Most people don't give their mouthwash much thought. Few people have suspected that it contains toxic ingredients or is harmful to the body in any way. However, it is becoming more and more clear that store-bought mouthwash brands with chemicals might really be linked to oral cancer.
According to a recent study by the Leibniz Institute for Prevention Research, the alcohol found in the majority of mouthwash formulations does seem to increase the risk of oral cancer. Even though these results are inconclusive, they have raised questions about the composition of mouthwash formulas. The results have been horrifying.
It has been known for some time that chemical mouthwash contained some toxic ingredients but the public wasn’t aware of just how bad it has gotten. Major companies seem more than willing to save money by putting cheap, toxic ingredients in their mouthwash to sell to unsuspecting consumers. Did you know some companies put formaldehyde in their mouthwash? Most mouthwashes contain a number of ingredients which can be harmful to the body.
Most conventional mouthwashes contain lots of alcohol, some brands. The Dental Journal of Australia has confirmed that chemical mouthwash products containing alcohol can promote the developments of cancer in the mouth, tongue and throat.
Many mouthwash brands contain fluoride. Fluoride is good for fighting cavities but it is very bad for the body. This is why people have become very concerned with the amount of fluoride found in municipal tap water. Ingesting too much fluoride can lead to neurological issues and it is also a carcinogen.
The worst ingredient of all is formaldehyde. Formaldehyde is usually found in household cleaners and glue. It certainly is not meant to be ingested. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declared formaldehyde to be a “probable human carcinogen” and research has shown that long-term exposure to formaldehyde is associated with different types of cancer, including leukemia.
Many experts recommend that people make their own mouthwash at home. It is a relatively simple process that ensures that you know exactly what is – and isn’t – in your mouthwash.
To make your own mouthwash, you’ll need a container. Many people like to use mason jars, but any type of glass jar or bottle will do.
Here are the ingredients:
- One teaspoon of xylitol crystals
- 5 drops of lemon essential oil
- Couple of drops of wild orange essential oil
- Two teaspoons of calcium carbonate powder
- Ten drops of trace mineral liquid
- Two cups of filtered water
- Ten drops of peppermint essential oil
To mix it effectively, you will want to boil the water first and add the herbs to it. Let it sit for 20 minutes, then strain and bottle it.
Other popular ingredients include spearmint, goldenseal and raw honey.
The powder will settle at the bottom of the jar, so you should shake your mouthwash each time before using it. Swish a couple of teaspoons of your homemade mouthwash in your mouth and avoid swallowing when you gargle.
Homemade mouthwash is much, much cheaper than store-bought mouthwashes. Best of all, it doesn’t have any alcohol or toxic chemicals in it.
Conclusion: The connection between mouthwash and cancer is becoming increasingly evident. Making mouthwash at home is the only way to ensure that you really know what you are putting in your body.
Summary: It has come out that many store brand types of mouthwash contain toxic chemicals that may cause cancer. Many people are making their own mouthwash at home to stay healthy and to save money.