Is Mouthwash bad?
Mouthwash, often known as "oral rinse" or "mouth
rinse," is a mouthwash that contains antibacterial ingredients to clean
between your teeth and flavorings. Some types of Mouthwash include alcohol as
an inactive ingredient, while others are alcohol-free.
Mouthwash might have some unpleasant side effects for some people.
The disadvantages of using an over-the-counter oral rinse as part of your daily
routine may outweigh the benefits. Other people have expressed concerns over
some of the chemical dyes and flavors in certain mouthwash brands.
On the other hand, Mouthwash isn't always harmful to your health.
Let's look at some of the Mouthwash's side effects and what you should know
about using it properly.
Side effects of alcohol-based Mouthwash
Alcohol is used in Mouthwash as a preservative and a carrier for
the other active ingredients rather than as an antiseptic.
Not every person will experience the following side effects of
Mouthwash, and specific formulas are more likely to cause more or fewer side
effects.
May cause or irritate canker sores.
An ingredient called sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is used in some
toothpaste and oral rinses to create a "foaming" action in your
mouth.
If you're prone to developing canker sores, using a mouth rinse
(or any oral product) that contains SLS might cause a sores outbreak or worsen.
People who are currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment may also find that
the case.
If you don't have these sensitivities or concerns, likely, you
won't experience this side effect.
It May cause dry mouth
Xerostomia, also known as dry mouth, refers to a condition where
your salivary glands don't produce enough saliva to keep your tongue lubricated
and to help prevent cavities.
According to the American Dental Association, an oral rinse that
contains fluoride may be recommended if you have a dry mouth. However, a
mouthwash that contains alcohol may make symptoms of dry mouth worse.
It May cause burning or pain when you use it.
When using mouthwash alcohol-based, some people love the sense of
a tingling sensation. Others, on the other hand, may experience a burning
feeling.
Some mouthwashes contain up to 25 percent alcohol, making this
sensation more powerful.
Side effects of Mouthwash without alcohol
Some side effects of Mouthwash aren't related to whether there is
alcohol in the formula.
May remove your healthy oral microbiome.
Any Mouthwash, whether alcohol-free or containing alcohol, may
kill off many bacteria in your mouth.
Some bacteria in your mouth can cause cavities and bad breath, but
others are part of your oral microbiome, which aids in the digestion of food
and keeps your teeth and gums healthy.
It's not a good idea to kill all of the bacteria in your mouth
regularly, so gentler antiseptic formulas are a better choice.
It May cause tooth staining.
According to a review released in 2019, teeth staining was the
most common side effect of mouthwash usage.
Mouthwash that contains an ingredient called chlorhexidine (CHX),
which is only available by prescription, is more likely to cause temporary
teeth staining after use.
Mouthwashes that contain bright dyes are more likely to cause
staining than dye-free Mouthwash.
It May be linked with increased cancer risk.
Mouthwash may also contain synthetic ingredients that have been
linked to an increased risk of certain cancers.
According to a 2016 study, those who use Mouthwash regularly may
have a slightly higher risk of head and neck cancers than people who never use Mouthwash.
A lot more research is needed to understand whether this link is
accurate and, if so, which ingredients cause the risk to increase.
Signs that you're overusing Mouthwash
There's such a thing as using Mouthwash too often.
Most nonprescription mouthwashes advise using it twice a day and
brushing and flossing. Some people use Mouthwash for reasons other than
refreshing their breath or obtaining that "clean mouth" feeling in
between meals.
You should cut back or discontinue mouthwash use if you experience
any of the following symptoms:
- persistent or inflamed canker sores
- bleeding gums when you use your Mouthwash
- symptoms of dry mouth
- pain or sensitivity when you brush your teeth after using Mouthwash
- teeth staining
Who shouldn't Use Mouthwash
According to the American Dental Association, children under six
should not use Mouthwash, while children over six should be supervised when
using Mouthwash.
You should avoid using Mouthwash if you have mouth sores, have a
compromised immune system, or are currently undergoing chemotherapy.
If you have had an allergic reaction to any mouthwash ingredient
(such as flomenthol, xylitol, or SLS), check labels carefully to ensure that
you're not using a product that may irritate.
Is Mouthwash necessary?
Mouthwash has several health advantages. However, according to the
American Dental Association, you should look for vetted formulas with the
organization's seal of approval.
Over-the-counter mouthwash can:
- freshen breath and treat halitosis
- reduce your risk of gingivitis (gum disease)
- reduce plaque buildup to help prevent cavities
- make teeth look visibly whiter
No mouthwash formula is a substitute for regular brushing and
flossing twice per day, which is the foundation of good dental hygiene.
Alternatives to Mouthwash
Mouthwash is not the only option available. Flossing and brushing
twice a day have more scientific support and fewer potential side effects.
You might also wish to ask about prescription oral rinses with a
dentist. These rinses have higher levels of certain active ingredients, making
them practical for temporary use to treat certain oral conditions. You can use
prescription oral rinses for:
- symptoms of dry mouth
- gum disease prevention
- pain relief for mouth ulcers/canker sores
- preventing infection and dry socket following a dental extraction or other oral surgery
Takeaway
Mouthwash can have several adverse side effects. Mouthwash
formulas containing alcohol or certain other ingredients are responsible for
some of these negative effects.
Mouthwash, overall, isn't terrible for your health or harmful to
use. You can use Mouthwash as part of a healthy dental hygiene practice or not
use it. It truly comes down to personal preference.
If you have chronic bad breath, are concerned about plaque buildup and gum disease, or are generally curious about improving your dental health, you should speak with your dentist.