This homemade tea tree and peppermint mouthwash is a simple, fresh-tasting rinse for cleaner-feeling breath. It uses just a few drops of essential oil, a little baking soda and water. Below is my recipe, two even simpler rinses, and the safety rules I follow for using essential oils in the mouth.
Mouthwash safety first
- Swish and spit. Never swallow. Tea tree oil is toxic if swallowed.
- Adults and kids 12+ only. Younger children are more likely to swallow it.
- Shake well before every use. Oil and water separate, and an undiluted drop can sting.
- Stop if your mouth feels irritated, and see your dentist for bleeding gums, tooth pain or bad breath that won't go away. A homemade rinse is for freshness, not dental care.
Best Essential Oils for Homemade Mouthwash
For DIY rinses I stick with a few gentle, familiar oils in very small amounts:
- Peppermint (Mentha x piperita): the classic cool, fresh flavor found in many toothpastes. See my peppermint essential oil guide.
- Spearmint (Mentha spicata): sweeter and gentler than peppermint, a nice choice if peppermint feels too strong.
- Tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia): adds a clean, herbal note. A drop or two per cup is plenty. Learn more in my tea tree essential oil guide.
Oils I leave out of DIY rinses: clove, cinnamon, oregano and thyme. They're “hot” oils that can easily irritate the delicate tissue in your mouth, and they're best left to professionally formulated products.
Homemade Tea Tree Oil Mouthwash with Peppermint
Tea Tree and Peppermint Mouthwash
- 1 cup (8 oz) distilled water
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 4 drops Peppermint essential oil
- 2 drops Tea Tree essential oil
- An 8 oz glass bottle or jar with a lid
Directions: Stir the essential oils into the baking soda first, then add the water to your jar and shake well. To use, shake again, take a small sip, swish for 30 seconds and spit it out. Rinse with plain water if you like. Store in the fridge and use within 1 week, since it has no preservatives.
More Simple Homemade Rinses
Gentle Spearmint Rinse
- 1/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 drop Spearmint essential oil
Stir the spearmint into the baking soda, add the water and stir well. Swish for 30 seconds and spit. Makes one rinse.
Plain Baking Soda Rinse
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
No essential oils at all, just a simple, gentle rinse after brushing. Swish and spit.
How to Use Homemade Mouthwash
Use your rinse once or twice a day after brushing. Always shake or stir right before using, because the oils separate from the water. Because it has no preservatives, make small batches and keep them in the fridge.
A homemade rinse is a nice extra, but it doesn't replace the basics:
- Brush twice a day and floss once a day
- Drink plenty of water and go easy on sugary drinks
- Clean your tongue with a brush or tongue scraper
- See your dentist for regular checkups
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