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A homemade mouthwash can be prepared in just a few minutes using ingredients from your pantry: half a teaspoon of salt or baking soda in a glass of lukewarm water is enough to create a soothing solution for an infection or sensitive gums. When prepared correctly, it complements brushing, helps limit bacteria and soothes temporary irritation. This guide details the measured recipes, safe dosages, the difference between a homemade anti-inflammatory mouthwash and a natural antiseptic mouthwash, the essential precautions when using essential oils and the signs that should lead you to visit the dentist.
Key takeaways
- The simplest and safest recipe remains salt water: half a teaspoon of salt in 200 to 250 ml of lukewarm water.
- An anti-inflammatory mouthwash (salt, chamomile, sage) soothes the gums; a natural antiseptic mouthwash (clove, thyme, tea tree) targets bacteria.
- Baking soda neutralizes acidity and freshens breath; salt soothes the gums after dental treatment.
- Essential oils (tea tree, peppermint, clove) are effective but require strict dilution: never more than 1 to 2 drops, and never swallow them.
- Homemade mouthwash does not keep well: prepare it just before use, or store it for a maximum of 48 hours in the refrigerator in a clean bottle.
- Use it as a short course (a few days), not continuously, and never as a replacement for brushing.
- Persistent pain, swelling or fever require a dental consultation: mouthwash provides relief, but does not treat an established infection.
Brushing your teeth alone does not guarantee good dental hygiene. It benefits from being accompanied by a mouthwash to help limit infections. This type of product can be purchased at a pharmacy or made at home using natural ingredients capable of reducing bacteria in the oral cavity.
Which natural product can be used to make homemade mouthwash?
Several everyday ingredients offer effectiveness comparable to that of a pharmacy-bought solution, provided the dosages are followed. Here are the most reliable options, from the gentlest to the most delicate to handle.
Salt
Salt is the most recommended natural anti-inflammatory, particularly after a visit to the dentist, as it reduces inflammation without significant side effects. Put half a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water (200 to 250 ml), stir until dissolved, then circulate the solution around your mouth for thirty seconds to one minute before spitting it out. Repeat two to three times a day, preferably after brushing.
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Baking soda
Baking soda is not only used in cooking: it helps keep teeth healthy by neutralizing oral acidity. Dilute one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water, stir, gargle for one to two minutes, then spit out and rinse with lukewarm water. Baking soda helps combat bad breath and slows tartar formation.
Clove
Cloves have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Steep three or four cloves in lukewarm water for a few minutes, let cool, strain, then use the liquid as a rinse. You can use it after meals. Its action helps protect the gums, but the infusion should remain mild and never be swallowed in large quantities.
Thyme
Thyme is one of the most renowned natural antiseptics thanks to its aromatic compounds. As a cooled infusion (one teaspoon of dried thyme in 250 ml of hot water, steeped for ten minutes, then strained), it provides a gentle antibacterial rinse that is useful against bad breath and minor irritations. Like all homemade infusions, it should be spat out and not kept for more than 48 hours in the refrigerator.
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps limit acids deposited by food. It must be diluted: one teaspoon in a large glass of water, no more. Use it as a rinse after brushing, without excess. If too concentrated or used too frequently, its acidity weakens enamel, so it is best reserved for occasional use.
Essential oils: effective but should be used with caution
Tea tree and peppermint essential oils are known for their antibacterial properties. They should never be poured into the mouth undiluted. Use a maximum of 1 to 2 drops diluted in a glass of water, ideally combined with a pinch of baking soda to help disperse them. Spit out the solution completely and never swallow it.
Essential oil precautions: not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, young children, or people with epilepsy or allergies. If in doubt, ask a pharmacist for advice before use. Never exceed the indicated dose: more is not better.
Soothing herbs: sage and chamomile
For irritated gums, a cooled infusion of sage or chamomile makes a gentle mouthwash. Steep one teaspoon of dried herb in 250 ml of hot water, let it cool to lukewarm, strain, then use it as a rinse. These infusions are well suited to sensitive mouths that do not tolerate salt or baking soda well.
Homemade anti-inflammatory or natural antiseptic mouthwash: what is the difference?
Homemade mouthwash is often discussed as a single category, but two families of purposes coexist. Distinguishing between them helps avoid choosing a recipe that does not suit your actual needs.
A homemade anti-inflammatory mouthwash is intended to soothe: it calms swollen, sensitive, or painful gums, often after dental treatment or minor irritation. Salt, chamomile, and sage are its main ingredients, as they reduce discomfort without irritating the mucous membranes.
A natural antiseptic mouthwash is primarily intended to limit the bacteria responsible for plaque, bad breath, or an early-stage infection. Clove, thyme, and tea tree play the leading role thanks to their antibacterial compounds. The two approaches are not mutually exclusive: the same recipe can combine a soothing ingredient with an antiseptic ingredient.
Anti-inflammatory purpose
\Purpose: soothe sensitive gums, pain, mild swelling, and post-treatment discomfort.
\Key ingredients: salt, chamomile, sage.
\Ideal when: the mouth is irritated but not clearly infected. This is the gentlest option, suitable for use over several consecutive days.
Natural antiseptic purpose
\Purpose: reduce bacteria, slow plaque buildup, freshen breath.
\Key ingredients: clove, thyme, tea tree (very diluted).
\Ideal when: the goal is to cleanse the mouth or address discomfort of bacterial origin. Also use only for short courses.
\The right approach: for sore gums, start with the anti-inflammatory option (salt water). If the discomfort is mainly due to bad breath or plaque, choose the antiseptic option. In cases of established gingivitis or recurrent canker sores, refer to our dedicated guides, which cover each case in detail.
Quick recipe: salt water mouthwash, step by step
This is the safest preparation, which can be used every day in case of sore gums or after an extraction, when recommended by the dentist. It is also the go-to homemade anti-inflammatory mouthwash.
- Warm 200 to 250 ml of water (neither boiling hot nor ice-cold).
- Add half a teaspoon of fine salt and stir until completely dissolved.
- Take a sip and gently swish the solution for thirty seconds to one minute, focusing on the sensitive area.
- Spit without swallowing, then repeat with the rest of the glass.
- Repeat two to three times a day, preferably after brushing. Do not rinse immediately with clean water so it can take effect.
Freshness tip: after a tooth extraction, wait at least 24 hours before rinsing vigorously, then use very gentle movements to avoid dislodging the protective blood clot.
Natural antiseptic clove mouthwash recipe
When the goal is to purify rather than soothe, cloves are the most accessible homemade antiseptic. They can be combined with thyme to strengthen the antibacterial action while keeping the preparation gentle and free from essential oils, making it better tolerated.
This recipe is prepared like an infusion: the active compounds are extracted with hot water, then it is left to cool before rinsing. Always spit it out and do not keep it for more than 48 hours in the refrigerator.
Here are the steps for making a natural homemade antiseptic mouthwash, to use for only a few days at a time.
- Bring 250 ml of water to a simmer, then remove from the heat.
- Add 3 to 4 whole cloves (and, if desired, half a teaspoon of dried thyme).
- Leave covered to infuse for 10 minutes, then strain carefully.
- Let it cool to mouth temperature before use: an infusion that is too hot can irritate the mucous membranes.
- Rinse for thirty seconds to one minute after brushing, then spit without swallowing.
- Limit use to once or twice a day for a few days, then take a break.
Caution: cloves contain eugenol, which is potent in high doses. Stick to a mild infusion, do not swallow it, and do not recommend this recipe to young children or pregnant women without the advice of a healthcare professional. If bad breath persists despite rinsing, consult our guide on bad breath to identify the cause.
When and how often should you use homemade mouthwash?
Homemade mouthwash helps prevent certain oral discomforts and support gum healing: early cavities, gingivitis, and sensitivity after dental treatment. It may also be useful after minor oral surgery to limit the proliferation of microbes around the treated area.
Its use should remain supervised. Use it as a short course for a few days, then take a break before repeating it if necessary. Continuous use of mouthwash, even a natural one, can disrupt the oral microbiome. Conversely, some commercial solutions may have drawbacks: our article on mouthwash and its risks details the points to watch out for.
Key takeaway: mouthwash complements brushing; it does not replace it. It is the combination of thorough brushing and an appropriate rinse that maintains good oral hygiene.
Homemade mouthwash or pharmacy solution: which should you choose?
Chlorhexidine-based commercial mouthwashes are highly effective in the short term against infections, but they are reserved for short courses prescribed by a healthcare professional, as they can stain the teeth and affect taste. Homemade recipes are gentler, more affordable and kinder to the oral microbiome, but their effect is more moderate. For a confirmed infection, the prescribed pharmacy product remains the standard; for daily maintenance and soothing, a homemade version is often enough.
The most important step: truly effective brushing
No rinse can make up for inadequate brushing. Before using any mouthwash, you need to remove as much plaque as possible from all the teeth. A sonic toothbrush such as the Y-Brush Ultra cleans all surfaces at the same time and makes this part of your daily routine easier, while a water flosser such as the Hydro One complements cleaning between the teeth, where the bacteria responsible for gingivitis accumulate. Mouthwash only comes afterward, as the finishing touch.
Frequently asked questions about homemade mouthwash
What is the best homemade mouthwash for an infection?
For infected or irritated gums, salt water mouthwash is the safest and best tolerated option: half a teaspoon of salt in 200 to 250 ml of lukewarm water, two to three times a day. It soothes inflammation without irritating the tissues. It provides relief, but if the infection persists for more than two to three days, a dental consultation is essential.
What is the difference between an antiseptic and an anti-inflammatory mouthwash?
An anti-inflammatory mouthwash soothes, while an antiseptic mouthwash fights bacteria. The former (salt, chamomile, sage) calms sensitive or sore gums; the latter (cloves, thyme, tea tree) cleanses the mouth and slows plaque buildup. For irritated gums, an anti-inflammatory mouthwash is preferable; for bad breath or a cleansing effect, a natural antiseptic is more suitable. A recipe can also combine both effects.
Are cloves a good natural antiseptic?
Yes, cloves are one of the most well-known natural oral antiseptics thanks to eugenol, a compound with antibacterial and mildly anesthetic properties. As a mild infusion (3 to 4 cloves in 250 ml of water, strained and cooled), it provides a cleansing rinse that is useful for a short course. It should never be swallowed in large quantities and is not recommended for young children or pregnant women without medical advice.
Can you use baking soda mouthwash every day?
Baking soda can be used daily for a short course, but not permanently. Its mild abrasive effect and ability to alter the mouth's pH call for moderation: use it for a few days in a row, then take a break. For gentler regular use, salt water or chamomile tea is more suitable.
Does homemade mouthwash replace brushing?
No. Mouthwash is a supplement, never a substitute for brushing. Brushing is what mechanically removes dental plaque; rinsing merely reaches difficult areas and soothes them. To do it properly, brush thoroughly first, as explained in our guide on how long to brush your teeth, then finish with mouthwash.
How long should you keep homemade mouthwash in your mouth?
Thirty seconds to one minute is enough for the solution to circulate and reach all areas. There is no need to continue longer: beyond that, effectiveness does not increase, but discomfort does. Then spit it out without swallowing, and avoid rinsing immediately with plain water to let the ingredients work.
Are essential oils safe in mouthwash?
Essential oils are safe only if they are very heavily diluted and never swallowed. Limit use to 1 to 2 drops in a glass of water, combined with a pinch of baking soda to disperse them. They are not recommended for pregnant women, young children, or people with allergies or epilepsy. If in doubt, a pharmacist can advise you.
Can you use homemade mouthwash during pregnancy?
Yes, but only the gentlest recipes: salt water is the only one genuinely recommended without reservation during pregnancy. Essential oils and concentrated cloves should be avoided, as some of their compounds are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you have swollen or bleeding gums, which are common during this period, talk to your dentist or midwife before using a stronger preparation.
How should homemade mouthwash be stored?
Ideally, prepare it just before use and use it immediately. If you prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator in a clean glass bottle and discard it after 48 hours. Without preservatives, a natural preparation deteriorates quickly and can become a breeding ground for bacteria.
Does apple cider vinegar damage teeth?
Undiluted or used too often, apple cider vinegar can erode enamel because of its acidity. Used diluted (one teaspoon in a large glass of water) and occasionally, it remains acceptable. Always rinse with plain water afterward and avoid brushing your teeth for half an hour after an acidic rinse.
Is homemade mouthwash enough to treat gingivitis?
Homemade mouthwash can soothe early gingivitis, but it cannot treat it on its own. Gingivitis is primarily treated by removing plaque and tartar: thorough brushing, cleaning between the teeth and, if necessary, professional scaling at the dentist's office. A natural rinse supports this work without replacing it.
When should you see a dentist instead of continuing to rinse?
Pain that lasts more than two to three days, swelling, an abscess, fever, or a persistent bad taste are warning signs. Homemade mouthwash can relieve mild discomfort, but an established infection requires a diagnosis and sometimes treatment. When in doubt, make an appointment: it is better to seek care early than wait for a complication.
