Want a Safe, Natural Mouthwash? Try Aloe Vera

Most mass market mouthwashes have all kinds of unhealthy ingredients in them. So, what can you do if you want to improve your dental health without harming the rest of your health? Try aloe. . . .

Aloe is just as good as the chemical mouthwashes. A recent study told people to swish with one of three mouthwashes four times a day for four days. One was really just a placebo. The other two were the antiseptic, antibacterial mouthwash chlorhexadine and 100% pure aloe vera juice.

And the aloe was just as good as the chlorhexadine. Both significantly reduced plaque, and there was no significant difference between the two (Ethiop J Health Sci 2014;24:139-44).

But actually, the aloe is better because it is safer. As we reported in Vol. 18, No.2 of The Natural Path, another study has also shown aloe vera to be as effective as chemical mouthwashes without the side effects. This study lasted longer and was easier to follow, because you only had  to swish twice a day.

Again in this study, aloe went head-to-head with chlorhexadine and a placebo. And again, aloe was just as good. There was a significant reduction in plaque and gingivitis in the aloe and chlorhexadine group with no significant difference. There was also a significant reduction of gingival bleeding. But this study added that aloe vera was free of chlorhexadine’s side effects (Oral Health Dent Manag 2014;13:14-19).

Winner? Aloe vera!