I've been dealing with some annoying gum-related breath lately (gross, I know), and I've tried both minty homemade mouthwash (peppermint oil, baking soda, water) and just plain old warm saltwater rinses. Minty stuff feels fresher at first, but saltwater seems to help longer term. Curious what you guys prefer or if you've found something else that works better...
I've noticed the same thing—minty rinses feel great initially but fade fast. Saltwater seems to actually calm things down longer. Ever tried adding a bit of tea tree oil? Heard it's antibacterial, but not sure if it helps breath-wise...
Saltwater's been my go-to for years, especially when my kid had braces—really seemed to help calm down irritated gums. Minty rinses always felt like a temporary fix to me, kinda masking the issue rather than solving it. Tea tree oil sounds interesting, but honestly, I've tried it once and couldn't get past the taste... pretty intense stuff. Heard good things about its antibacterial properties too, but not sure I'd trust it for fresh breath. If you're looking for something natural that actually helps breath-wise, chewing on fresh parsley or mint leaves has worked surprisingly well for us. Not exactly convenient on-the-go, but hey, whatever works!
Interesting take on saltwater—definitely agree it's great for soothing gums, especially with braces. But I'm curious, do you think saltwater actually helps with breath issues long-term? I've found it useful temporarily, but it never seemed to tackle the underlying bacteria that cause persistent bad breath. Minty rinses might feel superficial, but many of them contain ingredients specifically targeted at reducing bacteria buildup. Have you tried any alcohol-free mint rinses? They're less drying and can help maintain a healthier oral environment overall.
Also, totally get you on the tea tree oil... the taste is pretty brutal. But if you're open to experimenting again, mixing just a drop or two with coconut oil for oil pulling can tone down the intensity while still giving you antibacterial benefits. Worked surprisingly well for me when I had some gum inflammation last year. Worth another shot, maybe?
Good points about alcohol-free rinses, they do seem gentler overall. I've noticed saltwater helps calm irritation, but you're right—it doesn't really tackle bacteria long-term. Might give the tea tree-coconut oil combo another shot, despite the taste trauma last time...
