| Earth friendly mouthwash |
| By Green Living Tips |
Published
11/18/2006
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health , family
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Green tips - mouthwash
Most mouthwashes have a high level of alcohol, which can present problems for people with alcoholism. On the environmental side of things, some mouthwashes can contain nasty chemicals such as formaldehyde, sodium lauryl sulfate, polysorbate and fluoride. What you don't accidentally swallow, just winds up in the environment.
Bad breath is most often caused by an excess of bacteria in the mouth. An easy way to kill these bacteria is with a salt water mouth wash. Add as much salt as you can to a glass of water (to the point where it will no longer dissolve, then gargle and swish around your mouth. Do this daily. This preparation is also particularly useful for other infections of the mouth.
I had an infection under a molar which was extraordinarily painful and was going to require a root canal. By gargling salt water daily, the infection rapidly receded and I avoided the root canal. Cheap and green, no antibiotics required!
The other positive effect of using a salt mouthwash is that it will also whiten your teeth!
If using a salt based mouthwash doesn't appeal, there are many non-alcohol based mouthwashes available commercially, but be sure to check the label for un-green and unhealthy chemicals.
Do you have tips or recipes for human and earth friendly mouthwash? Please add them below :)
Michael Bloch
Green Living Tips.com
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Comments
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Comment #1
(Posted by )
You can use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide with equal amounts of water to kill bacteria. If you simply want to freshen your breath, you can chew on some spearment. But the easiest way to reduce bacteria and freshen your breath is just to drink plenty of water.
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Comment #2
(Posted by Janine de Blois)
As I just posted in another article here about hydrogen peroxide, it MUST BE DILUTED- the 3% should be used one TABLESPOON per CUPFUL OF WATER. My dentist gave me this ratio to mix as a gargle to clear up an infection. He said using a stronger solution would damage healthy tissue.
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Comment #3
(Posted by Michael - Green Living Tips)
Thanks for additional tips and important clarification Janine
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