How to Make Hydrogen Peroxide Mouthwash

There are lots of reasons why someone might want to use mouthwash made from hydrogen peroxide. Some people use it because a dentist instructed them to do so, while others simply want to use products made with natural ingredients. Straight hydrogen peroxide is very harsh, however, so it is important to dilute it with water. The simplest recipe uses just water and hydrogen peroxide, but if you can't stand the taste, you can make a flavored one instead.

EditSteps

EditMaking Simple Mouthwash

1. Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of lukewarm water into a dark bottle. You can use a glass or plastic bottle as long as it is dark-colored; light will cause the hydrogen peroxide to degrade faster. Make sure that you are using distilled or filtered water. ^[1]
   
2. Add 1 cup (240 milliliters) of 3% hydrogen peroxide. Use only 3% hydrogen peroxide. Anything higher could be damaging to your oral and dental health.^[2]
   
3. Close the bottle, then shake it to combine the ingredients. Store the bottle in a cool, dark place until you are ready to use it.
   
4. Use the mouthwash no more than twice daily. Pour some mouthwash into a cup. Swish and gargle it in your mouth for about 30 seconds, then spit it out. Rinse your mouth afterwards with water, then discard any mouthwash left in the cup.^[3]
   

EditMaking Flavored Mouthwash

1. Pour 1 cup (240 milliliters) of water into a dark, glass bottle. Use only filtered or distilled water.^[4] You can also use peppermint or spearmint hydrosol instead for a minty flavor.^[5]
   
   • Avoid using plastic bottles, as the essential oils can cause the plastic to degrade over time.
2. Add ½ cup (120 milliliters) of 3% hydrogen peroxide. It is very important that you use 3% hydrogen peroxide; anything higher could damage your teeth. Most grocery stores sell 3% hydrogen peroxide, however.^[6]
   
3. Add 7 to 10 drops of essential oil. Peppermint or spearmint would work the best for mouthwash.^[7] You can try another type, such as: clove, grapefruit, lemon, rosemary, or sweet orange.^[8]
   
   • Mixing 1 tablespoon (22.5 grams) of honey into the essential oil will help emulsify it.^[9]
   • Skip this step if a child will be using the mouthwash.^[10]
4. Close the bottle, then shake it to combine the ingredients. Keep in mind that you will need to shake the bottle each time before you use the mouthwash.
   
5. Use the mouthwash. Give the mouthwash a shake, then swish and gargle a capful in your mouth for 2 minutes. Spit the mouthwash out, then rinse your mouth with water.^[11]
   
   • Do not swallow the mouthwash.
   • Store the mouthwash in a cool, dark place.

EditTips

• Store the mouthwash in a cool, dark cupboard.
• Use a dark-colored bottle. An opaque bottle would be even better, however.
• You can treat gingivitis by mixing together equal parts of hydrogen peroxide, water, and Listerine.^[12]
• You can use hydrogen peroxide mouthwash to help relieve irritations caused by: cankers, cold sores, dentures, gingivitis, and orthodontic appliances (ie: braces or retainers).^[13]
• Always speak with your dentist before using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash to treat oral conditions, such as gingivitis and periodontitis.^[14]
• Avoid using hydrogen peroxide on its own unless otherwise directed to by a dentist.^[15]

EditWarnings

• Do not swallow hydrogen peroxide mouthwash. Doing so will result in an upset stomach.^[16]
• Using hydrogen peroxide mouthwash too often can kill the good, beneficial bacteria in your mouth and result in dental problems.^[17]
• Regular use of hydrogen peroxide as a mouthwash can irritate your gums. It can also damage crowns, dental implants, and fillings.^[18]

EditThings You'll Need

EditMaking Simple Mouthwash

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) filtered or distilled water
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Dark-colored glass bottle

EditMaking Flavored Mouthwash

• 1 cup (240 milliliters) filtered or distilled water
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) 3% hydrogen peroxide
• 7 to 10 drops spearmint essential oil
• Dark-colored glass bottle

EditSources and Citations

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