DIY Matcha Mouthwash to Fight Bad Breath, Gingivitis & Cavities

When you think of mouthwash, “green tea” might not be the first thing that comes to mind — but it deserves consideration.

Many commercial mouthwashes contain ingredients that can cause problems over time. For that reason, I encourage people to consider natural mouthwash alternatives or DIY recipes rather than relying on conventional products marketed on TV. Research shows that green tea-based rinses can offer meaningful oral health benefits without the harsh effects associated with some over-the-counter mouthwashes.

Green tea mouthwash has been shown to:

  • Reduce sulfur compounds responsible for bad breath
  • Improve inflammation associated with gingivitis
  • Reduce plaque that contributes to tooth decay and gum disease

Below is a simple, effective matcha green tea mouthwash you can make at home. Rinse once or twice daily for best results.

DIY Matcha Green Tea Mouthwash

Matcha green tea mouthwash

Swap out burning, alcohol-based mouthwashes for this gentle, natural matcha green tea rinse that targets odor, inflammation, and plaque.

  • Author: Mark Burhenne DDS
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 18 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 packet Pique Pu’er Green Tea, or 1 teaspoon ceremonial grade matcha or green tea of your choice
  • ½ teaspoon calcium carbonate
  • ½ teaspoon L-Arginine
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ½–1 tablespoon xylitol (melted in 2 tablespoons hot water)

Instructions

1. Add all ingredients to a jar with a lid or a high-speed blender.

green tea mouthwash

2. Shake or blend until well combined.

green tea mouthwash

3. Use 1 tablespoon and swish in your mouth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then spit. Do not swallow.

green tea mouthwash

Notes

This mouthwash can be kept in the refrigerator or stored at room temperature for up to two weeks. Shake well before each use.

Did you make this recipe?

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References
  1. Rassameemasmaung S., Phusudsawang P., & Sangalungkarn V. (2013). Effect of green tea mouthwash on oral malodor. ISRN Preventive Medicine. (Full text available from academic sources.)
  2. Priya B. M., Anitha V., Shanmugam M., et al. (2015). Efficacy of chlorhexidine and green tea mouthwashes in the management of dental plaque-induced gingivitis: A comparative clinical study. Contemporary Clinical Dentistry, 6(4), 505. (Full text available from academic sources.)
  3. Rozmoozi E., Bekhradi R., Taleba M. R., et al. (2018). Effect of green tea mouthwash on reducing plaque and gingivitis. J Dent Health Oral Disord Ther. 9(2): 207-210. (Full text available from academic sources.)