Now ask yourself, when is the last time you researched the ingredients in your mouthwash? Because more than likely that the mouthwash you use everyday to clean your teeth and freshen your breath may be toxic for your health. First, let’s take a look at some of the most common toxic and carcinogenic ingredients found in top selling mouthwash brands.
Listerine Cool Mint Antiseptic Mouthwash Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Eucalyptol (0.092 %), Menthol (0.042 %), Methyl Salicylate (0.060 %), Thymol (0.064 %). Inactive Ingredients: Water, Alcohol (21.6%), Sorbitol, Poloxamer 407, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Benzoate, Flavor, Green 3.
Methyl salicylate – Fragrance: Respiratory tract, skin and eye irritation; allergic reactions; small ingested amounts are fatal to young children.
Alcohol: Alcohol is a known carcinogen and in this study was shown to “contribute to the increased risk of development of oral cancer”. The American Dental Association (ADA) actually advises to to use mouthwashes that have alcohol (article).
Green 3 – Artificial Dye: It has been shown to be toxic to living cells. Additionally, it caused significant increase in bladder and testes tumors in male rats.
It contains both sorbitol and more alarming saccharin, which causes bladder cancer in animals.
Homemade Mouthwash: A Natural Antibacterial Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tsp baking soda –find organic one here
- ½ cup filtered water
- 2 drops tea tree essential oil – (find therapeutic grade oils here)
- 2 drops clove essential oil
Mix everything together. Shake your homemade mouthwash before each use.
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