Is Mouthwash Good or Bad? Benefits and Risks You Need to Know

Are you someone who uses mouthwash daily or occasionally? Understanding mouthwash benefits and risks is crucial for your oral health.

What is a Mouthwash?

Mouthwashes, also known as oral rinses or oral washes, are liquids primarily designed to prevent, treat oral conditions, and maintain oral health.

Various types of mouthwashes are available, such as fluoride-containing mouthwashes, antiseptic mouthwashes (typically containing alcohol), natural mouthwashes (ingredients used are all natural) , and cosmetic mouthwashes (doesn’t do much about oral health, just helps with bad breath).

The Pros of Mouthwashes

When discussing mouthwash benefits and risks, it’s important to consider ingredients and individual needs. Mouthwashes offer several benefits, including protecting teeth, preventing tooth decay (dental caries) , combating halitosis (bad breath), inhibiting bacterial growth in the mouth, safeguarding gingiva (gums), and reducing plaque.

Common over-the-counter mouthwashes like Listerine, widely used by many, fall into the category of antiseptic alcohol-containing products.

Listerine, with active ingredients such as methyl salicylate and essential oils (eucalyptol, thymol, and menthol), has proven effective in reducing plaque and gingivitis (inflammation of gums) in young, healthy adults compared to placebo rinses.

The Cons of Mouthwashes

However, it’s essential to be aware of the drawbacks. Listerine is generally not recommended for patients undergoing treatment for alcoholism using Antabuse (disulfiram). Some alcohol-based mouthwashes may worsen xerostomia (dryness of the mouth) due to their high alcohol content (21.6% to 26.9%), causing a burning sensation.

Studies have suggested potential concerns about the use of mouthwashes containing 12% alcohol, but an extensive review found no conclusive evidence associating alcohol-containing oral rinses with oropharyngeal cancer.

Chlorhexidine-containing mouthwashes can cause permanent staining of teeth and alterations in taste. Some studies propose that antibacterial ingredients in mouthwashes might impact oral microbes critical for nitric oxide formation, potentially predisposing individuals to metabolic disorders like diabetes and hypertension.

Therefore, it is prudent to know when to stop using mouthwash. Symptoms such as site burns, lip swelling, burning, gingival pain, dry mouth, teeth staining, itchy throat, or rashes should be considered as potential indicators.

Certain individuals should avoid using mouthwash, such as children under the age of 6 (with supervision for those over 6), individuals with mouth sores, those using immunosuppressant medications, or those with any form of cancer. Allergic reactions to mouthwash ingredients, such as xylitol, should also be considered.

Beyond Fresh Breath: Choosing mouthwash wisely

While mouthwashes can have unpleasant effects, they aren’t completely harmful. Whether to include mouthwash in your oral hygiene routine is a matter of personal preference. However, if you intend to use it, check for the ingredients and choose a milder version.

If bad breath persists despite proper oral care, investigating other potential sources like tonsils, lung disease, gastrointestinal issues, or metabolic abnormalities (e.g., diabetes) is advisable.

Brushing the teeth and flossing will help even if you choose not to use mouthwash. Understanding mouthwash benefits and risks will help you make informed decisions for your oral hygiene routine.

REFERENCE

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1089860317301532
• https://www.tandfonline.com/share/NJM5Y99PAKU4TJNEN9MN?target=10.1080/08037051.2019.1680270
• https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/7/3926
• https://gentledentalcenter.com/different-types-mouthwash
• https://umsdental.com/images/products/192135download-pdf-ebooks.org-1533641033Ek8A7.pdf

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