What happens if you use apple cider vinegar as mouthwash? Apple cider vinegar is a popular natural remedy that has been used for centuries for its various health benefits.
From aiding in weight loss to improving digestion, this sour liquid has been touted as a miracle elixir. But have you ever considered using apple cider vinegar as mouthwash?
I’m going to share the potential benefits and drawbacks of using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash and what happens when you do.
What Happens if You Use Apple Cider Vinegar As Mouthwash?
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can have beneficial effects. It has the potential to kill bacteria, fight bad breath, whiten your teeth, and even help alleviate sore throats.
The acid in the vinegar kills bacteria that causes bad breath and helps to reduce plaque build-up on your teeth, leading to brighter smiles. Additionally, it can help soothe a sore throat caused by colds or other illnesses due to its antibacterial properties.
Kills Bacteria and Fights Bad Breath
By employing apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, one can kill bacteria and effectively combat bad breath. Apple cider vinegar is known for its antimicrobial properties that help to reduce the presence of harmful bacteria in the mouth.
Research shows that regular use of apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can prevent cavities, gingivitis, and other dental infections. Here are three ways it benefits your oral health:
- It kills many types of bacteria associated with tooth decay and gum disease.
- It helps neutralize bad breath caused by bacterial growth.
- It freshens the breath by reducing odor-causing bacteria in the mouth.
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent choice for those looking to improve their oral hygiene without using harsh chemicals or additives often found in commercial products.
May Help Whiten Teeth
You can give your smile a sparkle with apple cider vinegar mouthwash, giving it the same deep-clean feeling as if you’d just come from the dentist’s chair.
The acidic nature of this type of vinegar works to whiten your teeth, making it an effective and natural way to brighten up your smile.
Apple cider vinegar is known for its ability to dissolve plaque and fight bacteria that can cause bad breath, and its tooth whitening properties are no different.
It breaks down surface stains on teeth that can come from coffee, wine, or other foods and drinks that cause discoloration.
Regular use of apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash may help whiten your teeth over time by removing surface stains.
Can Help Alleviate Sore Throats
Experience the soothing power of apple cider vinegar mouthwash to help alleviate your sore throat.
Apple cider vinegar has long been known to have many health benefits, and now it can be used as an oral rinse too!
Studies have shown that apple cider vinegar helps reduce inflammation caused by sore throats, and when used as a mouthwash may provide relief from the pain and discomfort associated with them. It works by killing bacteria in the throat that can cause infection and irritation.
Apple cider vinegar is thought to alkalize your body’s pH balance, which can also help reduce inflammation.
By using a diluted mixture of apple cider vinegar and water for a gargle or mouthwash, you can receive all these benefits while still protecting your teeth from any acid damage that could be caused by over-consumption of the liquid.
As an added bonus, this natural remedy is much less expensive than traditional treatments like cough drops or lozenges.
What Are The Downsides Of Using Apple Cider Vinegar As Mouthwash?
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can come with some downsides. Firstly, it has the potential to damage tooth enamel due to its high acidity level.
The vinegar may cause irritation and sensitivity in your mouth, as well as alter the pH balance of your oral environment.
Therefore, it’s important to consider these drawbacks before deciding to incorporate this type of mouthwash into your dental routine.
Can Damage Tooth Enamel
Prolonged exposure can erode enamel, so steer clear. Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic and can damage tooth enamel if used as a mouthwash over an extended period of time.
The acidity found in apple cider vinegar can cause erosion to the enamel that protects our teeth, making them more sensitive when consuming hot or cold foods and drinks.
To ensure your teeth stay healthy, here are 3 reasons why you should avoid using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash:
- 1. It’s too acidic – Apple cider vinegar has an acidity level of around 5-6%, which is higher than other types of vinegar such as white wine or balsamic vinegars, both of which have an acidity level of around 4%.
- 2. It contains pectin – Pectin is a type of fiber that is found in apples, and it can be harmful to your oral health if used for long periods of time, as it may accumulate on your teeth, leading to decay and cavities.
- 3. It’s not recommended by dentists – While there may be some anecdotal evidence that suggests the use of apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, most dentists would recommend avoiding this practice due to its potential damaging effects on tooth enamel.
May Cause Mouth Irritation And Sensitivity
You’d be better off gargling with razor blades than using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, as it can cause an excruciatingly painful bout of mouth irritation and sensitivity that feels like it’ll last forever!
Apple cider vinegar is highly acidic, which means its regular use can erode tooth enamel and make your teeth more sensitive.
As well as the pain associated with sensitivity, acid erosion also increases the risk of cavities and other dental problems.
It’s important to know that even though some people may recommend using apple cider vinegar for oral health, it’s not recommended by most dentists due to the potential for damage to tooth enamel and irritation in the mouth.
Can Alter the pH Balance Of Your Mouth
Experience the discomfort of an altered pH balance in your mouth by using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash.
Apple cider vinegar is an acidic substance, and when used as a mouthwash can cause the pH balance of your mouth to become more acidic.
This can neutralize the natural bacteria present in your saliva, leading to an imbalance of good and bad bacteria.
The effects of this may include increased risk for tooth decay, an unpleasant taste in the mouth, dryness in the mouth, and bad breath.
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can be beneficial at first, but over time it can lead to long-term problems such as gum disease, tooth enamel erosion, and oral thrush if not used correctly or with caution.
To maintain optimal oral health, it’s important that you use other methods such as brushing and flossing regularly and using a balanced pH solution like baking soda or hydrogen peroxide instead of apple cider vinegar for rinsing your mouth out after meals or snacks.
How To Safely Use Apple Cider Vinegar As Mouthwash
Using apple cider vinegar as mouthwash can be an effective way to reduce bacteria and bad breath, but it must be used safely.
To get the most benefit from using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, always dilute the vinegar with water before use. Limit your use to once or twice a week. Rinse your mouth with plain water afterward.
With these precautions in mind, you can enjoy a more naturally healthy mouth without risking any damage to your teeth or gums.
Dilute The Vinegar With Water
Instead of freshening your breath, diluting the vinegar with water could leave you feeling sour! When using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, it’s important to dilute the vinegar with water.
Here’s a list of three steps to help ensure that you’re safely using the vinegar:
1. Start by mixing equal parts of water and apple cider vinegar in a cup or glass.
2. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for 30 seconds to one minute before spitting it out.
3. Rinse your mouth with plain water afterward to get rid of any remaining acidity from the vinegar solution.
Using this method will help reduce any harshness from the apple cider vinegar while still reaping its benefits, such as killing bacteria and removing plaque buildup on teeth and gums.
Limit Use To Once or Twice A Week
Don’t overdo it – limit your use of apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash to once or twice a week for best results.
While having the potential to be beneficial, using apple cider vinegar too often can lead to dental health issues due to its acidic nature.
The acidity of the vinegar can cause enamel erosion and may also contribute to other oral problems.
It is important to remember that while apple cider vinegar has some possible benefits when used as a mouthwash, these should not be seen as an alternative to proper oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing.
When using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, start by diluting it with water.
You can adjust the amount of water you use depending on what feels most comfortable for you; many people find that adding equal parts of both works best.
Be sure not to swallow any of the mixture and rinse thoroughly afterward with plain water, this will help remove any residual acid from your teeth and gums.
Rinse Your Mouth With Water Afterward
After using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, make sure to swish some water around your mouth for the best results.
Rinsing your mouth with water afterward helps remove any lingering acidity from the apple cider vinegar, which can be damaging to your enamel and cause tooth sensitivity.
It helps ensure that all of the bacteria that have been killed off by the vinegar are flushed away.
Here are four key points on why you should rinse after using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash:
- It reduces any remaining acidity in your mouth caused by the Apple Cider Vinegar
- It flushes away bacteria that has been killed off by the vinegar
- It ensures that no damage is done to your enamel or teeth due to prolonged exposure to acidity
- It prevents tooth sensitivity caused by excessive acidity in the mouth
Other Natural Mouthwash Alternatives
You don’t have to use commercial mouthwashes to keep your mouth healthy. There are several other natural alternatives that you can try.
Oil Pulling
Try oil pulling with ACV for a fresh-feeling, minty mouth! Oil pulling is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that involves swishing oil in your mouth for up to 20 minutes. This can be done with any type of vegetable or nut oil such as sesame, coconut, or sunflower.
Adding apple cider vinegar to the mix adds additional antibacterial properties and helps fight bad breath.
To do this, simply mix 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar with 1 tablespoon of your chosen oil and swish it around your mouth for 15–20 minutes before spitting it out (don’t swallow).
The mixture helps to reduce bacteria in the mouth while also removing toxins from the body. Afterward, rinse your mouth with water and brush your teeth as usual.
Oil pulling is a great way to keep your teeth and gums healthy without using harsh chemicals found in many stores bought mouthwashes.
Not only does it leave you feeling clean and refreshed, but it also fights off plaque build up and reduces inflammation.
Saltwater Rinse
A saltwater rinse is a simple yet effective way to freshen your breath, cleanse your mouth, and improve gum health – all without harsh chemicals.
To make a saltwater rinse, simply mix 1 teaspoon of salt in 8 ounces of warm water. Swish the mixture around in your mouth for one minute before spitting it out.
The salt helps to reduce inflammation and kill bacteria which can lead to bad breath, cavities, and gum disease.
Adding apple cider vinegar to this rinse can also help fight off bacteria in your mouth and even whiten teeth as well.
However, it’s important not to use too much vinegar, as doing so could burn the soft tissues in the mouth or cause other issues.
If you’d like to use apple cider vinegar with a saltwater rinse, start by using only 1 teaspoon of vinegar per cup of water and see how that feels before increasing the amount.
Herbal Mouthwash
Experience the refreshing power of herbal mouthwash, an all-natural way to cleanse and freshen your breath without harsh chemicals.
Enjoy brushing and rinsing with a natural blend of herbs and essential oils that are known for their antimicrobial properties.
Make your own herbal mouthwash at home by combining equal parts apple cider vinegar and water, then adding a few drops of peppermint or spearmint oil for flavor.
This simple mixture can be used as a powerful rinse after you brush your teeth each day, providing the same protection against bacteria as traditional store-bought chemical washes.
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash is an effective alternative to harsh chemicals; it’s gentle on gums and tongue while still delivering antibacterial benefits.
Tips For Maintaining Good Oral Hygiene
Maintaining good oral hygiene is essential for your overall health, and according to the American Dental Association, brushing your teeth at least twice a day can reduce cavities by up to 40%.
To ensure proper dental care, it’s important to brush your teeth with fluoride toothpaste as well as floss daily. Regular visits to the dentist are also highly recommended to detect any early signs of decay or gum disease.
Using mouthwash can help maintain good oral health. It can help reduce plaque build-up and freshen breath.
However, some people may opt for a herbal mouthwash containing apple cider vinegar, which may not be ideal as it has been known to cause damage over time if used too frequently.
Good oral hygiene is key for healthy gums and strong teeth. Eating a balanced diet full of fruits and vegetables that are high in calcium can also help maintain good dental health.
How Often Should I Use Apple Cider Vinegar as Mouthwash?
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can be an effective way to keep your teeth and gums healthy. However, it’s important to use it correctly and not too often.
Depending on the severity of any existing gum or dental problems, you should ideally only use apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash no more than once per week.
For best results, dilute one part of vinegar with two parts of warm water before swishing around in your mouth for up to 30 seconds, then spit out.
Are There Any Potential Long-Term Health Risks Associated with Using Apple Cider Vinegar as Mouthwash?
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash may have long-term health risks. While it can help with bad breath, the acidity of the vinegar can potentially damage tooth enamel and cause irritation to your mouth, gums, and throat.
It could disrupt your body’s natural pH balance if used regularly or over an extended period. Before using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash, consult a dentist to ensure that you don’t put yourself at risk for further dental problems.
Are There Any Other Natural Ingredients that Can Be Used with Apple Cider Vinegar to Make a Mouthwash?
Using natural ingredients to make your own mouthwash is a great way to save money and avoid harsh chemicals.
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent choice as the base ingredient, but you can also combine it with other natural substances like baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, coconut oil, tea tree oil or aloe vera gel to create a more effective and balanced mouthwash.
Baking soda helps neutralize the acidity of the vinegar, while the other ingredients provide antibacterial protection against germs and bacteria.
Does Using Apple Cider Vinegar as Mouthwash Have Any Effect on Bad Breath?
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash has been shown to reduce bad breath in some cases. Studies have found that the combination of vinegar and baking soda can help fight off bacteria and germs, helping to freshen breath.
Many people find that the acidic taste of vinegar helps to get rid of the ‘rotten egg’ smell caused by sulfur-producing bacteria.
While it may not work for everyone, using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash is certainly worth trying if you’d like to enjoy fresher breath.
Summary
Using apple cider vinegar as a mouthwash can have beneficial effects such as killing bacteria and freshening your breath.
But there are some potential downfalls to consider, such as damaging tooth enamel due to its acidity, altering the pH balance of your mouth, and causing irritation.
It’s important to limit use to once or twice a week with proper dilution, rinse afterward with water, and use other natural alternatives such as oil pulling and herbal mouthwashes.