There are a variety of reasons why someone might want to gargle with a hydrogen peroxide-based mouthwash. Some use hydrogen peroxide because the dentist asked them to, others want to use mouthwash with natural ingredients. However, pure hydrogen peroxide is so strong that you have to dilute it with water. The simplest recipe in this article uses only hydrogen peroxide and water, but if you don't like the taste, you can make a flavored mouthwash.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Simple Mouthwash
Step 1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of lukewarm water in a dark bottle, either glass or plastic
Dark bottles were chosen because light can degrade the hydrogen peroxide more quickly. Make sure you use filtered or distilled water.
Step 2. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide
Higher levels of hydrogen peroxide can be detrimental to oral and dental health.
Step 3. Close and shake the bottle you used to mix the ingredients, then place the bottle in a dark, cool place until you use it
Step 4. Use mouthwash up to twice a day
Pour the mouthwash into the cup, then gargle for 30 seconds. When finished gargling, remove the mouthwash. Gargle again with water, then discard the remaining mouthwash in the cup.
Method 2 of 2: Making Flavored Mouthwash
Step 1. Pour 1 cup (240 ml) of lukewarm water in a dark bottle, either glass or plastic
Make sure you use filtered or distilled water. For a mouthwash that feels fresh, you can use peppermint or spearmint hydrosol.
Avoid using plastic bottles as essential oils can damage the plastic over time
Step 2. Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) of 3% hydrogen peroxide, which can be found in most supermarkets
Higher levels of hydrogen peroxide can be detrimental to oral and dental health.
Step 3. Add 7-10 drops of an essential oil, such as peppermint or spearmint
You can also try other essential oils, such as clove, grapefruit, lime, rosemary, or sweet orange.
- Adding 1 tablespoon (22 grams) of sugar to the essential oil will help with the emulsification process.
- Skip this step if your child will be using mouthwash.
Step 4. Close the bottle, then shake to mix the ingredients
Remember that you will need to shake the ingredients each time you are going to use the mouthwash.
Step 5. Use mouthwash
Shake the mouthwash, then gargle for 2 minutes. When you're done, throw out the mouthwash, and rinse your mouth with water.
- Do not swallow mouthwash.
- Store mouthwash in a cool, dark place.
Tips
- Store mouthwash in a dark, cool cupboard.
- Use dark or non-transparent bottles.
- You can treat gingivitis by mixing Listerine, water, and hydrogen peroxide at a 1:1:1 level.
- You can use a hydrogen peroxide mouthwash to help with irritation caused by: cankers, cold sores, dentures, gingivitis, and dental devices (such as braces).
- Consult your dentist before using hydrogen peroxide for dental problems, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.
- Avoid using hydrogen peroxide unless prescribed by a dentist.
Warning
- Do not ingest hydrogen peroxide. Swallowing hydrogen peroxide will cause an upset stomach.
- Overuse of hydrogen peroxide can kill the good bacteria in the mouth, and cause dental problems.
- Regular use of hydrogen peroxide can irritate the gums, as well as damage dental implants and fillings.
