Natural mouthwash: Does it work?
Botanical and natural products have seen a rise in popularity in many aspects of healthcare, including oral health. However, there still remains a certain cynicism around natural ingredients and products. Can they really be as effective as the synthetic alternatives cooked up by commercial companies?
There is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ answer to this as we are constantly learning, discovering and rediscovering the benefits and disadvantages of both natural and synthetic ingredients. Where mouthwash is concerned, though, there is some interesting evidence emerging that natural is the way to go.
Does natural mouthwash work?
This depends very much on which one you are using and what you expect a mouthwash to do. A cosmetic mouthwash will do little more than rinse the mouth and freshen the breath. A therapeutic mouthwash can help to fight bacteria, reduce and prevent plaque, protect gums and keep a balanced pH and happy oral microbiome.
It is certainly possible to find an array of natural ingredients that can do just this. In fact, often natural ingredients have the benefit of causing fewer adverse reactions.
It has been proven through case studies that mouthwashes that contain alcohol (ethanol) can actually cause bad breath to worsen as it dries out the mouth. Similarly, chlorhexidine used for receding gums was found to cause staining and an increase in tartar amongst frequent users.
Natural alternatives to synthetic compounds such as aloe vera or ginseng were found to be just as effective and with the benefits of fewer adverse effects on both the mouth and the environment.
Does natural mouthwash fight bacteria?
This can depend on the ingredients. Some mouthwashes work mostly to refresh breath. Look for natural ingredients such as aloe vera, and botanical extracts that can fight plaque and bacteria. There are an ever-increasing number of studies to back up this claim. That is not to say that commercial mouthwashes don’t fight bacteria. They do, but some of the chemicals tend to be strong, and can potentially leave the whole mouth with damage to cheek and gum tissue.
Natural ingredients vs synthetic ingredients
Given the obvious benefits of natural mouthwashes, it begs the question; why even use synthetic ingredients?
Largely, this comes down to money. It is much cheaper to mass-produce mouthwash made of synthetic ingredients than it is to harvest them from organic plants. This inevitably has an impact on the environment in terms of toxic wastes and carbon emissions.
It could be argued that the existing cynicism surrounding natural products has been perpetuated by commercial manufacturers and used to generate mistrust in their overall effectiveness.
On the other hand, research in this area is relatively new and ongoing. It’s encouraging to see natural ingredients holding up to scientific scrutiny.
Should I use a natural mouthwash?
It is always worth looking at what ingredients are used in any of your oral care products. Whilst any adverse effects were minimal in comparison to commercial mouthwash, it’s important to take into account allergies and other health conditions.
The research leans very much towards natural mouthwash as the best choice for your mouth and for the planet!
Sources
Davis RH, Donato JJ, Hartman GM, Haas RC (1994) Anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of a growth substance in Aloe vera. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc
Swathi Vangipuram, Abhishek Jha, and Mamtha Bhashyam (2016) Comparative efficacy of aloe vera mouthwash and chlorhexidine on periodontal health: A randomised controlled trial. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Dentistry
Bushra Karim et al, (2014) Effect of Aloe vera mouthwash on periodontal health: triple blind randomized control trial. Oral Health Dent Manag
Nadeem Jeddy, Shivani Ravi, T Radhika, and L J Sai, Lakshmi (2018) Comparison of the efficacy of herbal mouth rinse with commercially available mouth rinses: A clinical trial. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Let customers speak for us
from 2063 reviewsStrong taste but I feel it’s really doing the job. Thanks x
I was so happy when I came across this brand that are plastic free, non toxic and do a hydroxyapetite toothpaste!! Out of the Truthpaste flavours, this one and the fennel are my fave. They clean my teeth brilliantly. Yes they’re more expensive than your average toothpaste but the credentials of this brand are worth it. Hopefully will see them stocked on shelves in shops in the near future!!
Great product so far, its only been a few days so time will tell.
Truth paste is my got to brand now.
Does everything I need it to. I feel my teeth and gums are getting what they need. Worth it!
It's wonderful and awesome. Cleans really well and keeps your mouth clean for longer hours than regular paste. It's wondersome!
Received a sample pot with my last order. Same great attributes as it's peppermint cousin but the citrus flavour made it really different. It seemed really odd for a toothpaste not to have a peppermint flavour but odd doesn't mean bad. The citrus flavour seemed more gentle, even indulgent. Begs the question - should it have a matching citrus flavour mouthwash???
Very happy to see the launch of this flavour both of us thought it was a really nice
I will definitely be ordering this product together with the citrus & fennel charcoal flavour both all really nice
I really like the minty hydroxyapatite version, but this one is preferred by my children and also its just nice for a flavour change. Ongoing I think I will buy both.
I tried this as a sample and really liked the taste, will definitely order in a jar, plus it is helping my sensitive teeth and improving my overall health of teeth
So, like other posters, a small sample of the citrus truthpaste was included in my main order.
Loved the no foam, as I believe foam equals chemicals.
I wasn’t expecting to enjoy the taste, but I did, so the prospect of a normal sized version is welcome.
I have used non fluoride tooth care for some years, I purchased mine at reasonable cost at Asian stores.
However this was my very first experience of hydroxyapatite toothpaste.
Right from the initial tooth cleaning ritual, I could feel the difference.
I actually felt like I had that clean result after a hygienist session.
I actually wanted to smile, instead of bringing my hand to my lips when chuckling 🤭 👎/😁👍
I am aware that this trurhpaste isn’t cheap to buy,
BUT….
not much product is needed compared to conventional toothpastes.
I also thought it was more hygienic to NOT put the toothbrush head into the tin of paste, instead choosing to use a very small spatula to take half a pea sized amount (it’s quite a thick texture) to place it with directly onto my teeth, or onto the toothbrush.
Then before turning my electric toothbrush on, I spread the paste across all surfaces of my teeth, then I turn the brush on to proceed brushing each section, in turn.
That way, I feel all of my teeth get an equal distribution of the paste.
I think I kinda treat the truthpaste as a precious recipe to be treated with respect, hope that doesn’t sound daft 🤪
I am an older adult, and I use my teeth cleaning time to simultaneously perform my squats, and I count my squats on each section of teeth cleaning, so my legs get toned and strong at the same time.
So I exit the bathroom with squeaky clean teeth, fresh mouth, and stringer legs each time.
I hope my review is useful, as I although I do leave reviews/feedback, it’s not usually as detailed and enthusiastic as this one.
THANK YOU Truthpaste for providing a thick tasty zingy paste that I enjoy and can see and feel the difference with.
I got a free sample of the orange Truthpaste with a larger order recently. I like it, nice change from mint. I slightly prefer the charcoal, orange and fennel but I don't think it has the hydroxyapatite - you'd need to check that (sorry!) The little tins are great for travel too.
One word it is the truth I’ve tried other proclaimed organic fluoride free toothpaste a this one beats them hands down. It has eased recurring symptoms and issues I had with my mouth. Thank you so much x
Too early to mention about its benefits to my teeth. But, I really like it. Easy to use, great taste and my teeth feel very clean afterwards.
Ultra FA-N-T-A-S-T-I-C. A wonderful fresh feeling and taste in the mouth. Teeth
look gleaming after use. Thank you Truthpaste.
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