How to Make Mouthwash

With all the emphasis these days on making teeth as white as possible, fresh and clean breath may be taking a back seat. Ingredients from commercial mouthwashes can cause damage to gum tissue, so it's actually safer to make your own. It's easy, affordable and fun to come up with your own flavorful and even non-alcoholic mouthwashes that will add some sparkle to those pearly whites.

Instructions

1. Gather ingredients for a basic, non-alcoholic recipe. You'll need 2 cups warm water, 1 teaspoon powdered myrrh and 1 drop each tea tree and peppermint oil. Soak for one hour, strain, swish around mouth, then spit out.

2. Give your mouthwash an antibacterial twist and still keep it alcohol-free, if you prefer. You'll need to soak 1 ounce powdered myrrh in 2 cups boiled water and store the mix overnight in a jelly jar-sized container. Strain, swish around mouth, then spit out.

3. Try a herbal mouthwash tea. You'll need to boil two cups water with 3 Tablespoons cloves for one hour. Cool, strain, swish around mouth, then spit out. Instead of the cloves, you can try rosemary, thyme, lavender, peppermint or anise until you find a flavor you enjoy.

4. Drink your mouthwash. For those of you preferring alcohol in your rinse, you'll be happy to know Italian researchers think gargling with red wine makes a good antibacterial mouthwash and its acids - succinic, malic, lactic, tartaric, citric, and acetic - help fight tooth decay.

5. Prepare for those times when you've forgotten or run out of mouthwash. Snip a leaf off a sage plant and rub over your teeth and gums for a quick and natural breath saver.

Tips & Warnings

• Over 80 percent of the bad breath causing bacteria in your mouth comes from your tongue, so remember to brush it every time you brush your teeth.

• Consult your doctor before using mouthwash with alcohol as an ingredient if you are taking prescription medication.

• Do not use sage leaves orally or as an ingredient in a homemade mouthwash mixture if you are pregnant.