Take a look at the ingredients in our mouthwash concentrate and you'll discover two things: natural mint flavors and menthol. Both are derived mostly from peppermint. It is no accident, by the way. Peppermint and menthol act as a one-two punch that is perfect for modern oral care.
Our mouthwash concentrate also includes a range of other natural ingredients, including aloe vera juice. But for this post, we want to concentrate on peppermint and menthol. We encourage you to take a look at our mouthwash concentrate if you've been looking for a more sustainable and natural mouthwash option.
Menthol Comes From Peppermint
A good place to begin is with the understanding that menthol comes from peppermint – as well as a number of other plants in the mint family. It is found in plant oils and is usually observed as either a white or clear waxy substance.
Natural menthol is extracted from peppermint oil by way of steam distillation. The oil is extracted from plant material and heated under pressure. This causes its various components to evaporate. And because those components evaporate at different temperatures, the temperature can be fine-tuned to extract menthol.
Once the menthol is extracted through evaporation, the vapor then rises and cools. This causes condensation. The collected liquid is mainly menthol. It is then further cooled to become a solid crystal-like substance, which is then sent through a series of filters to remove impurities.
Cleaner Teeth and Fresher Breath
We include menthol in our mouthwash concentrate for two reasons. First, it makes for cleaner teeth. Second, it freshens the breath. Both are the direct result of menthol's antibacterial and antimicrobial properties.
Studies have shown that menthol inhibits bacterial growth. It prevents the formation of biofilm as well. By using a menthol-infused mouthwash, you are actually preventing bacterial growth. The same bacteria that damages your teeth and leads to bad breath just doesn't have the opportunity to form in your mouth.
Menthol does a particularly decent job of combating other types of germs as well. So not only do you get protection against bacteria, but you are also fighting other germs in your mouth. Your teeth and gums stay cleaner and, as a result, your breath is fresher.
It Tastes Good, Too!
Of course it doesn't hurt that mint tastes great. It is one of those nearly universal flavors that seems to have wide appeal. We have been using it in oral care products for so long that most people associate oral care with minty flavors.
As the side note, menthol has a number of other properties that make it useful across the entire healthcare spectrum. For instance, did your mother routinely bathe you in a menthol ointment when you were suffering from a childhood cold? The menthol helps loosen congestion and makes it easier to breathe.
Something We Believe In
There is a lot more we could mention on the topic of menthol and its many healthcare uses. But here at EcoFam, we are all about sustainable oral care. Menthol is something we believe in. We add it to our mouthwash concentrate because it is good for the teeth and gums. It is just one of several natural ingredients we believe make for a much better mouthwash.
Always remember to dilute EcoFam peppermint mouthwash concentrate at a rate of 14-18 oz. of water per bottle. A little more water reduces the strength, a little less makes it stronger.
Are you interested in sustainable oral care? We hope so. We encourage you to take a look at our mouthwash concentrate, mouthwash and toothpaste tablets, and eco-friendly toothbrushes.
