why you should choose a professionally made natural mouthwash over your homemade mouthwash
Do you make your own mouthwash? First off, we’re so happy you’re taking a step in the right direction (aka, away from the big-brand chemical mouthwashes that have dominated the market for so long). If you’re into homemade mouthwash, that probably means you’ve seen through the promises of conventional mouthwash. Maybe you’ve discovered a few ingredients in name brands that are not-so-great for your mouth, your body, or the planet. So you’ve taken it upon yourself to come up with a better solution, and we truly admire that.
At Davids, we’ve done the same thing. We’ve taken it upon ourselves to formulate an incredible natural mouthwash that nurtures your oral microbiome, your body, and the planet. (But keep that between us, since we haven’t quite launched it yet.) The truth is, we’ve spent so much time perfecting our natural mouthwash that we simply can’t wait to talk about it....and how it’s worth choosing over your DIY mouthwash.
what’s usually in homemade mouthwash?
You can find a lot of homemade mouthwash recipes out there for different concerns. The simple, catch-all recipes typically include some combination of filtered water, baking soda, and essential oils (such as peppermint, wintergreen, cinnamon, and tea tree).
You might also find recipes that add antioxidant ingredients such as cloves, thyme, turmeric, and aloe vera. Some DIY mouthwash recipes for specific concerns (such as “disinfectant” and “whitening”) might include ingredients like apple cider vinegar and hydrogen peroxide.
The truth is, there’s so much variation when it comes to homemade mouthwash. Although there might be some benefits to doing it yourself (like the ability to reuse your bottle or buy ingredients in bulk), you really have to understand exactly how each ingredient could impact your oral health in the long run. For example, too much hydrogen peroxide can lead to serious tooth and gum sensitivity. Too much apple cider vinegar can wear down your enamel from the sheer acidity of the vinegar. Even too many drops of essential oils can lead to burning and tingling!
To us, your long-term oral health is too important to risk by experimenting with different DIY recipes. That’s why we prefer ditching homemade mouthwash and leaving the formulation to the professionals.
the perks of leaving it to the professionals
The professionals (the right ones, at least) know exactly what concentration of each ingredient will support your long-term oral health, not damage it. This is not to say that all mouthwash is created equal. We’ll be the first to call out the concerns surrounding conventional mouthwash, as it can be full of alcohol, artificial dyes, harsh chemicals, and who-knows-what disguised under the label of “natural flavor.”
Be sure to consider that caveat when we say that the right professionals know exactly how to formulate a natural mouthwash that will nurture your oral microbiome. Finding a trusty natural mouthwash just requires a little effort and label reading (more on that in the next section).
When you leave the mouthwash making to the professionals, not only do they know exactly how to formulate it, but they have access to the best ingredients! Ingredient quality and sourcing truly matter, and experienced professionals have way more sourcing opportunities than the average person. At your local store, you’re limited to what’s on the shelf. Even with the accessibility of online shopping, it can be hard to know exactly where ingredients come from or how they’ve been processed. In the context of natural mouthwash, the importance of sourcing shines through a few very specific ingredients.
xylitol: some xylitol comes from corn and beets, but at Davids, we use a premium US-produced xylitol derived from birch trees. It’s the best option for you and the environment!
hydroxyapatite: not all natural mouthwash contains hydroxyapatite, but it’s in your best interest to seek it out! The particle size (and concentration) of the hydroxyapatite can play a huge role in the safety and efficacy of the ingredient. At Davids, our hydroxyapatite particle size and concentration produce noticeable positive results, and our third-party lab tests prove it!
premium essential oils: essential oils have a wide spectrum of quality. The essential oils we use at Davids come from reliable suppliers around the US, and we combine them in a way that creates incredible flavor profiles and antibacterial properties.
Not to mention, we always ensure the ingredients we source ethically and sustainably. This isn’t the case for many ingredients you might come across in your DIY oral care projects!
how to choose your natural mouthwash
First, here are a few tips you can keep in mind to spot and secure the natural mouthwash in the colorful sea of conventional products.
Make sure the mouthwash you choose is clear, not bright blue, purple, yellow or green.
Check how long the ingredient list is. Is it so long it’s making you go cross-eyed? Can you decipher the ingredients or not?
See if it claims to kill 99.9% of anything. We don’t want that.
Look out for glaring warnings. Does it say, “Do not use in children under X.”? This is a sure sign to step away from that option.
Is the cap child-proof? This is another sure sign it’s not the safest option.
Now let’s cover how to choose the best natural mouthwash of the bunch. As you might know, we’re huge fans of xylitol and hydroxyapatite. These two incredible ingredients work together as a remineralizing dream team, and we want to make sure your teeth are getting a regular healthy dose of remineralization to fight sensitivity and tooth decay. As xylitol works to increase saliva production and starve the bad bacteria in your mouth, the hydroxyapatite particles weave into microscopic “holes” in your enamel to rebuild them at the foundation.
In other words, we encourage you to search for a natural mouthwash that contains xylitol and hydroxyapatite along with delicious mint oils, moistening vegetable glycerin, and neutralizing baking soda. Stay tuned in the coming months for a special announcement from us about an incredible new natural mouthwash! Until then, you can stock up on our sensitive + whitening toothpaste, formulated with xylitol and hydroxyapatite.
Andrew Talarzyk is a marketing leader at Davids Toothpaste, where he helps bring the brand’s clean, science-forward approach to oral care into sharper focus for consumers, retailers, and media partners. As Senior Manager of Marketing, Andrew supports a brand built on the belief that toothpaste can be both high-performing and thoughtfully made, combining naturally sourced and naturally derived ingredients with modern dental science.
Through his work with Davids, Andrew helps communicate the company’s broader mission: creating oral care products that prioritize ingredient transparency, sustainability, and everyday performance without relying on harsh chemicals, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. His leadership aligns closely with Davids’ position as an innovator in the nano hydroxyapatite space, particularly through the brand’s Hydroxi™ formulas.
Hydroxyapatite is especially compelling because it mirrors a mineral naturally found in teeth and is used in Davids products to support enamel health, help smooth micro-imperfections, and provide sensitivity support.
Andrew’s value as a spokesperson lies in his ability to connect product innovation with a broader consumer shift toward cleaner, more intentional personal care. He represents Davids as a brand that is not simply following the natural oral care category, but helping define where it goes next: toward formulas that are effective, transparent, sustainability-minded, and grounded in a more informed understanding of what people want from the products they use every day.
Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you, often before you’ve said a single word. It can signal confidence, warmth, and approachability. But more importantly, your smile has an important relationship with how you feel.
key takeaways
Expanding floss transitions from a compressed strand into a cushioned texture when triggered by saliva.
One of the key benefits of expanding floss is that the texturized fibers grow to fill variable interdental gaps, sweeping away buildup.
The soft structure supports sensitive teeth and protects delicate gum tissue from harsh snapping.
Pairing this tool with a premium formula like Davids nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste creates part of an excellent oral wellness routine.
understand the innovation of expanding floss
Upgrading your oral care routine means choosing products that work naturally with your mouth. If you’ve looked at our site and find yourself wondering what expandable floss is, the answer lies in how the material behaves when you actually start using it.
Standard floss stays thin and rigid under high tension, but the multi-fiber strands in expanding floss behave differently. To see what expanding floss does in real time, look at how the physical design works. When the strand slips between your teeth, moisture from your saliva activates the texturized fibers.
The material expands instantly, increasing its surface area to protect your enamel from hard edges. This extra coverage catches plaque that flat strings slide right past, demonstrating exactly what expanding floss does to elevate daily hygiene.
the history and evolution of interdental care
Cleaning between the teeth has a long history. Early humans used basic toothpicks made from wood or bone to clear food debris. The first version of dental floss that we’d recognize now arrived in the nineteenth century when a dentist advised patients to use a thin silk thread to clean tight spaces. For anyone wanting to know more about historical innovations, asking what expandable floss is serves as a great starting point for analyzing modern interdental textiles.
For over a century, simple silk and nylon threads remained largely unchanged. While these traditional strings worked for large food particles, they had obvious functional flaws. Because they were uniform and inflexible, they often slipped right past stubborn plaque. Looking into the engineering of adaptive fibers reveals what expandable floss is designed to correct in modern routines.
expandable floss in recent times
As dental science advanced, experts realized a flat string couldn’t thoroughly clean human teeth. This understanding led to the development of texturized materials. Knowing what expanding floss does helps you build a daily routine that supports a balanced oral microbiome.
Nowadays, consumers want to know exactly how these fibers perform when compared to the stiff options of the past. If you’re trying to understand what expandable floss does for your long-term gum health, it is all about friction reduction and surface area contact.
the benefits of expanding floss
When you look at expanding floss vs. regular options, the major difference is how the textured fibers react to tension and moisture. Standard strings stay completely flat, which can cause them to pull roughly against your gums or slide right past plaque in wider spaces.
For people interested in a holistic approach to health, studying the benefits of expanding floss shows how much more effective and adaptive design can be. One of the advantages of expandable floss is its ability to custom-fit every unique mouth structure without causing irritation. What’s more, the benefits of expanding floss extend directly to daily gum tissue protection by reducing mechanical pressure. When you know how to use expanding dental floss correctly, you find a tool that balances deep cleaning with exceptional comfort.
An expanding strand changes its shape to fill the tiny gaps between your teeth. Switching to the best expanding dental floss is an easy way to embrace wellness every day. If you want a truly deep clean, discovering what expandable floss is can completely change your perspective on oral care.
how to use expanding dental floss
You get the best possible results from flossing when you use expanding floss correctly. Because this material reacts to moisture, a few quick adjustments to your technique will maximize your clean. Mastering the use of expanding dental floss means you never accidentally irritate sensitive gum tissue.
Start by pulling off about 18 inches of the floss. Wrap the ends around your fingers securely, leaving a fresh section in the middle to clean with.
As you guide the strand between your teeth, the proper method for using expanding dental floss requires a soft, back-and-forth motion instead of forcing it down hard against your gums.
Once the strand is comfortably placed between your teeth, saliva naturally causes the fibers to expand.
Curve the cushioned material into a “C” shape around the side of the tooth, guiding it gently under the gumline and moving it up and down to pull away hidden plaque.
Make sure to use a new, dry section of the strand for every gap, so you get a fresh, premium clean across your entire mouth.
choose a better interdental cleaner for a healthy smile
Combining superior-quality products with naturally derived oral care products from Davids lets you care for your smile with absolute confidence. Your flossing tools should meet high standards for safety and transparency.
By keeping your oral care up to date with the latest design advancements, you make sure your routine works hard for you. When patients ask what expandable floss is and what it can do for them, they’re usually looking for a comfortable solution to tight spacing or sensitive roots. Going from a thin strand to a soft, cushion-like texture addresses the common complaint that traditional cleaning strings feel too sharp or aggressive.
Now that you know how to use expanding dental floss, you can make an informed decision for your teeth. Seeing how this expanding fiber safely clears bacteria beneath the gumline can transform your long-term oral health. When you see what expandable floss is at its core – a modern textile upgrade – you can pair it with a science-backed routine that leaves your mouth feeling fresh and healthy every day.
shop premium Davids essentials for your daily wellness routine
Ready to clean up your oral care routine? Elevate your daily hygiene by pairing your expanding floss with Davids nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste and fresh breath mouthwash to naturally strengthen enamel, support sensitive teeth, and brighten your smile.
key takeaways
Oral lichen planus can make brushing, eating, and everyday oral care uncomfortable, especially during flare-ups.
Gentle, SLS-free toothpaste and alcohol-free mouthwash may help reduce irritation in sensitive mouths.
Regular dental checkups are important for monitoring symptoms and spotting changes early.
Managing triggers like stress, spicy foods, acidic foods, alcohol, and smoking can support a more comfortable routine.
If you notice new irritation after certain foods, drinks, or sweeteners, write it down, especially if you have experienced mouth or lips swelling after sucralose.
If you deal with oral lichen planus, you know it can make everyday moments feel painful and overwhelming. Whether you’re enjoying a meal, chatting with friends, or simply brushing your teeth, this chronic condition can turn everyday activities into challenges. Some people also track ingredient reactions, including mouth or lips swelling after sucralose, when they are trying to understand what may be irritating their mouth.
That’s where we come in. At Davids, our mission is to help you take control of your oral health with natural, gentle products that soothe and protect your mouth, no matter how sensitive it is. Keep reading to discover how natural remedies + our mild toothpaste can make a real difference in managing oral lichen planus and keeping your mouth feeling its best.
what is lichen planus?
Lichen Planus is an autoimmune condition that can cause inflammation and irritation in the skin, mouth, scalp, nails, esophagus, ears, nose, eyes, and other areas of the body. It typically appears as follows.
Purple/red flat-topped bumps on the affected skin areas
Fine white “lacy” lines that accompany these bumps
Ridging or splitting in the nails
Sores, flakiness, burning, and pain inside the mouth
Pain and difficulty swallowing (if it’s in the esophagus)
Because lichen planus is a chronic condition, symptoms can come and go, reappear regularly, or persist for a long time. While it can be treated with topical creams on your skin, it can be very tricky to treat those symptoms when they appear in your mouth! On that note, let’s dive into the specifics of oral lichen planus.
what is oral lichen planus?
Oral lichen planus (OLP) refers to the condition that specifically affects the mucous membranes in your mouth (your tongue, gums, and inner cheeks). While there are many variations of oral lichen planus, here’s an overview of the two main types.
Reticular OLP shows up as pale white “lacy” patches. This is the most common type of oral lichen planus and typically does not turn into a more serious condition (like oral cancer).
Erosive OLP appears as red open sores that often hurt and burn. This type of oral lichen planus is more likely to lead to mouth cancer, so it’s best to get it checked regularly.
Both of these types of oral lichen planus come with common symptoms, such as:
Small pale bumps that form a “lacy” pattern on your inner cheeks, tongue, or gums
Red open sores inside your mouth
Dry mouth
Burning, bleeding, inflammation, and irritation with brushing
Sore gums
Metallic taste
Decreased ability to taste
Roughness inside the mouth
General pain and burning throughout the day
All of these symptoms can make it difficult to keep up with your daily habits, whether it’s eating, talking, or keeping up with your oral care routine.
oral lichen planus vs thrush
It can be difficult to distinguish between oral lichen planus and other oral conditions such as thrush and “geographic tongue” because they can all cause white patches or lines in the mouth. To help you separate these conditions, here are a few key things to look out for.
Oral thrush is a yeast (fungal) infection in the mouth that appears as “creamy” white patches in the mouth and cracks in the corner of your lips. It’s often accompanied by dry mouth and burning. Unlike lichen planus, oral thrush can be treated with antifungal rinses.
Oral lichen planus is an inflammatory condition (as described above) that appears as “lacy” white patches, streaks, or tiny white dots.
Geographic tongue looks like red patches on the tongue with white “wavy” lines next to the red patches.
We understand it can be hard to spot the differences among these conditions. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, visit your doctor or dentist to identify the cause and course of action (rather than getting lost in photos and online forums). This is especially important if symptoms appear with mouth or lips swelling after sucralose, since swelling should be discussed with a qualified provider.
Now that we’ve covered the symptoms of oral lichen planus, let’s explore some of the causes.
what causes lichen planus?
While experts don’t know the exact cause of lichen planus, they believe it’s caused by:
immune system dysfunction: also known as an autoimmune response, this occurs when your immune system attacks healthy skin (and mucosal tissue)
genetics: does lichen planus run in your family? Certain genetic variations (called HLA alleles) are associated with lichen planus and can be passed down.
stressful triggers: in addition to general stress, allergies and infections can also trigger lichen planus.
medications: medications for blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, and malaria have all been linked to lichen planus.
hepatitis C: this virus has also been known to trigger lichen planus.
It’s important to note that some people experience allergic reactions to dental materials like metal fillings, which can cause similar symptoms to lichen planus. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, we recommend visiting your doctor or dentist to distinguish between an allergic reaction and oral lichen planus. It can also help to note whether mouth or lips swelling after sucralose happens repeatedly or only with one specific product.
how common is lichen planus?
About 1 in 100 people will experience lichen planus (this includes all types of lichen planus, not just oral lichen planus). It’s more common to see lichen planus in middle-aged adults over 50.
While non-oral lichen planus tends to affect men and women equally, oral lichen planus is 2x more prevalent in women than men! Experts believe this is related to hormonal changes and the fact that women are more likely to experience other medical conditions that predispose them to oral lichen planus. For example, oral lichen planus occurs more often in perimenopausal women than in the rest of the population. Experts believe this is linked to declining estrogen levels.
It’s important to note that lichen planus is not contagious! So you don’t have to worry about getting infected if someone you know has it.
To recap:
About 1 in 100 people will experience lichen planus.
It’s most common in people 50+ years old.
Oral lichen planus is 2x more prevalent in women than men.
Oral lichen planus is most common in perimenopausal women.
Lichen planus and oral lichen planus are not contagious.
Even though oral lichen planus is not contagious, symptoms like mouth or lips swelling after sucralose should still be taken seriously and reviewed with your dental or medical provider.
the challenges of oral lichen planus
In addition to disrupting your everyday habits like eating, talking, and brushing your teeth, oral lichen planus can evolve and lead to things like:
stress, anxiety, and depression: the pain and discomfort of oral lichen planus can lead to emotional distress, decreased quality of life, and avoidance of social situations. This can lead to more isolation and feelings of hopelessness.
scarring: chronic inflammation can cause permanent tissue damage, leading to stiff, tight oral tissues that affect speech and chewing.
serious pain: severe flare-ups can result in burning sensations, ulcerations, and extreme sensitivity to spicy or acidic foods.
weight loss: pain while eating may lead to reduced appetite, difficulty chewing, and unintentional weight loss.
mouth cancer: in rare cases, oral lichen planus can increase the risk of certain oral cancers.
If someone you love deals with oral lichen planus, we hope this information inspires you to find new ways to support them. To help, we’ve included a few natural ways to manage oral lichen planus below.
People who search for gum disease lichen planus may be trying to understand whether gum soreness is part of a larger oral health concern.
tips to manage lichen planus naturally
prioritize stress management
What’s something you can do every day to check in with yourself and get a break from the demands of your busy life? Whether it’s a three-minute stretching routine, a mindful meditation, a quick walk around the block, a yoga class, or a therapy session, schedule in time to focus on yourself and avoid an overload of stress.
avoid dietary triggers
If you’re experiencing a flare-up of oral lichen planus, it’s natural to want to avoid spicy, acidic, and other irritating foods. While some dietary triggers may be obvious, some less obvious ones include alcohol, tomato-based products, cinnamon, certain sweeteners, peppermint or citrus teas, carbonated beverages, processed meats, and dairy products.
If you notice a pattern after certain foods or drinks, jot it down and bring it to your dentist or doctor so they can help you separate personal triggers from broader dietary restrictions. For example, if you notice mouth or lips swelling after sucralose, that detail may help your provider understand what happened before the flare-up.
utilize anti-inflammatory products and supplements carefully
Try different methods like rinsing with aloe vera juice, applying honey or coconut oil, or using chamomile tea as a mouth rinse. Supplements like turmeric, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D may also help reduce inflammation and support your immune health. As always, we recommend chatting with your doctor before starting new supplements, especially if you’re dealing with a condition like oral lichen planus.
practice good oral hygiene with gentle toothpaste, like Davids
With oral lichen planus, it’s so important to keep your mouth clean. But the condition can make it difficult to tolerate oral care products. This can put you in a bit of a pickle, but that’s where we come in. At Davids, we have a full line of gentle oral care products.
With flavors like mild mint, orange vanilla, and strawberry watermelon, you can choose from a lineup of gentle toothpaste flavors that won’t aggravate your symptoms like strong mint flavors might (more on that below). Or use our new unflavored toothpaste for the mildest brushing experience possible.
In addition to using gentle toothpaste, here are a few daily tips for oral lichen planus:
Avoid alcohol-based mouthwash. Alcohol can irritate and dehydrate sensitive oral tissues, making symptoms worse. Opt for an alcohol-free, soothing mouth rinse like our Davids Hydroxi™ fresh breath mouthwash.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush. Harsh bristles can aggravate oral lichen planus, so choose a soft toothbrush to gently clean your teeth, like our bamboo toothbrush. It’s made with high-performance, BPA-free bristles derived from plant oil.
Keep your mouth hydrated. Hydration is key to preventing dry mouth, which can worsen symptoms. Drink plenty of water and incorporate saliva-promoting foods like cucumbers, watermelon, and sugar-free gum with xylitol.
Avoid alcohol and smoking. Both alcohol and tobacco can increase dry mouth, irritation, and inflammation, potentially worsening oral lichen planus symptoms.
See your dentist every six months. Regular dental check-ups ensure your condition is monitored, managed, and properly treated with professional guidance. Your dentist can provide personalized care to help keep your mouth as healthy and comfortable as possible. If symptoms change suddenly, become more painful, or do not respond to your current routine, schedule an earlier visit instead of waiting for your next cleaning.
People comparing options for mouthwash for oral lichen planus often look for alcohol-free formulas that feel gentle in a sensitive mouth.
Now, let’s dive into a few reasons why our mint toothpaste flavors can be game-changers for those with sensitive mouths and conditions like oral lichen planus.
why our gentle toothpaste is can be helpful for lichen planus
It’s no secret that the mouth is a uniquely vulnerable area. It contains ultra-sensitive tissue and carries out so many daily tasks from chewing to chatting. Not only can oral lichen planus force you to avoid certain foods, but it also makes it unbearable to use certain oral care products, especially conventional ones that contain sulfates, strong minty flavors, and other irritating ingredients.
As an oral care brand with a mission to help you nurture a “healthy mouth + healthy you,” we’re here to provide you with natural products to help manage and soothe conditions like oral lichen planus. To start, you can trust that our gentle xylitol toothpaste formulas contain:
saliva-stimulating ingredients: dry mouth can worsen symptoms of oral lichen planus, so we incorporate naturally hydrating ingredients like xylitol, coconut oil, and vegetable glycerin to help support saliva production and keep your mouth comfortable.
mild, mouthwatering flavors: Our toothpaste is flavored with gentle, naturally derived ingredients like coconut, vanilla, mild fruit extracts, and (low concentrations of) premium mint essential oils to provide a refreshing but non-irritating experience.
zero sulfates (including SLS): our formulas are completely free of harsh foaming agents like sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), which can irritate sensitive oral tissues and worsen lichen planus symptoms. In place of SLS, we use sodium cocoyl glutamate, which is derived from coconut material. It creates a gentle, mild foaming action to aid in the cleaning and whitening process without irritating your mouth.
zero artificial colors, flavors, or harsh preservatives: we believe in keeping things simple, natural, and effective.
With our thoughtfully crafted formulas, you don’t have to choose between effective oral care and gentle ingredients. We’re here to help you maintain a clean, healthy mouth without unnecessary discomfort. Because when your oral care works with your body, not against it, you can smile, speak, and enjoy life with more comfort and confidence.
oral lichen planus FAQs
what toothpaste is best for oral lichen planus?
A gentle toothpaste that is free from SLS, harsh foaming agents, artificial flavors, and overpowering mint can be a better fit for sensitive mouths. Many people with oral lichen planus prefer mild flavors and formulas designed to clean effectively without extra irritation.
is oral lichen planus contagious?
No. Oral lichen planus is not contagious, so it cannot be passed from one person to another through kissing, sharing food, or close contact.
should I see a dentist for oral lichen planus?
Yes. A dentist, doctor, or oral medicine specialist can help confirm what is causing your symptoms, monitor changes, and recommend the right treatment plan. Regular checkups are especially important if you have erosive symptoms, open sores, or persistent pain.
can oral lichen planus go away?
Oral lichen planus is usually considered chronic, which means symptoms may come and go over time. While there is no one-size-fits-all cure, a gentle oral care routine, trigger management, and professional guidance can help many people manage discomfort.
can oral lichen planus look like gum disease?
Yes, oral lichen planus can involve the gums, which is why some people search for gum disease from lichen planus. Because gum irritation can have several causes, a dentist should evaluate ongoing soreness, bleeding, or tissue changes.
what should I know about mouthwash for oral lichen planus?
When choosing mouthwash for oral lichen planus, many people prefer an alcohol-free option that feels gentle on sensitive tissue. If a rinse stings, dries your mouth, or makes irritation worse, stop using it and ask your dentist for guidance.
should I track mouth or lip swelling after certain ingredients?
Yes. If you experience mouth or lips swelling after sucralose or another ingredient, write down the product, timing, and symptoms. Swelling should be discussed with a dentist, doctor, or allergist so they can help identify the next step.
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