Some types of mouthwash contain alcohol as an inactive ingredient, while others are alcohol-free. For some people, mouthwash can have some unpleasant side effects. These side effects may outweigh the benefits of using an over-the-counter oral rinse as part of your everyday routine.
Other people have expressed concerns over some of the chemical dyes and flavors in certain brands of mouthwash. Alcohol is used as a preservative ingredient and as a carrier for the other active ingredients in mouthwash, not as an antiseptic ingredient.
Not every person will experience all of the following side effects of mouthwash, and certain formulas are more likely to cause more or fewer side effects. People who are currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment may also find that to be the case.
An oral rinse that contains fluoride may actually be recommended if you have dry mouth, according to the American Dental Association. However, a mouthwash that contains alcohol may actually make symptoms of dry mouth worse. Some people enjoy the feeling of a tingling sensation when they use mouthwash that contains alcohol. But for others, the feeling can be more like a burning pain. Some mouthwashes contain up to 25 percent alcohol , which makes this sensation more powerful.
Any type of mouthwash, whether alcohol-free or containing alcohol, may kill off a high number of bacteria in your mouth. The most common side effect of using mouthwash, according to a review published in , was teeth staining.
Mouthwash that contains an ingredient called chlorhexidine CHX , which is only is available by prescription, is more likely to cause temporary teeth staining after use. Mouthwash may also contain synthetic ingredients that have been linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
A study concluded that people who regularly use mouthwash may have a slightly elevated risk of head and neck cancers than people who never used mouthwash. A lot more research is needed to understand whether this link is real and, if so, which ingredients cause the risk to increase. Most nonprescription mouthwashes advise you to use the product twice per day , along with brushing and flossing. You should cut back or discontinue mouthwash use if you experience any of the following symptoms:.
And what else can you do to boost your oral health? Mouthwash may be best known for freshening your breath , but adding it to your daily oral care routine can provide many other benefits, too. The American Dental Association ADA explains that mouthwash can reach areas that your toothbrush can't, which can help to reduce your risk of developing cavities and gum disease. As the American Academy of Periodontology notes, untreated gum disease can lead to complications such as gum recession and tooth loss, but using mouthwash can help boost your prevention efforts.
Mouthwash achieves these oral health benefits by helping to control plaque , which is a thin, bacterial film that builds up on your teeth.
When plaque isn't removed, it eventually hardens into tartar. The ADA reports that mouthwash can actually slow down the formation of tartar, too. This is a good question, and it doesn't have a simple answer. The scientific research is limited, and reputable organizations offer different recommendations. The Mayo Clinic recommends using mouthwash after brushing and flossing your teeth.
However, the National Health Service NHS recommends avoiding mouthwash right after brushing, since this may wash away the fluoride from your toothpaste. Instead, the NHS recommends using mouthwash at a different time of day. The ADA states that you may choose to use mouthwash before or after brushing based on personal preference. That said, mouthwash manufacturers may recommend an order based on their product's ingredients, so check the label on your product to ensure that you maximize its effects.
Mouthwash can enhance your oral care routine, but remember: It's not a substitute for regular brushing and flossing. Brush your teeth twice a day for at least two minutes to remove food particles and plaque from your teeth, and floss once a day to clean between your teeth and along your gumline.
If you want to make further improvements to your daily oral care routine, consider these tips from the Mayo Clinic and the ADA :. While it's not a replacement for brushing and flossing, mouthwash can play an important role in your oral hygiene routine. It can help to freshen your breath, remove plaque and reduce your risk of cavities and gum disease.
The microbes and bacteria in your mouth form chemicals needed for your body to function. These chemicals play a role in regulating blood pressure, insulin sensitivity and other important functions, all of which are related to diabetes.
Twice daily mouthwash use can decrease beneficial chemical levels by 90 percent—meaning these functions could be disrupted and lead to diabetes.
Is mouthwash the enemy? To schedule an appointment with Dr.
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