Mouthwash isn’t always an essential product for our dental care; however, it can be a useful tool to help manage our oral health between brushes.
Mouthwash is often used improperly, with people applying it immediately after brushing their teeth, which removes the stronger traces of residual fluoride from toothpaste. Instead, mouthwash should be utilised as a way to refresh the teeth and mouth between brushing in the morning and evening.
The pros and cons of mouthwash?
Using mouthwash can have its benefits and drawbacks; understanding the risks and advantages can better equip people to make informed decisions around their dental health.
There are two types of mouthwash, one which includes alcohol and the other which is alcohol free. It’s important to check the bottle, as some people are advised to avoid using it, including young children, individuals with allergies to specific ingredients, individuals with oral sores, and people with dry mouth. If this is something you’re concerned about, raise the question with your dentist, and they’ll be able to provide tailored advice to your circumstances.
Pros
- Can refresh the breath
- Fluoride-based mouthwashes leave a residual fluoride, which helps strengthen teeth and contributes to preventive care
- It’s able to reach tough spots where a toothbrush can’t, which can ensure that fluoride, when coupled with flossing, can be particularly effective
- Can contribute to reducing plaque
Cons
- It’s not a suitable product for young children.
- Can irritate sores
- It is not suitable for individuals with alcohol addiction
- Mouthwashes with deep pigmented dyes can stain the teeth
- Both alcohol and alcohol-free mouthwash can kill healthy bacteria, part of the oral microbiome
Symptoms of excessive use of mouthwash?
Using mouthwash excessively means using the product more than two to three times a day. Most products will have a recommended use description on the label. Make sure to check this and adhere to individual recommendations.
The signs of excessive use of mouthwash can include:
- Sensitivity
- Bleeding gums
- A dry mouth
- Sores begin to form and do not go away
- Discomfort when using the mouthwash or brushing the teeth
Are there mouthwash alternatives?
For those who have just had a dental operation or with a specific dental condition like gingivitis (gum disease), the dentist may prescribe a chlorhexidine-based mouthwash. This contains an antiseptic, which helps to treat the bad bacteria. This product is not available for daily use outside of these circumstances.
Natural methods have become increasingly common as claims arise on the internet. Most of these treatments, like charcoal, baking soda and saltwater rinses, have not been studied long-term, and it is not recommended to attempt these alternatives.
So, whilst mouthwash alternatives can provide individuals with an enhanced oral care routine, it’s not always necessary. When flossing and brushing the teeth routinely, the teeth and gums can be just as well maintained.
If you want to explore improving your oral hygiene or think you might be having trouble as a direct result of your mouthwash, our hygienists are the solution. We can provide bespoke advice to ensure you are feeling confident in your oral health.