How do i make an effective mouthwash?

[southeast-isher]

Hi there, i use a small glass of vinegar sometimes a dash of lemon juice too just on occasions to tide me by until next brush. I have done no research on what to use so fear i may be using something which may rinse adequately but be potentially bad for my gnashers. Anyone got any advice or recipes that are safe and effective? Thanks.

[Silver Ether]

Sage tea ... and you can add a little salt if you think you have an infection...

[Green Aura]

If you're going to use either vinegar or lemon juice, make sure you rinse really well with cold water afterwards. They're both acids and will damage the enamel if used often. Keep them for an occasional boost.

You can use bicarb of soda, in water. Just a pinch is enough.

I make my own mouthwash with gin and a few drops of clove, myrrh and peppermint essential oils. Just a tspful in a glass of water, marvellous, although I'm not sure OH dilutes it, or spits it out

[southeast-isher]

haha thanks both of you i think i will try those both out.

[southeast-isher]

Thank you Green Aura for this... is there any alternative for the gin to make it alcohol free? I am looking for something to nuke any bacteria... i am a smoker for my sins so would need to be quite effective.

[Green Aura]

The alcohol isn't necessary SE - other than to dissolve and distribute the essential oils evenly. Otherwise they float! You could use milk or even honey, which might not be as daft as it sounds. Honey forms hydrogen peroxide which will kill pretty much anything and you only need a tiny bit dissolved in a glass of water. Same EOs just make sure they're mixed right through thoroughly and just use about half a teaspoonful.

I've never tried it though! And I'm guessing you still need to rinse well.

[southeast-isher]

Thanks you GA it's only that i worry about extra risk of mouth cancer with alcohol in it but i guess gin would make it work well and distribute the oils. Hmm, i'll have to think about it.

[greenorelse]

Thank you Green Aura for this... is there any alternative for the gin to make it alcohol free? I am looking for something to nuke any bacteria... i am a smoker for my sins so would need to be quite effective.

Thanks you GA it's only that i worry about extra risk of mouth cancer with alcohol in it but i guess gin would make it work well and distribute the oils. Hmm, i'll have to think about it.

I apologise right now for this, it's naughty but I just had to put the two posts together.

[Green Aura]

You only use about 5-10ml in a tumbler of water so I don't think you need worry too much!

[southeast-isher]

@greenorelse: hence the word "extra" risk...

Thanks Green Aura - it sounds like a nice concoction. I'm going to gather all the ingredients together this week. :-)

[oldjerry]

GA,will it work with vodka as well as gin ? (cos I get that real cheap).

[Green Aura]

Yup. Any alcohol - not methanol of course!