Holistic Dentistry · oral microbiome · oral microbiome mouthwash ·May 27, 2026

A New Approach to Mouthwash: Why “killing everything” was never the best idea! After all, the mouth is a delicate ecosystem...

Many people reach for mouthwash every day without a second thought. Fresh breath, a clean feeling, antibacterial protection — that's how mouthwash has been marketed for decades. But modern research is increasingly showing that what has long been considered "hygiene" may actually be disrupting the natural balance of the mouth.

Because your mouth isn't a problem to be simply "rinsed away." It's a complex ecosystem of billions of microorganisms that work together every day to protect your oral health.

Recent reports — including coverage by Tagesschau — are picking up on new research findings: according to a Belgian study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology, alcohol-based mouthwashes may potentially be linked to conditions affecting the oral and throat cavity, and even certain types of cancer.

And that's exactly why it's worth taking a fresh look at oral care today.

The Origins of Mouthwash: Not Health, But Disinfection

The history of conventional mouthwash doesn't actually begin in the bathroom — it begins in disinfection.

Many early products were originally developed as surgical cleaners or even floor disinfectants. The principle was simple: kill as many bacteria as possible. At the time, this was considered modern and effective. Today, however, we know that this approach falls far short.

Because not all bacteria are harmful. Quite the opposite.

Your Oral Microbiome: Why Good Bacteria Matter

Billions of microorganisms live in your mouth. Together, they form what's known as the oral microbiome — a finely tuned system made up of:

beneficial (commensal) bacteria
neutral (opportunistic) microorganisms
potentially harmful (pathogenic) microbes

As long as this balance remains stable, your mouth functions in a remarkably intelligent and resilient way.

But when this system is thrown off balance, problems can develop — including:

gum irritation
tooth decay
periodontal processes

And the effects don't stop at the mouth. A growing body of research points to connections between oral inflammation and broader health concerns, such as:

cardiovascular conditions
metabolic imbalances
increased risk of systemic inflammation

Both the WHO and the 6th German Oral Health Study (DMS 6) highlight how closely oral health and general wellbeing are intertwined.

The Problem with Conventional Mouthwash

Many traditional mouthwashes still operate on the same principle: antibacterial = eliminate everything.

The problem: they often make no distinction between harmful and beneficial microorganisms. The result is not only a reduction in unwanted biofilm, but frequently a weakening of the mouth's natural protective flora.

Many products also contain:

alcohol
aggressive surfactants
synthetic additives

These can:

irritate the oral mucosa
disrupt the microbial balance
prove counterproductive over the long term

This is precisely why the scientific perspective on modern oral care is shifting.

A New Approach: Oral Care That Works With Your Body

This is exactly where a completely new way of thinking begins for us at NATCH.

We asked ourselves a simple question: what if mouthwash supported the mouth's natural balance instead of constantly fighting it?

Driven by this conviction, we spent a long time intensively developing, testing, and refining our Mouthwash Tabs — together with experts. Our goal was never simply to create another mouthwash, but a modern alternative that works with the body.

The result: two bioactive mouthwashes in tablet form, designed to work differently by design.

Our tabs contain, among other things:

Postbiotics → to support a healthy microbial balance
Micro-Hydroxyapatite → to support and remineralise tooth enamel
Zinc & selected plant extracts → for a fresh, balanced feeling in the mouth

And we deliberately leave out:

alcohol
unnecessary water additives
aggressive ingredients

Because for us, modern oral care doesn't mean: "kill everything." It means:

promoting balance
supporting biofilm intelligently
respecting the mouth's natural flora

We believe that health doesn't come from radical control — but from a stable, natural equilibrium.

And that's exactly why we wanted to create a mouthwash that doesn't feel like a chemical intervention — but like meaningful support for your daily wellbeing.