Does Natural Mouthwash Work?

Mouthwash is an excellent complement to any oral care routine. And while choosing natural products can offer benefits for both you and the planet, you might be asking—does natural mouthwash work? The short answer is yes, absolutely. Here's what you need to know to help you make the switch.

Natural Mouthwash vs. Traditional Mouthwash

According to the American Dental Association (ADA), some therapeutic mouthwashes can help reduce plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, and tooth decay caused by bacteria. The difference between natural and traditional formulas are the active ingredients.

As the ADA explains, you might find the following active ingredients in mouthwash formulas:

• Cetylpyridinium chloride to help control plaque and gingivitis
• Essential oils to also help control plaque and gingivitis
• Fluoride to help prevent tooth decay

In natural mouthwash, all ingredients are naturally derived. Sodium fluoride, for example, is one active ingredient you might find in natural mouthwash. It is derived from the ore fluorspar and approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help prevent cavities.

Does Natural Mouthwash Work?

When I decided to make the switch to natural oral care products, one of my biggest concerns was their efficacy. While I want to choose natural products as much as possible, I also want to be sure that my health isn't compromised. I quickly discovered that I didn't need to sacrifice one for the other.

Natural mouthwash with active ingredients such as sodium fluoride can be effective at fighting cavities and freshening breath. According to the ADA and FDA, fluoride is a proven agent in helping to prevent tooth decay.

A study published by the Journal of Dental Research, Dental Clinics, Dental Prospects found that participants who used a mouthwash containing sodium fluoride showed a 51.5 percent decrease in tooth decay risk compared with the control group.

Adding Natural Mouthwash to Your Routine

Natural mouthwash is a great addition to your oral care routine, but as the ADA emphasizes, it's important to keep in mind that it is designed to complement regular brushing—not replace it.

To make the most of your mouthwash, simply take a sip after you brush and swish it in your mouth for about a minute before spitting. You can use it daily each time you brush or any time you want to freshen your breath.

Learn more about the benefits of naturally derived ingredients on the Ingredients from Nature board by @tomsofmaine on Pinterest!

Image Sources: Unsplash | Sher Warkentin | Sher Warkentin

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