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?
Mouthwash can be a helpful addition to your oral-care routine, with benefits that go beyond freshening your breath. Depending on its ingredients, mouthwash may help manage odor-causing bacteria, support gum health, or deliver minerals like nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp) to your teeth.
And with alternatives like our Mouthwash Bits, adding mouthwash to your routine doesn't have to mean another plastic bottle on your bathroom counter.
So why should we be using mouthwash, and what are the added benefits of opting for a natural mouthwash? Read on for everything you need to know.
Why Use Mouthwash?
When incorporated into your dental care routine along with brushing and flossing, mouthwash can play an important role in helping manage bacteria, freshening breath, and leaving your mouth with a long-lasting clean feel.
But not all mouthwashes are made equal.
The American Dental Association (ADA) distinguishes between cosmetic mouthwashes, which primarily freshen breath, and therapeutic mouthwashes, which contain ingredients intended to help with concerns like plaque, gingivitis, bad breath, or cavities.
Natural mouthwash isn't a single standardized formula, either. Some products are simply alcohol-free alternatives, while others contain ingredients like xylitol, zinc, or hydroxyapatite.
The biggest difference comes down to what's actually in the formula.
What Are the Benefits of Using Natural Mouthwash?
Many people choose natural mouthwash to avoid certain ingredients, find a more comfortable rinsing experience, or reduce plastic packaging.
Here are eight potential benefits worth considering.
1. Free of Unnecessary Ingredients
Some traditional mouthwashes contain alcohol, artificial colors, or strong flavoring systems that aren't everyone's preference.
Natural mouthwash alternatives often skip some of these ingredients in favor of simpler formulas, although "natural" doesn't automatically mean safer or more effective.
Alcohol-containing mouthwash, in particular, has been the subject of scientific research.
A 2016 pooled analysis from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology Consortium examined data from nearly 9,000 head-and-neck cancer cases and more than 10,000 controls. Researchers found associations between long-term or frequent mouthwash use and certain head-and-neck cancers.
However, the study found no overall increased risk of head-and-neck cancer among people who had ever used mouthwash compared with those who had never used it. The researchers also acknowledged limitations that prevented them from establishing a causal relationship.
A later 2024 review of alcohol-containing mouthwash and oral cancer concluded that the available evidence remains insufficient to establish that alcohol-containing mouthwash causes oral cancer.
The takeaway? There are legitimate reasons to study how mouthwash ingredients affect oral health, but the research doesn't support treating every conventional mouthwash as harmful.
For people who prefer to avoid alcohol, dyes, or artificial flavors, alcohol-free options offer another choice.
Our Mouthwash Bits, for example, are formulated without alcohol, artificial dyes, or artificial preservatives.
2. Antibacterial Ingredients and Your Oral Microbiome
Our mouths are home to a complex community of bacteria, and not all of them are bad.
While certain bacteria contribute to bad breath, plaque, and gum disease, others play important roles in maintaining a healthy oral environment.
That's one reason researchers have become increasingly interested in how antimicrobial mouthwashes affect the oral microbiome.
A 2017 study published in Nitric Oxide followed adults over three years and found that participants using over-the-counter mouthwash at least twice daily had a higher observed risk of developing prediabetes or diabetes than those using it less frequently.
Researchers suggested that changes to oral bacteria involved in nitric oxide production might help explain the association.
Importantly, the study was observational and involved adults aged 40–65 who were overweight or obese. It did not establish that mouthwash causes diabetes, and it did not test Bite Mouthwash Bits.
Still, the research raises interesting questions about the relationship between oral bacteria and the rest of our bodies.
At Bite, our Mouthwash Bits use ingredients including xylitol and erythritol rather than relying on alcohol-based antiseptic formulas.
Xylitol is a sugar alcohol that's been studied for its effects on oral bacteria and plaque. We also use natural peppermint flavor and menthol for that classic minty-fresh feeling.
For more on the ingredients involved in managing breath odor, check out our guide to the best mouthwash for bad breath.
3. Ideal for Sensitive Gums
If you have sensitive gums, choosing a mouthwash that doesn't leave your mouth feeling irritated can make a difference.
Some people find that alcohol-containing mouthwashes or particularly strong flavorings cause burning, stinging, or discomfort.
Alcohol-free alternatives can offer a more comfortable experience, especially if you're sensitive to that familiar mouthwash burn.
That doesn't mean every natural ingredient is automatically gentle. Essential oils, peppermint, and menthol can also cause irritation in some people.
The best approach is to pay attention to the actual ingredients and choose a formula your mouth tolerates comfortably.
If you're experiencing persistent gum sensitivity, swelling, or bleeding, it's also worth checking for underlying gum issues rather than relying on a rinse alone.
4. Can Help Prevent Gingivitis and Soothe Gum Issues
Gingivitis is a common form of gum disease that causes redness, swelling, and irritation around the base of the teeth.
Because gingivitis is linked to plaque buildup, maintaining a consistent brushing and flossing routine is essential.
Certain therapeutic mouthwashes can provide additional support.
According to the ADA, mouthwashes containing specific antimicrobial ingredients, including chlorhexidine, cetylpyridinium chloride, and certain essential oil formulations, have been studied for helping reduce plaque and gingivitis when used alongside brushing and flossing.
Mouthwash can also reach areas that may be difficult to access with a toothbrush.
But it's worth distinguishing between a mouthwash that has been clinically studied for gingivitis and one primarily formulated for breath freshening or other benefits.
Natural mouthwash isn't automatically a gingivitis treatment, and mouthwash shouldn't replace brushing, flossing, or professional care for gum disease.
5. Can Be More Comfortable for Dry Mouth
If you've regularly used alcohol-based mouthwash before, you may be familiar with the dry feeling some formulas can leave behind.
Dry mouth occurs when there isn't enough saliva to keep the mouth properly lubricated.
And saliva does more than keep things comfortable. It helps wash away food particles, neutralize acids, and protect the teeth.
As explained by Better Health Channel, persistent dry mouth can increase the risk of tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.
Choosing an alcohol-free mouthwash may help avoid the drying sensation associated with certain formulas.
However, not every alcohol-free mouthwash is designed to treat dry mouth, and ingredients like menthol can still feel irritating to some people.
If you're regularly experiencing dry mouth, it's important to identify the cause. Medications, medical conditions, and other factors can all play a role.
6. Feels Great
You know that burning sensation that hits when you take a swig of mouthwash?
For many people, that feeling is enough to skip mouthwash altogether.
The good news is that mouthwash doesn't have to burn to leave your mouth feeling fresh.
Alcohol-free formulas can offer a different experience, often with mint or other flavors that provide a cooling sensation without the same alcohol burn.
Our Mouthwash Bits have an icy-cool mint flavor thanks to peppermint and menthol.
Because the Bits start as dry tablets, you chew one, add a sip of water, swish, and spit.
A familiar fresh-mouth feeling, minus the giant bottle.
7. What About Natural Mouthwash for Children?
Not every mouthwash is appropriate for children, even when it's labeled natural or fluoride-free.
The ADA recommends that children younger than six avoid mouthwash unless directed by a dentist, primarily because younger children may accidentally swallow large amounts.
For older children, the appropriate product depends on their age, ability to rinse and spit, and individual oral-health needs.
This is particularly important with tablet formats, which must be chewed before swishing and may pose a choking risk for young children.
Our Mouthwash Bits are fluoride-free and contain nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), a mineral studied for supporting enamel remineralization.
But fluoride-free doesn't automatically mean safe to swallow or appropriate for every child. Mouthwash should always be used according to its instructions and age guidance.
We'll explain more about hydroxyapatite and how it works in mouthwash below.
8. Better for the Environment
Traditional liquid mouthwash typically comes in a plastic bottle, often containing mostly water.
And when you use mouthwash regularly, those bottles add up.
Choosing a mouthwash with reusable or lower-plastic packaging is one way to reduce waste in your oral-care routine.
Instead of shipping a large bottle of premixed liquid, our Mouthwash Bits come in a dry tablet format and a reusable glass jar.
You add the water yourself when you're ready to rinse.
This approach reduces the need for disposable mouthwash bottles and means we're not shipping all that water with every order.
We've also shared more about our approach to reducing environmental impact and offsetting emissions in our carbon-neutrality article.
Of course, packaging and ingredients are separate considerations. Choosing a natural mouthwash doesn't automatically mean it has a lower environmental footprint, so it's worth looking at the specific product and its packaging.
Hydroxyapatite in Mouthwash vs. Toothpaste — What's Different?
The biggest difference between hydroxyapatite mouthwash and toothpaste is how the mineral is delivered to your teeth. Toothpaste combines ingredient delivery with brushing, while mouthwash uses a liquid rinse to distribute ingredients throughout the mouth.
Both can contain nano-hydroxyapatite (nHAp), a form of the calcium-phosphate mineral that makes up most of our tooth enamel.
In oral care, nHAp has been studied for its ability to deposit on tooth surfaces, support remineralization, and help reduce dentin sensitivity.
However, the evidence varies depending on the product and delivery format.
How Hydroxyapatite Works in Toothpaste
When you brush with hydroxyapatite toothpaste, you're combining the mechanical action of brushing with the ingredients in the formula.
Your toothbrush helps remove plaque and surface debris while distributing the toothpaste across your teeth.
Meanwhile, hydroxyapatite particles can interact with the enamel surface and may help replenish mineral in early areas of mineral loss.
A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis examined clinical trials involving hydroxyapatite oral-care products and found evidence that hydroxyapatite-containing products can help reduce dentin hypersensitivity.
A separate 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis examined hydroxyapatite oral-care products for cavity prevention, finding growing evidence for their effectiveness.
Much of the human clinical evidence focuses on toothpaste, which is important when comparing it with mouthwash.
For a deeper explanation of the ingredient, read our guide to how nano-hydroxyapatite toothpaste works.
What Does Hydroxyapatite Do in Mouthwash?
In mouthwash, hydroxyapatite is dispersed in liquid as you swish, allowing the mineral particles to come into contact with tooth surfaces without brushing.
Hydroxyapatite particles can interact with enamel, and researchers have investigated whether they can help reduce early bacterial attachment and support tooth-surface mineral health.
A 2017 study published in Archives of Oral Biology evaluated a hydroxyapatite-based mouthrinse and found reductions in initial bacterial colonization under the study conditions.
The 2024 review of hydroxyapatite oral-care products also included research on mouthrinses and found promising results in studies evaluating bacterial attachment to tooth surfaces.
These findings are encouraging, although they're not the same as long-term clinical evidence that every hydroxyapatite mouthwash prevents cavities or treats sensitivity.
And they don't mean that a rinse replaces brushing.
Toothpaste physically helps remove plaque while delivering ingredients. Mouthwash distributes ingredients through swishing, making it a useful addition to, rather than a replacement for, brushing and flossing.
Can You Use Hydroxyapatite Mouthwash and Toothpaste Together?
Yes. Hydroxyapatite mouthwash can be used alongside hydroxyapatite toothpaste or fluoride toothpaste.
Our Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Bits contain 5% nano-hydroxyapatite, and our Mouthwash Bits also contain nHAp.
Using both means you're incorporating the mineral into two different parts of your oral-care routine, although that doesn't automatically mean twice the remineralization.
You can also use hydroxyapatite mouthwash with fluoride toothpaste.
One important tip: if you're brushing with fluoride toothpaste, use your mouthwash at a different time of day rather than immediately afterward.
The NHS recommends avoiding rinsing immediately after brushing because it can wash away concentrated fluoride left on the teeth.
Using mouthwash after lunch, for example, is an easy way to incorporate both products without rinsing away your toothpaste right after brushing.
Bite's Mouthwash Bits
At Bite, we've always believed that what's in your personal care matters just as much as what it comes in.
That's why we make Mouthwash Bits with thoughtfully chosen ingredients in a format designed to replace disposable plastic mouthwash bottles.
Our vegan, cruelty-free Mouthwash Bits contain nano-hydroxyapatite, xylitol, erythritol, zinc citrate, natural mint flavor, and menthol.
They're also alcohol-free, with a cool minty taste and no giant plastic bottle taking up space on your bathroom shelf.
Our Mouthwash Bits come in a reusable glass jar, making it easier to keep the container and reduce packaging waste over time.
You can read the full formula on our ingredients page.
How to Use Bite Mouthwash Bits
With our Bits, you don't have to worry about measuring out the perfect amount of mouthwash.
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Chew one Mouthwash Bit until it breaks down into a powder.
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Take a sip of water and swish for 30 seconds.
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Spit it out.
That's it.
You can use Mouthwash Bits as part of your regular oral-care routine or when you want a quick refresh between brushings.
FAQ: Natural Mouthwash and Hydroxyapatite
What does hydroxyapatite do in mouthwash?
Hydroxyapatite is a calcium-phosphate mineral similar to the mineral naturally found in tooth enamel. In mouthwash, it is dispersed through a liquid rinse and can come into contact with tooth surfaces. Research suggests hydroxyapatite can support enamel remineralization, although the clinical evidence is more extensive for toothpaste than for mouthwash.
Can I use hydroxyapatite mouthwash with fluoride toothpaste?
Yes. Hydroxyapatite mouthwash and fluoride toothpaste can be used in the same oral-care routine. For best fluoride retention, use mouthwash at a different time of day, such as after lunch, rather than immediately after brushing with fluoride toothpaste.
Bottom Line
Using mouthwash can be a useful addition to your oral-care routine, whether you're looking for fresher breath, a more comfortable rinse, or ingredients that offer additional oral-health benefits.
Natural mouthwash can provide alternatives to alcohol-containing formulas, while newer ingredients like nano-hydroxyapatite offer another approach to supporting enamel health.
But the most important thing is choosing a formula that makes sense for your needs.
And with Mouthwash Bits, we're making it easier to rethink both the ingredients you use and the plastic packaging you leave behind.
