Can you use witch hazel in your mouth?

It’s a common question these days whether or not witch hazel is safe to use in your mouth. People are turning to natural remedies for all their problems, and witch hazel seems like it could be just the thing they need to help with oral hygiene.

But before you start swishing with witch hazel, there are some things you should know. In this article, we’ll be exploring what exactly witch hazel is and if it’s safe to use as a mouthwash replacement.

What is Witch Hazel?

Witch hazel {Hamamelis virginiana} is a shrub that grows in North America. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans as medicine because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The bark of the plant was used externally on wounds, bruises, insect bites, and other skin irritations because of its ability to soothe inflammation and promote healing.

Today, many people still rely on witch hazel for various medicinal purposes such as treating acne or hemorrhoids due to its antiseptic qualities- which makes them wonder if it can also work wonders inside their mouths.

Why Would Someone Want To Use Witch Hazel As A Mouthwash?

Using natural ingredients has become increasingly popular among people who want an alternative solution rather than relying heavily on prescribed medications or chemicals-based products that may harm their health eventually (cue scary horror music).

Moreover, since several studies suggest that the conventional alcohol-containing mouthwashes might lead some oral cancers due to excessive exposure; therefore taking a holistic alternative approach towards maintaining healthy gums and teeth sounds appealing- enter witch-hazel!

So let’s take a closer look at whether using witch-hazel in your mouth actually lives up our expectations.

Benefits Of Using Witch Hazel as Mouth Wash

1) Oral Hygiene:

During dental cleanings from dentists; when plaque formation scores were taken after six weeks of use of Vitis mouthwash and witch hazel used together (1:1 ratio); the results showed a significant decrease in plaque formation as compared to patients who only relied on conventional methods.

2) Soothing Oral Irritation:

As we discussed earlier, Witch hazel has anti-inflammatory properties; it’s can be particularly useful if you have any oral inflammation. Thanks to its active tannins which readily absorbs toxins and coagulates serum albumin found in numerous body fluids especially when burned or irritated tissues within our mouths.

3) Reduction In Bad Breath

Witch-hazel works by neutralizing bacteria that cause bad breath without disrupting pH levels, fun fact, bad breath is often caused by an overgrowth of bacteria- this little treat works beautifully since it’s gentle enough not to disrupt your palate’s natural biome while still keeping under control all those anaerobic baddies (mic drop)

4) Gingivitis Treatment

The benefits don’t end here. Witch hazel also shows promise for treating gum disease known as gingivitis but first things first, let us delve into what Gingivitis actually entails 🙁 Wait – are you ready for these big words? This condition involves an inflammatory response mounted against bacterial growth along the gums margins triggered due to a breach bodily defences is stimulated ; The result is bleeding/allergic reaction that left unchecked causes pockets underneath teeth where harmful microorganisms thrive upon saliva production acting as fuel plus damaging enamel surfaces thereby causing periodontal disease aka tooth rot .

Can You Use Witch Hazel As A Mouth Wash?

Now comes the moment of truth – Can one actually use this precious remedy inside their mouth cavity?

Safety First – When Should One Avoid Using Witch Hazel Inside Their Mouths:

Before taking any step towards new experimentation kindly note down below-listed safety precautions:

  • Children should avoid using witch-hazel.
  • Individuals allergic to ragweed should refrain as it may lead to allergic reactions
  • It is often avowed not to swallow witch hazel, which could cause vomiting, diarrhea and painful stomach cramps among other side-effects (YIKES)

How To Use Witch Hazel as Mouthwash?

While there’s no need for any high scientific degree when using witch-hazel instead of a conventional mouth rinse replacement but here are few points to keep in mind:

1) Dilute the Solution

Witch hazel might be really strong so please do NOT use undiluted otherwise it can lead to tissue damage and discomforts. Therefore mix an equal amount of water with your witch hazel tincture or extract i.e., one part witch hazel tincture diluted in three parts of distilled water.

2) Ratio Is Crucial

Mix one spoonful each of above-unmentioned components; best practice will entail making small batches daily rather than storing up large quantities for later use since herbal remedies tend not have much preservatives inhibiting microbial growth during storage hence could establish bacterial growth leading potent risks

3) Rinse For Short Time

Lastly, don’t swish too long – around ten seconds is usually sufficient (any more than that = overly dried-out mouth + low PH levels).

Conclusion: Is Witch Hazel Safe To Use Inside Your Mouth?

In conclusion while we must admit that despite offering a range benefits, using WITCH-HAZEL inside our MOUTHS does carry some risk factors ; Hence, before trying out this newfangled trend please do consult either an experienced dentist or seek advice from alternative natural health practitioners just to ensure you’re taking adequate measures.

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