Natural Mouthwash: 8 Benefits
Most of us are pretty consistent when it comes to brushing our teeth, but what about using mouthwash? For many of us, that may not be as high of a priority.
We get it. It may feel like every extra second you can sneak for yourself counts at the start of a busy morning or the end of a long night. Is swishing some mouthwash around really necessary if brushing already has your teeth feeling clean?
Here at Bite, we say: yes!
Natural mouthwash actually has some pretty incredible benefits that go above and beyond freshening our breath (though that is always a plus), and will take your dental care game to the next level. Not to mention that with our Mouthwash Bits, adding mouthwash to your daily routine is a breeze.
So why should we be using mouthwash, and what are the added benefits of opting for a natural mouthwash? Read on for all the info you need to be a mouthwash pro.
Why Use Mouthwash?
When incorporated into your dental care routine along with brushing and flossing your teeth, mouthwash can play an important role in helping kill bacteria, freshening the breath, and leaving your mouth with a long-lasting clean feel.
But, not all mouthwashes are made equal. With natural mouthwash, you get the most out of those extra seconds you’re committing to your dental care.
What Are the Benefits of Using Natural Mouthwash?
Lots of traditional mouthwashes are alcohol-based and filled with chemical additives that can actually do more harm than good. Using a natural mouthwash can provide key benefits that keep your mouth feeling its best.
1. Free of Harsh Chemicals
Natural mouthwash swaps out harsh chemicals and flavorings such as SLS and triclosan that can irritate the gums and soft tissues in the mouth for gentler, clean ingredients and essential oils sourced from botanicals.
Some chemicals in traditional mouthwashes have even been linked to a higher risk of cancer over time. Using mild and natural ingredients can help us avoid the potentially harmful long-term effects of chemicals, especially for those with compromised immune systems who may be more prone to harmful side effects.
2. Antibacterial – Without Killing the Good Stuff
Most traditional mouthwashes use alcohol and a chemical called triclosan to help kill bacteria that can cause bad breath.
The problem here, though, is that those aren’t the only bacteria alcohol-based mouthwashes target. And our mouths are home to a lot of healthy and necessary bacteria, as well.
We have over 70 trillion different types of bacteria and microbes in our bodies that help keep us balanced and functioning properly. When alcohol-based mouthwash kills the good bacteria in our mouths, it can mess with our natural balance and have wide-ranging effects on our bodies.
In fact, one study found that overusing traditional mouthwash (using more than twice a day) could impact the oral microbes necessary for nitric oxide, which could affect the body’s ability to regulate blood pressure and ultimately elevate the risk of developing metabolic disorders such as diabetes.
At Bites, our mouthwash relies on natural and mild ingredients like xylitol and erythritol to repel and prevent cavity-causing bacteria without harming the healthy bacteria.
We also use natural peppermint flavor and menthol crystals for that classic minty fresh taste. Peppermint and menthol can help combat bad breath without being harsh enough to negatively impact our body’s natural microbes and balance.
3. Ideal for Sensitive Gums
If you have sensitive gums, steering clear of mouthwashes containing alcohol and chemicals such as SLS can help you avoid unnecessary discomfort.
Unlike chemicals known to cause irritation in traditional mouthwash, essential oils and plant extracts used in natural options can help hydrate tissues in the mouth to help calm sensitive or irritated gums.
4. Can Help Prevent Gingivitis and Soothe Gum Issues
Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that can cause redness, swelling, and irritation of the gums around the base of the teeth. While you should reach out to your dentist for further instruction if you believe you have gingivitis, natural mouthwashes may help soothe any discomfort it can cause.
By helping remove plaque from the teeth and combating bacteria linked to gum disease, natural mouthwash can help rid the mouth of known causes of gingivitis. Mouthwash is especially useful for removing plaque, as it can reach parts of the mouth that are harder to get to with a toothbrush.
While the alcohol in mouthwash can lead to dry mouth that may increase discomfort for those with gingivitis, the hydrating nature of natural mouthwash can help soothe discomfort, while the antioxidant properties in menthol can also help reduce swelling and irritation.
5. Say Goodbye to Dry Mouth
If you’ve regularly used alcohol-based mouthwash before, you may be familiar with the dry mouth it can cause.
The alcohol in these mouth rinses can lower saliva production, which can lead to discomfort, and even increase the risk of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and bad breath, defeating the whole point of using mouthwash in the first place!
Luckily, the soothing and hydrating ingredients in natural mouthwash pose no risk of dry mouth.
6. Feels Great
You know that burning sensation that hits when you take a swig of mouthwash? That would be the alcohol.
For many, that burning feeling can be enough to skip out on mouthwash altogether. The good news is that natural mouth rinses offer an alternative that provides just as deep a clean without discomfort or irritation.
Our Mouthwash Bits have an icy cool feel, thanks to the menthol crystals, without the dreaded sting.
7. Safe for Children
While no mouthwash is recommended for children under six, natural mouthwash is a safer option for children six and up.
Some of the agents found in typical mouthwashes including alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and chlorhexidine gluconate can be toxic if swallowed. In contrast, our Mouthwash Bits are not dangerous to swallow — although we do recommend spitting them out when done.
Our mouthwash bits are also fluoride-free for kiddos with sensitive teeth.
Instead of fluoride, we use a mineral called nano-hydroxyapatite (or nHAP) as a non-toxic fluoride alternative suitable for adults and children alike. NHAP helps strengthen and remineralizes enamel while also fighting sensitivity, making it an ideal option for anyone with fluoride sensitivity and our young ones.
Since our teeth are typically not fully developed until after the age of eight, fluoride-free mouthwash is the perfect option.
8. Better for the Environment
The preservatives, artificial flavors, dyes, and harsh chemicals found in many commercial bottles of mouthwash can damage the environment, from the greenhouse gases emitted during the sourcing and manufacturing process for certain chemicals to the lasting impact on wildlife after their disposal.
When we spit our mouthwash down the drain, the ingredients within make their way into local waterways, where they can affect aquatic life.
Choosing a natural mouth rinse can help keep toxic chemicals from harming aquatic and marine-life friends.
Bite’s Mouthwash Bits
At Bite, we make sure that not only our ingredients are natural and environmentally friendly, but our packaging as well.
Commercial mouthwash often comes in a liquid form encased in plastic. And because mouthwash is heavy to ship, it typically requires high carbon emissions to manufacture and ship.
But, this isn’t the case with Bite. Our vegan and cruelty-free Bits are made with clean ingredients that come in a reusable and recyclable glass jar, and plastic-free travel tin. Refills come in a compostable wrapper, so all of our packaging and shipping materials are plastic-free. Plus, we are now officially carbon neutral, as we offset any carbon emissions we can’t avoid.
That’s right; these dazzlingly fresh, easy-to-use bits are brightening your breath without causing any harm to your gums, body, or the planet.
How To Use Bites Mouthwash Bits
With Bite’s Bits, you don’t have to worry about measuring out the perfect amount of mouthwash. Instead, just grab a tablet and bite, sip some water, and swish. After 30 seconds, spit, and you are good to go. No plastic and no time wasted!
Bottom Line
Using mouthwash can have an incredible impact on the health and feel of your teeth, gums, and breath. And with natural mouthwash, you reap the benefits without the risks associated with harmful chemicals and additives.
With Bite, you can feel confident about every little bit you use, knowing that you are treating your body and the environment with gentle, healthy, and waste-free ingredients.
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