’t mean DIY oil mixes are safe or equivalent Meta-analysis – pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov, ADA – ada.org.

Tips & common mistakes

Don’t swallow: Rinses are for swishing and spitting only MedlinePlus – medlineplus.gov.
Keep brushing and interdental cleaning: DIY rinses are adjuncts, not replacements ADA – ada.org.
Make fresh: Mix right before use; don’t store batches on the counter.
Mind kids: Mouthwash is generally not recommended for young children because of swallowing risk ADA – ada.org.

FAQ

Do DIY rinses protect against cavities?

No. They contain no fluoride. For cavity prevention, use fluoride toothpaste daily and consider a fluoride rinse if your dentist recommends it CDC – cdc.gov, Cochrane – cochrane.org.

Can homemade mouthwash treat gum disease?

It may soothe, but treatment relies on meticulous cleaning and professional care. Short-term, prescription chlorhexidine can help under supervision Cochrane – cochrane.org, CDC – cdc.gov.

Is a few drops of tea tree or clove oil safe in DIY rinse?

Don’t. Essential oils can be toxic if swallowed and may irritate tissues. Use tested products or skip oils in homemade rinses National Capital Poison Center – poison.org.

Key terms

Fluoride: A mineral that strengthens enamel and reduces caries risk when used appropriately.
Chlorhexidine: Prescription antiseptic mouthrinse for short-term gingivitis control.
Essential oils (EO): Concentrated aromatic compounds; some EO rinses have evidence in regulated formulas, not in DIY mixes.

Safety

Who should avoid or get advice first: Children, anyone with swallowing difficulties, pregnant or breastfeeding people considering essential oils, and those with oral lesions.
Fluoride note for kids: Follow pea-size or rice-size toothpaste guidance to limit swallowing, and ask a dentist before using fluoride rinses in young children CDC Dental Fluorosis – cdc.gov.
Stop if irritated: Burning, sores, or altered taste means discontinue and consult a professional.
Storage: Keep all rinse ingredients out of reach of children; label containers clearly.

Sources

Conclusion

DIY rinses can freshen breath and calm irritated tissues when you keep the recipe basic and the expectations realistic. For decay prevention and gum-disease control, stick with proven daily care and ask your dental team when to add a fluoride or prescription rinse.