As part of oral hygiene, apart from brushing your teeth and flossing, is rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. You just have to hold it in your mouth, gargle it for a few minutes and then spit out. Yes, it’s that simple and also very beneficial.
Here are some of the benefits:
1. Freshens up your breath:
Having bad breath or experiencing someone else have it, is even worse and it is definitely something unpleasant. Bad breath or halitosis (if it becomes chronic) is caused by many reasons including consumption of certain types of food (like garlic, fish, onion etc) oral infections, health problems, poor oral hygiene, dental problems, ingestion of certain medications, dry mouth or even because of tobacco consumption. Gargling with mouthwash once or even twice a day can help keep your breath fresh for longer hours in the day and can also help kill the bacteria associated with the bad breath.
2. Rids particles collected in the mouth:
Apart from brushing your teeth and flossing, there are still small particles of food which get lodged in the mouth and between the teeth, which the toothbrush cannot reach, nor can the dental floss successfully take out. So rigorous gargling with mouthwash can help kill the bacteria and get rid of these particles.
3. It can help reduce plaque buildup in the mouth:
Plaque is a sticky film like deposit on the teeth in which bacteria collects and increases in number. Rinsing your mouth with mouthwash can help prevent the growth of plaque that forms on teeth and gums. It can also reduce cavity formation.
4. It can help prevent gingivitis and cure canker sores:
Mouthwash can help prevent gingivitis (inflammation of the gums or gingiva) and other gum diseases by killing the bacteria which would otherwise infect the dental sockets and gums. It can also help cure canker sores (similar to mouth ulcers) within just a few days.
5. Can help strengthen the teeth:
Using branded mouthwashes (like Listerine) which are specially formulated to strengthen the enamel (the hard glossy substance that covers the crown of the tooth) and protect against decay.
6. It can help prevent gum diseases and reduce sensitivity:
If you buy a branded antiseptic or anti-plaque mouthwash, it can help inhibit the growth of bacteria in your gums. If you have sensitive teeth, you can buy mouthwashes which contain arginine (amino acids) which can help seal dentinal tubules in the sensitive sites and prevent sensitivity. READ MORE – Oil pulling – Benefits and how to detox your mouth and body
Here are some easy DIY recipes to make mouthwash at home:
Ginger mint mouthwash:
- 4 glasses water
- 20 cloves
- 2 pieces of ginger
(around 3 inches each) - 1 handful of mint leaves
Method: In a vessel on the stove, add the water and begin to heat it up. Add in the ginger, cloves and mint leaves and bring it to a boil and let it continue to boil for around 2 minutes. Turn off the flame and let it cool. You can store this mouthwash which is now ready to be used, at room temperature or even in the fridge.
* Cloves and ginger have anti-bacterial properties which can prevent bacterial growth and enhance oral health.
Aloe vera and peppermint mouthwash:
- 2 glasses of water
- 2 tbsp aloe vera juice
- 2 tbsp baking soda
- 2 tsp peppermint essential oil
Method: In a glass storage bottle (enough to fill in two glasses of water), add the aloe vera juice, baking soda and peppermint essential oil and shake a little. Then add in 2 glasses of hot water, screw the lid on and shake it well. Let it cool down and it is ready to use.
* Baking soda has mild abrasive properties which can help break the molecule bonds that stain the teeth and its anti-bacterial and anti-microbial properties can help fight harmful bacteria.
Peppermint Mouthwash:
- 1 cup of filtered water
- 1½ tbsp baking soda
- 5 to 10 drops of peppermint essential oil
Method: Mix in a mixing bottle the filtered water (you can also use distilled water), baking soda and peppermint essential oil. Shake it well and it ready to use. READ MORE – TURMERIC MOUTHWASH – improve your dental and oral health
