For centuries, people have known about the health benefits of apple cider vinegar. It became popular in the 1970s as more people used it to lose weight and fight infections. The vinegar’s acidity kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum infections. Some say you can also use it to remove tough tooth stains, although there isn’t much scientific evidence behind this.
Nevertheless, we are going to make a basic ACV mouthwash you can keep on hand at home that is alcohol-free and doesn’t contain some of the strange ingredients found in store-bought varieties. We even have some ideas to help make it taste more palatable!
Understanding the Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar for Oral Health
Apple cider vinegar has minerals that keep your teeth healthy and can fight bad breath. It can be used as a mouthwash to kill bacteria, but you should dilute it with water to protect your tooth enamel. It’s uncertain how effective it is at low concentrations, but it can be a natural alternative to store-bought mouthwash. Studies show it has strong antibacterial properties. In higher concentrations, it can be used to treat oral thrush and fight against candida and excess yeast, which can help with gum disease.
Why Choose Homemade Mouthwash Over Commercial Products?
When you make your own mouthwashes, you can choose what goes in it to suit your needs, like making your breath fresher or adjusting the flavor for a better swishing experience. Homemade mouthwashes are not only personalized but also chemical-free, can save you money, and are eco-friendly when stored in reusable glass bottles.
Step-by-Step Guide: Preparing Your Own Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
OR (I use this recipe)
- 1 cup of distilled water
- 1 tablespoon of fine salt
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Add the salt to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 2: Add the distilled water
Step 3: Add the apple cider vinegar
Step 4: Add the vanilla extract
Step 5: Shake well to combine
Shake well before each use!
Storing Your DIY Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash: Best Practices
You can keep it on your bathroom counter forever if you use distilled water. If you use tap water with extra minerals and impurities, I suggest keeping it in the fridge for up to one week.
Safety Considerations When Using Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash
Apple cider vinegar’s high acidity, which makes it an effective antiseptic, can also harm tooth enamel. To use it as a mouthwash, dilute it with water. Using mouthwash after brushing can help clean hard-to-reach areas in your mouth. Swish for 30 seconds to one minute before spitting it out.
Customizing Your Homemade Mouthwash: Flavor and Refreshment Options
Apple cider vinegar has a lot of health benefits, but some people find its taste too strong. Here are some natural flavoring options to make your homemade apple cider vinegar mouthwash taste better:
- Mint: This classic mouthwash flavor can help cover up the vinegar’s sourness. You can use fresh mint leaves or mint essential oil.
- Cinnamon: Known for fighting bacteria, cinnamon adds a warm, spicy taste.
- Cloves: With antiseptic properties, cloves provide a sweet-spicy flavor. You can use clove essential oil or infuse your mouthwash with whole cloves.
- Fennel: Fennel has a sweet, anise-like flavor and freshens breath.
- Remember, if you use essential oils, they should be food-grade and only a few drops are needed because they’re very strong. If you use fresh ingredients like mint leaves or lemon juice, you’ll need to strain them out before using the mouthwash.
Other DIY Recipes
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FAQs
Homemade apple cider vinegar mouthwash is thought to help balance the acidity in your mouth and fight bad breath, and it may have bacteria-fighting properties. Plus, it’s free from the artificial stuff in store-bought mouthwashes.
If you use homemade apple cider vinegar mouthwash every day, it’s best to check with a dentist or doctor first before adding it to your daily oral care routine. Using it too much could wear down your enamel.
Homemade apple cider vinegar mouthwash can be used as a natural alternative to commercial mouthwashes, but it may not provide the same level of protection against cavities and gum disease. It’s important to consider it as a supplement to regular oral hygiene practices.
Yes, it does. Adding essential oils or other flavors can cover up the strong taste of apple cider vinegar in the mouthwash if you can’t deal with the strong vinegar taste.
How To Make Apple Cider Vinegar Mouthwash
Ingredients
Instructions
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of distilled water
- 2 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
OR (I use this recipe)
- 1 cup of distilled water
- 1 tablespoon of fine salt
- 2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- A few drops of vanilla extract
Instructions:
Step 1: Add the salt to a jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Step 2: Add the distilled water
Step 3: Add the apple cider vinegar
Step 4: Add the vanilla extract
Step 5: Shake well to combine
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