Your mouth is like a little sneak peek into your overall health. If things are off in there, chances are something else might be too. And here’s something wild: Studies have linked poor oral health to heart disease. The bacteria that cause gum disease can make their way into your bloodstream, stirring up inflammation that contributes to bigger issues. Considering heart disease is the number one cause of death in the U.S., keeping your mouth fresh and healthy is about more than just minty breath.
But let’s be real. Most store-bought mouthwashes? They’re loaded with artificial colors, drying alcohol, and ingredients that can throw off your mouth’s natural balance. No thanks. That’s why we love making our own!
Before We Get Into the Recipe... Let’s Talk Teeth!
You’ve probably heard about remineralization at some point, but what does it actually mean? Basically, your teeth are constantly going through a process of losing and gaining minerals. The outer layer of your teeth, the enamel, is made up of minerals like calcium and phosphate. When you eat acidic foods, sip on sugary drinks, or even experience stress, your enamel can start to lose those minerals: A process called demineralization. And once enamel is gone, your body can’t grow it back. That’s why keeping it strong is so important.
What Causes Mineral Loss in Teeth?
Certain lifestyle habits can speed up the loss of minerals in your teeth. Here are a few things to watch out for:
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Sugary and acidic foods: Sodas, citrus, coffee, and processed sweets can weaken enamel over time.
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Mouth-drying ingredients: Alcohol-based mouthwashes and certain medications can reduce saliva, which is needed to protect your teeth.
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Poor diet: A lack of mineral-rich foods (like leafy greens, nuts, and dairy) can make it harder for your body to maintain strong enamel.
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Overbrushing: Yep, you can brush too hard, which can wear away enamel instead of protecting it.
The Perfect Oral Health Routine: Don’t Skip This!
Listen, if you want strong, healthy teeth and fresh breath that actually lasts, your oral care routine needs to go beyond just brushing and flossing. Your mouth is the gateway to your body, meaning your oral health directly impacts gut health, heart health, and even your immune system. So, let’s set up a routine that actually supports all of that.
Morning Routine: Do This in Order!
This isn’t just about fresh breath. This routine helps detox your mouth, remove bacteria, and support remineralization. Trust us, once you get into it, you’ll never go back.
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Tongue Scrape: First thing in the morning, grab a tongue scraper (or the back of your toothbrush if you don’t have one) and gently scrape off the buildup that accumulates overnight. This gets rid of toxins and bacteria that can cause bad breath and gut issues.
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Oil Pull: Swish a spoonful of coconut oil around in your mouth for about 10-15 minutes. It might feel weird at first, but this ancient practice helps pull toxins from the mouth, reduce harmful bacteria, and support gum health. Spit it out in the trash, never down the drain!
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Water Pick: A game-changer if you want to level up your oral health. A water flosser helps flush out any leftover debris and bacteria from hard-to-reach places.
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Floss: You know the drill. Flossing removes plaque and food particles from between your teeth, preventing cavities and gum disease. Don’t skip it.
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Brush Your Teeth: Now you’re ready to brush. Use a remineralizing toothpaste with natural ingredients like calcium carbonate or hydroxyapatite to strengthen enamel and fight cavities.
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Mouthwash or Warm Water Rinse: Finish it off with a homemade mouthwash (recipe below) or a simple warm water rinse with a pinch of Celtic sea salt. This helps balance the pH of your mouth and leaves everything feeling fresh.
Evening Routine: Keep It Simple
At night, your focus should shift more toward relaxation and self-care, but don’t neglect your oral health. A quick tongue scrape, floss, brush, and a warm water rinse (or mouthwash) will do the trick.
This routine might seem extra at first, but once you start, you’ll feel the difference. Your teeth will be stronger, your gums healthier, and your whole body will thank you. Now, let’s make that mouthwash!
Homemade Mouthwash Recipe
Forget the neon blue stuff from the store! This homemade mouthwash recipe is packed with natural ingredients that actually support your oral health. No harsh alcohol, no artificial dyes, just real minerals and herbs that help freshen breath, strengthen enamel, and keep your gums happy.
How This Mouthwash Supports Remineralization
Unlike conventional mouthwashes that can strip your mouth of good bacteria, our homemade version contains ingredients that help replenish essential minerals and keep your teeth strong:
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Celtic sea salt: Packed with trace minerals, it helps balance your mouth’s pH and provides a natural source of the building blocks your enamel needs.
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Calcium carbonate: A gentle, natural abrasive that helps polish teeth while supplying calcium, one of the key minerals for remineralization.
Ingredients
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1 cup distilled water
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1 tablespoon dried peppermint (freshens breath + supports oral health)
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2 teaspoons dried clove (great for gums + another breath refresher)
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1 tablespoon dried nettle (adds vitamins & minerals for strong teeth)
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1 teaspoon Celtic salt (trace minerals to support remineralization)
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½ teaspoon calcium carbonate (gentle polish + remineralization)
How to Make It
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In a small pot, bring the distilled water to a simmer.
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Add the peppermint, clove, and nettle. Cover and let steep for 15–20 minutes.
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Strain out the herbs and pour the tea into a clean glass jar or bottle.
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Stir in the Celtic salt and calcium carbonate until fully dissolved.
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Let it cool, then it’s ready to use!
How to Use
Swish about 1–2 tablespoons in your mouth for 30 seconds after brushing. Spit it out, don’t swallow. Store in the fridge and use within 3–4 days for the freshest results.
That’s it, y’all! A simple, effective homemade mouthwash recipe made with real ingredients your mouth will love.
Swish Your Way to a Healthier Smile!
Taking care of your oral health doesn’t have to mean using products filled with artificial ingredients. This homemade mouthwash is a simple, natural way to freshen your breath, support your teeth and gums, and keep your whole body happy.
Looking for more DIY wellness recipes? Head over to the blog for more herbal goodness, from homemade skincare to delicious recipes.
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*This article has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and this information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
