DIY Antibacterial Mouthwash (Alcohol Free)
Learn how to make the best homemade herbal mouthwash for gum and oral health!
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Did you know you can make your own mouthwash? Not only can you make it, once you try it you will never want to buy it again!
My DIY mouthwash for bad breath and bacteria is super easy to make and works AMAZINGLY. It is truly the best homemade herbal mouthwash for gum health that I believe you will find.
I had to have a root canal done a few years ago, and a dental crown put on. The tooth and my gums around it, never felt like they fully healed. My gums were constantly inflamed, and I had a constant discomfort when pressure was placed on the crown. My dentist has no solutions for me. In all honestly, after using this herbal antibacterial mouthwash for just a couple of weeks, the swelling in my gums around the crown was completely gone, and so was the in my tooth.
I swear by this Mouthwash recipe with clove, cinnamon, and tusli.
If you use this mouthwash with my all-natural Tooth Powder recipe, you will be amazed by the changes in your oral health.
I hate the dentist like most do, and my goal is to make as few of visits as possible to their office. Personally, I’ve found that making my own homemade natural tooth powder and mouthwash, has made a huge difference in my need to go to the dentist.
Not only does it work great, it’s super easy and cheap to make as well! You will most definitely be saving money. At the department store, and at the dentist!
But my absolute favourite thing about this herbal mouthwash is that there is nothing in it that can’t be swallowed. As a mom, that is huge for me. It is so easy (for kids especially) to accidentally swallow mouthwash. Not only is this natural mouthwash safe for kids to use, I don’t have to worry if one of them accidentally swallows a bit. Not that you want to do that, but there is nothing in this that will cause any harm to them if they do.
What Is Wrong With Conventional Mouthwash?
Many conventional mouthwashes are marketed as essential for oral hygiene, but they often contain harsh ingredients that can do more harm than good.
Alcohol is a common component, used to kill bacteria, but it can also dry out the mouth and disrupt the natural balance of oral flora—making it easier for harmful bacteria to thrive.
Synthetic chemicals like chlorhexidine, triclosan, and artificial dyes or sweeteners are also found in many commercial formulas, which may contribute to irritation, staining of teeth, or even disrupt hormone health over time.
Additionally, these mouthwashes can mask bad breath without addressing its underlying causes. For those seeking a safer, more holistic approach to oral care, natural alternatives like herbal and homemade mouthwashes are a gentle yet effective solution.
Ingredients to Make DIY Mouthwash for Bad Breath and Bacteria
This simple diy antibacterial mouthwash couldn’t be easier to whip together. The ingredients below are what I use, and highly recommend. However, even if you only wanted to use Clove buds and/or Tulsi, you will still get great antibacterial results.
Clove Buds
Clove buds are a powerful antibacterial and antiseptic herb known for their ability to combat oral pathogens. They contain eugenol, a natural compound that not only fights bacteria but also helps relieve tooth pain and reduce inflammation.
Clove has been used traditionally in oral care to help soothe sore gums, target plaque, and freshen breath, making it an ideal addition to a natural mouthwash.
I recommend buying this at your local grocery store in the spice area.
Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon is more than just a warm spice—it’s a potent antibacterial and antifungal agent. Rich in cinnamaldehyde, cinnamon helps neutralize harmful bacteria in the mouth that cause bad breath, gingivitis, and tooth decay.
It also has a naturally sweet flavour profile that adds a pleasant taste to your homemade mouthwash while supporting oral hygiene.
I recommend buying this at your local grocery store in the spice area.
Tulsi (Holy Basil)
Tulsi—often called the “queen of herbs”—is a revered Ayurvedic plant with strong antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and immune-boosting properties. In oral care, tulsi helps fight harmful microbes, soothe oral tissues, reduce plaque, and prevent gum disease.
Its antibacterial qualities make it a powerful, natural defender against infections and a gentle cleanser for the mouth.
I recommend buying this at your local health food store (unless you grow your own).
Xylitol
Xylitol is a natural sweetener derived from plants that does far more than improve taste. It helps prevent cavities by inhibiting the growth of Streptococcus mutans, the bacteria primarily responsible for tooth decay. Xylitol also helps maintain a healthy pH balance in the mouth and supports saliva production, which is essential for natural remineralization and protecting tooth enamel.
It’s a sweetener you don’t want to leave out when it comes to oral care! Many studies have shown that taking a small amount of Xylitol after eating, is one of the most effective ways at preventing cavities.
Why This Recipe Works
This homemade antibacterial mouthwash combines the natural power of clove, cinnamon, tulsi, and xylitol to create a gentle yet effective oral care solution.
Clove and cinnamon provide potent antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to fight harmful oral bacteria that cause bad breath, plaque, and gum irritation. Tulsi adds an extra layer of protection with its natural antimicrobial and soothing benefits, supporting gum health and overall oral hygiene. Xylitol not only sweetens the rinse naturally but also actively prevents tooth decay by reducing cavity-causing bacteria and supporting saliva production.
Together, these ingredients create a balanced, toxin-free mouthwash that freshens breath, promotes healthy gums, and protects teeth—all without the harsh chemicals found in conventional commercial products. And it is completely Alcohol Free!
Homemade Antibacterial Herbal Mouthwash
Difficulty: Easy, Beginner24
Ounces5
minutes30
minutes35
minutesEquipment:
– A glass mason jar
– Soup pot
– Cheesecloth
– Label maker (optional but I highly recommend for an easy and waterproof label) – Buy in CAN or USA
Ingredients
4 Cups (32oz) Water (some water will evaporate from boiling)
3 Cinnamon Sticks
10-15 Whole Cloves
2 Tbsp Tulsi (dried or fresh)
2 Tsp Xylitol
Directions
- In a small pot add the water, cinnamon and cloves. Bring to a boil and let simmer on low for 20-30 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes. Once it’s no longer boiling hot, add the Tulsi leaves to the pot and let sit for another 30-40 minutes.
- Place a cheesecloth over a large bowl, or 4 cup measuring dish, and pour the mouthwash through the cheesecloth to remove the cloves, cinnamon and tulsi.
- Stir in Xylitol until it’s completely dissolved.
- Pour into storage jar.
Notes
- This is not meant as medical advice, it is always best to consult with your healthcare provider before using this toothpaste.
- Due to the water, store the mouthwash in the fridge. It will last for 2-3 weeks if stored properly.
- Use the same way you would any other mouthwash.
- Some say clove can stain teeth, so it is recommended to rinse your mouth with water after the mouthwash.
- Make sure you label your jar! You will not remember what is in it. I LOVE my Niimbot B1 label maker and printer for this (Buy in CAN or USA). Its comes with a free and easy to use app where you can design your labels just the way you want. It quickly and seamlessly prints high quality, and waterproof labels. I haven’t found any easier way to keep my DIY products organized and identified, then this label printer. You will love it for everything in your home! Here are the links again for the exact model I use, buy in CAN or USA.
Don’t forget to try my all-natural remineralizing tooth powder recipe as well to complete your oral care routine.
You will love it! Your mouth will never feel better, and it naturally gets rid of bad breath by addressing the cause of it.
Storage Tips:
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the refrigerator for proper preservation.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to share it with a friend and save it to Pinterest so you’ll always have it handy. And if you want more simple, natural recipes, be sure to subscribe to my newsletter – I’ve got plenty more tips and recipes coming out on a weekly basis.
