A good mouthwash for gums is alcohol-free, has a short, clear ingredient list and contains ingredients with an astringent effect, such as the herb smoke tree. Use it after brushing your teeth, twice a day, for about 30 seconds. Mouthwash complements your toothbrush and floss, it does not replace them. If your gums bleed for more than two weeks, see a dentist.
A single-ingredient hydrolat made from smoke tree from our plantations. No alcohol, no parabens and no artificial colourants.
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1Mouthwash for gums: what it can and cannot do
The toothbrush cleans the surface of the teeth, and floss reaches between them. Mouthwash gets to places the brush does not reach well: the gum line, the spaces between the teeth, the tongue. That is why a mouthwash for gums is a useful final step, especially when your gums are sensitive or bleed when you brush.
What mouthwash cannot do is remove tartar that has already built up or replace a professional clean. If that is the problem, only your dentist can help.
2How to choose a mouthwash for inflamed and bleeding gums
The shelf is full of mouthwashes in different colours, and most of them promise the same thing. The difference is in the formula. Turn the bottle over and read the ingredient list.
What to look for in a mouthwash for gums
- ✓No alcohol. Especially with sensitive or irritated gums.
- ✓Ingredients with an astringent effect, such as the tannins in smoke tree.
- ✓A short formula in which you recognise every ingredient.
- ✓No artificial colourants. The colour of a mouthwash says nothing about how it works.
- ✓Clear directions: how long, how many times a day, after what.
The Smoke Tree Mouthwash ticks every box: no alcohol, one ingredient, no colourants.
See the mouthwashThe last row matters. Some pharmacy mouthwashes are given for a short time, for a specific problem and under a dentist’s supervision. For every day, it is better to choose something gentle that you can use long term.
3Alcohol-free mouthwash: why it is gentler on the gums
Alcohol gives that familiar burn and the feeling that ‘something is happening’. But it dries out the mucous membrane, and a dry mouth develops bad breath faster. With irritated gums, the burning can simply be unpleasant.
- no alcohol (Alcohol, Ethanol);
- herbal water or hydrolat at the start of the ingredient list;
- no artificial colourants;
- can be used long term, morning and evening.
- alcohol high up in the list;
- strong burning that leaves your mouth dry;
- lots of ingredients you do not recognise;
- promises of results ‘in one day’.
4Smoke tree mouthwash: why the herb is known for gum care
Smoke tree (Cotinus coggygria) is a shrub that grows wild in Bulgaria. Its leaves and flowers are rich in tannins and flavonoids. Tannins have an astringent effect: that is why smoke tree has been used for generations as a gum gargle in folk tradition.
Veselina Ralcheva, the founder of InaEssentials, began looking for a natural solution when her son Vasil had problems with bleeding gums. That is how smoke tree from our plantations found its way into our oral care products.
‘We have always believed that nature holds the answers to most skin and hair problems. We just need to know where to look.’
Veselina Ralcheva, founder of InaEssentials
We steam-distil freshly picked smoke tree. The result is a hydrolat: the water that carries the herb’s soluble compounds and its scent. You will find more about the plant, its compounds and how we harvest it in our article on smoke tree.
How we make smoke tree hydrolat
About the taste: smoke tree hydrolat has a herbal, slightly woody taste. It is not minty and does not burn. Many customers write that it felt strange the first time, and that they got used to it after a few days.
5Hydrolina Smoke Tree Mouthwash: a natural alcohol-free mouthwash
Our Hydrolina Smoke Tree Mouthwash has one single ingredient: Cotinus Coggygria Flower Water, in other words smoke tree hydrolat. No alcohol, no parabens, no artificial fragrances or colourants. It is certified organic.
Hydrolina Smoke Tree Mouthwash
Smoke tree hydrolat for everyday gum care and fresh breath. No alcohol, no parabens, no artificial colourants. Swish for 30 seconds after brushing; do not swallow.
If the whole family uses the mouthwash, choose the family pack. And if you want complete care, pair it with the smoke tree toothpaste. We explained why the toothpaste is fluoride-free in our article fluoride free toothpaste: how to choose.
Family pack: Buy 2, get 1 freeThree smoke tree mouthwashes for the whole household.
See the family pack
Ina Dent-All Toothpastes + Smoke Tree MouthwashSmoke tree toothpastes with the mouthwash as a gift: your whole evening routine in one bundle.
See the bundle6How to use mouthwash for gums
Smoke tree gum rinse in 5 steps
7Bleeding gums: when mouthwash is not enough and you need a dentist
Light bleeding when brushing is common, especially if you have changed your toothbrush or started flossing. There are, however, signs that home care is not enough.
See a dentist if
- ✓your gums bleed every time you brush for more than two weeks;
- ✓they are swollen, dark red or painful;
- ✓you notice a bad taste or see pus;
- ✓your teeth are loose or the gum has receded;
- ✓the bleeding is heavy or appears for no reason.
8Smoke tree mouthwash reviews: what customers say
Customer photos published in the reviews in our shop
Here is what people who use the smoke tree mouthwash every day write.
‘After just a few days of using this mouthwash, I'm already seeing results and things are looking up. I'd definitely recommend it. My only real complaint is that there isn't a bigger, better value pack available. The 150ml bottle only lasts a few days, even if you're trying to make it stretch.’
‘This mouthwash is absolutely brilliant! I've been using it for a while now and I haven't had any tartar at all.’
‘Unreal product!!! Thanks for sorting me out so quickly. I'll be popping into the physical shop soon enough 😊😊’
9Frequently asked questions about mouthwash for gums
How long should I swish the smoke tree mouthwash?
Can I use the mouthwash every day?
How long does the bottle last once opened?
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About the InaEssentials family
InaEssentials is a Bulgarian family brand of natural and organic cosmetics. The family has over 25 years of experience growing essential oil crops on their own plantations, and their products combine centuries-old tradition with modern innovation. They use a closed production cycle: the family controls the whole process, from planting to producing and bottling the products, to ensure the highest quality.
Why you can trust us
Sources and important information
- Ingredients (INCI) and directions for use from the Hydrolina Smoke Tree Mouthwash product page, InaEssentials.
- Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.
- Published reviews from verified buyers of the smoke tree mouthwash (Judge.me, InaEssentials shop).
InaEssentials products are cosmetics, not medicines. The content of this article is for information only and does not replace an examination and advice from a dentist. If your gums bleed for more than two weeks, swell, hurt or your teeth are loose, see a dentist. Do not swallow mouthwash.
This article was created with the help of AI to gather and structure the information, and was then thoroughly reviewed, edited and fact-checked by our team.
