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You are here: Home » Health & Nutrition » Healthy Living » 10 Herbs For Healthy Teeth & Gums + Make Your Own Natural Mouthwash!

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10 Herbs For Healthy Teeth & Gums + Make Your Own Natural Mouthwash!

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10 Herbs For Healthy Teeth & Gums + Make Your Own Natural Mouthwash | We all want healthy teeth and gums. But sometimes we brush, we floss, we eat healthy foods, and it still isn't enough. Maybe you just want a whiter, brighter smile, but want to avoid the ingredients in conventional products. Herbs to the rescue! These 10 herbs are healing and restorative, plus a recipe for herbal mouthwash. | TraditionalCookingSchool.com
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10 Herbs For Healthy Teeth & Gums + Make Your Own Natural Mouthwash | We all want healthy teeth and gums. But sometimes we brush, we floss, we eat healthy foods, and it still isn't enough. Maybe you just want a whiter, brighter smile, but want to avoid the ingredients in conventional products. Herbs to the rescue! These 10 herbs are healing and restorative, plus a recipe for herbal mouthwash. | TraditionalCookingSchool.com

Don't we all want healthy teeth and gums?

Yet sometimes, even with brushing, flossing, and eating healthy foods — it still isn't enough. Or maybe you just want a whiter, brighter smile without the toxic ingredients in conventional products.

It's herbs to the rescue!

10 Herbs For Healthy Teeth & Gums

These 10 healing herbs prevent decay, and even restore. Add them to toothpaste, make them into tea, or make them into tinctures to combine into an herbal mouthwash (see recipe below!).

If you aren't growing your own herbs, any of these may be found at either Mountain Rose Herbs or Bulk Herb Store.

Finally, to make any of these herbs into a tincture, check out How To Make An Herbal Tincture (aka Herbal Extract) or if you'd rather not use alcohol, How To Make A Non-Alcoholic Herbal Extract {Herbal Glycerite}.

Herb #1 — Myrrh

This is my go-to for teeth and gums. When toothache strikes, a little myrrh tincture placed on the tooth relieves pain in less than a minute.

It also heals and tightens gums, cures bleeding gums, and fights bacteria that would otherwise cause gum disease and tooth decay. I use it daily as a preventative.

Herb #2 — Neem

Traditionally, sticks of neem were used as a natural toothbrush due to its strong antibacterial properties. Even today, it's regaining popularity.

Modern research attests its ability to reduce plaque, prevent cavities and gum disease, and freshen breath. You can easily add powdered neem to your usual toothpaste.

And remember, the bark is more potent than the leaf.

Herb #3 — Echinacea

No, echinacea isn't just a cold-fighting herb! It also reduces inflammation, boosts the immune system, and helps fight infection in the mouth.

Herb #4 — Goldenseal

This herb is especially helpful for healing gums. It's antibiotic, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory.

Herb #5 — Oregon Grape Root

Antimicrobial and an astringent, Oregon grape root also soothes and tightens swollen gums.

Herb #6 — Propolis

Although you don't want to use this if you have a bee allergy, propolis is an excellent antimicrobial herb for mouth infections and keeping disease at bay.

10 Herbs For Healthy Teeth & Gums + Make Your Own Natural Mouthwash | We all want healthy teeth and gums. But sometimes we brush, we floss, we eat healthy foods, and it still isn't enough. Maybe you just want a whiter, brighter smile, but want to avoid the ingredients in conventional products. Herbs to the rescue! These 10 herbs are healing and restorative, plus a recipe for herbal mouthwash. | TraditionalCookingSchool.com

Herb #7 — Plantain

You probably already have this herb growing in your yard! It heals wounds and draws out infections (for more information, check out this post).

Just pop some leaves in a jar, cover with vodka, and let sit for 6 weeks to create your own plantain tincture.

Herb #8 — Sage

This is another commonly found herb that's also a natural astringent. It tightens gums and calms a sore mouth.

Herb #9 — White Oak Bark

This herb soothes and reduces swelling.

Herb #10 — Peppermint

Of course, any list of herbs for dental health wouldn't be complete without peppermint! It freshens breath and may help to whiten teeth, too!

10 Herbs For Healthy Teeth & Gums + Make Your Own Natural Mouthwash | We all want healthy teeth and gums. But sometimes we brush, we floss, we eat healthy foods, and it still isn't enough. Maybe you just want a whiter, brighter smile, but want to avoid the ingredients in conventional products. Herbs to the rescue! These 10 herbs are healing and restorative, plus a recipe for herbal mouthwash. | TraditionalCookingSchool.com

Make Your Own Natural Mouthwash!

You can combine any of your favorite herbal tinctures into a natural, healing mouthwash! If you don't want to make your own tinctures (see instructions here and here), you can easily buy some ready-made, too.

This is my favorite blend of healing herbal tinctures:

  • myrrh tincture
  • echinacea tincture
  • goldenseal tincture
  • propolis tincture
  • plantain tincture

If using more than 1 tincture, combine a small amount of each into a bottle with a dropper. When you're ready to use, fill a glass with about a mouthful of water. Add 20 to 30 drops of your natural mouthwash to the water. (If you are dealing with an infection or gum disease, you may wish to make your mouthwash stronger.) Swish around your mouth and then spit it out.

I should note that these herbs were not chosen based on taste! This makes a strong, herby-tasting mouthwash. If you like a minty-fresh mouth, definitely experiment with adding peppermint to your mix.

Have you used herbs to heal your teeth and gums? Have you ever made natural mouthwash?

Is it really possible to "eat what you want to eat" like bread and butter, cinnamon rolls and cookies, meat and potatoes...

Bible-based cooking program...

...yet it's GOOD for you?

We only recommend products and services we wholeheartedly endorse. This post may contain special links through which we earn a small commission if you make a purchase (though your price is the same).

Posted in: Health & Nutrition Healthy Living Superfoods & Supplements
Andrea Sabean

About Andrea Sabean

Andrea is an artisan and teacher trying to live a handmade and homemade lifestyle with her husband in Eastern Canada. She is passionate about growing her own food, cooking healthy meals, using herbs for healing, nurturing creativity, and finding joy and blessings in the every-day moments of life. She writes about all of this, plus her adventures in sewing and crafting and bringing children’s drawings to life at Artisan in the Woods.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarCeAnne @ St. Fiacres Farm says

    November 12, 2014 at 10:59 am

    Safe is good for whitening also. A little essential oil in a homemade toothpaste does winery’s for yellow teeth.

    We have been wxperimenting with homemade toothpaste and different herbs. With three adopted children from Eastern European counties we sadly have lots of tooth issues.

    Planning on keeping this list handy!

    Reply
    • Andrea SabeanAndrea Sabean says

      November 12, 2014 at 1:44 pm

      Great tip on using sage for whitening! I have been experimenting with homemade toothpaste too. Neem is one of my favourite toothpaste ingredients so far.

      Reply
  2. AvatarJenny says

    November 13, 2014 at 3:57 pm

    Herbal tooth care is not something I have gotten into yet. I would like to try though. I think I’d add the peppermint….some of these herbs were new to me. Thanks for sharing. 🙂

    Reply
    • Andrea SabeanAndrea Sabean says

      November 13, 2014 at 4:32 pm

      It’s all a process. I have been moving over to herbal tooth care slowly…I started out with a myrrh mouthwash and just added a few tinctures at a time as a made them/purchased them. Like all things I find the taste grows on you too! But peppermint would definitely help with the transition.

      Reply
  3. AvatarMary N says

    November 15, 2014 at 3:29 pm

    Wow, thanks for all that research! Great giveaway too!

    Reply
  4. AvatarSusan Clark says

    November 24, 2014 at 9:09 am

    Love this post!

    Reply
    • Andrea SabeanAndrea Sabean says

      November 24, 2014 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks, Susan! I am so glad you enjoyed it! 🙂

      Reply
  5. AvatarMaderetha says

    December 3, 2014 at 11:17 pm

    We brush with a homemade toothpaste. My 3 year old just loves it so much I have to monitor him since he eats it. I would like to add neem if possible. Can it be ingested? Or would any of the other herbs be a better options?

    Reply
    • Andrea SabeanAndrea Sabean says

      December 6, 2014 at 11:07 am

      I use neem leaf in my toothpaste, which, from what I have read, is safe for internal use. However, I am not an herbalist, and am definitely not an expert in what is safe for children. Peppermint and Sage are definitely safe, for the others I would definitely recommend doing some research first. We would love to hear what you find out!

      Reply
  6. AvatarPrepNow says

    December 8, 2014 at 4:07 pm

    Hi Andrea and thank you for the tips on healthy teeth and gum using EO’s. I haven’t tried making toothpaste (yet) and hope that you have a recipe that you would share. I’ve used Propolis on my gums due to them receding, that really helped.

    Dave

    Reply
    • Andrea SabeanAndrea Sabean says

      December 9, 2014 at 1:17 pm

      Hi Dave, I have been working on perfecting a toothpaste recipe over the last little while and hope to share one in January!

      Reply
    • AvatarHAROLD L WOODS says

      July 15, 2018 at 10:45 am

      I have receding gums and want to know how did you apply the propolis

      Reply
  7. AvatarTammy says

    January 2, 2015 at 12:17 pm

    I make a mixture of baking soda, ground cinnamon, a few drops of peppermint EO, and a little powdered stevia to sweeten naturally to brush our teeth. (We are not allergic to stevia.) My husband dips nasty snuff, but doesn’t like this and prefers the toothpaste with the cancer-causing ingredient. (smh)

    I sometimes make a mouthwash of hydrogen peroxide and a drop of peppermint EO.

    Reply
    • Andrea SabeanAndrea Sabean says

      January 2, 2015 at 3:27 pm

      Cinnamon toothpaste sounds good! I might have to try adding some to mine. (Cloves are a nice addition, too.) My husband isn’t a fan of homemade toothpaste or mouthwash either…. 🙂

      Reply
  8. AvatarDiana says

    January 2, 2015 at 10:49 pm

    Hi Andrea,

    I’m glad I found you. I have huge problems with my teeth. I have an echinaseal tincture that includes all herbs you suggest, except one (plantain), plus wild indigo root and cayenne. I’m thinking to give it a try and turn it into mouthwash. What do you think? Thanks!

    Reply
    • Andrea SabeanAndrea Sabean says

      January 3, 2015 at 10:46 am

      Hi Diana,

      I have that same tincture and have used it many times as a mouthwash, so yes, go for it! I started doing this research because I was also having problems with my teeth. Hope it helps you! If you have some, you might also try brushing with bentonite clay…I have read good things about it from others who have had problems with their teeth and use it in my own toothpaste now.

      Reply
      • AvatarSara says

        December 5, 2019 at 1:34 am

        Hi,
        I know this is an old post, but may I ask what is the name or brand of this tincture? I’d love to try it.
        Thank you!

        Reply
        • AvatarDanielle says

          December 14, 2019 at 6:12 am

          Hi, Sara.

          The brand is St Francis Herb Farm. 🙂

          ~Danielle, TCS Customer Success Team

          Reply
  9. AvatarElen Kay says

    February 13, 2016 at 10:27 pm

    I’ve been using herbal toothpaste now for 3 years, I visit the dentist regularly and they are continually surprised rather amazed when they see my dental health. “Oh I can;t believe you don’t use fluoride, you have no decay” – like it’s some revelation to them

    Reply
  10. AvatarVickie says

    July 14, 2017 at 12:54 pm

    Any suggestions for healing receding gum lines?

    Reply
  11. AvatarTeri wildes says

    December 27, 2017 at 11:29 pm

    Has anyone ever reversed a toothache? And then not to have it come back thru daily use of that single product?

    Reply
    • AvatarMelissa Auxier says

      February 28, 2018 at 11:30 am

      Yes, I use my defender oil, my version of the four thieves blend. You may have to put it on for a few days, but should be good after that.

      Reply
      • AvatarGail says

        December 15, 2019 at 6:40 am

        Hi
        What are the defender oils and how should one use them?

        Reply
  12. AvatarRoc says

    January 22, 2019 at 7:40 pm

    Any suggestions for people with old root canal has an abcess seen on x ray ?options were Tooth extraction with implant or another root canal?
    Thank you

    Reply
    • AvatarSonya Hemmings says

      January 23, 2019 at 9:10 am

      Hi, Roc:

      We don’t have specific advice on root canals, but here is a link to another post that includes some research about them: https://traditionalcookingschool.com/health-and-nutrition/right-diet-for-healthy-teeth/

      I hope that helps!

      Sonya, TCS Customer Success Team

      Reply
  13. AvatarMichelle Korlacka says

    September 24, 2019 at 8:55 pm

    Thank you for this very helpful information.

    I am a bit concerned about using tincture/alcohol on my teeth as a mouthwash. I thought alcohol is bad for teeth enamel and gums. Do you have any further understanding on this?

    Reply
    • AvatarPeggy says

      September 27, 2019 at 5:40 pm

      Hi, Michelle,
      We offer glycerine tinctures as an alternative in the post for anyone who doesn’t want to put a small amount of alcohol tincture in a glass of water. 🙂
      ~Peggy TCS Customer Success Team

      Reply

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