Is Mouthwash Bad for You? Disadvantages Explained
Potential Side Effects of Using Mouthwash
Rinsing with mouthwash is done in order to keep your breath fresh and prevent the build-up of bacteria, cavities, and plaque in the mouth. While it helps in promoting good oral health, using mouthwash can also have risks and dangers. Let’s look at each of them.
Irritation of Canker Sore
– Generally, mouthwash can help heal canker sores. However, when you use a type of mouthwash with high alcohol content, it can do more harm than good and further irritate your canker sores in the process.
A Superficial Mask to Bad Oral Hygiene
– Mouthwash is just a part of the whole process of taking care of your oral health. Sure, you can use it to conceal bad breath, but the effects will not last long and it will not treat problems from the root cause. If you want to improve your hygiene, visit your dentist regularly and employ healthy oral habits such as toothbrushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash.
Alcohol Content
– Mouthwash with high alcohol content can cause damage to delicate mucus membranes in the mouth.
Stain and Discoloration
– Some types of mouthwashes have chlorhexidine gluconate. This ingredient helps prevent bacterial growth, but in some cases, it may cause discoloration on the teeth. Chlorhexidine gluconate can cause tooth stains when it comes in contact with food additives in the mouth. Tannins is one of these, and it is common in coffee, tea, and red wine.
Health Hazards for Children
– Children can suffer from convulsion or comatose when they ingest mouthwash accidentally. That’s why children between the ages of six and 12 should only use mouthwash in the presence of an adult. Meanwhile, a child who is five years old or below should only use mouthwash if it’s prescribed by a dentist.
Tips for Using Mouthwash
Using mouthwash may have risks, but that doesn’t discredit its advantages. It will only work for you if you know which type is suitable for your oral health needs. Consult your dentist to determine the right mouthwash for you.
Here are other reminders to keep in mind when using mouthwash:
- Only use the right amount of mouthwash as stated on the label or as prescribed by your dentist.
- Swish the rinse around your mouth thoroughly. Keep your mouth closed and teeth slightly apart as you do so.
- Rinse your mouth according to the recommended duration on the label or as prescribed by your dentist. The usual rinse time lasts for 30 seconds.
- Make sure to spit all of the mouthwash after you rinse. If you’re supervising a child, see to it that they don’t accidentally ingest the mouthwash.
- Avoid eating or smoking after mouthwashing for at least 30 minutes or as instructed by your dentist.
- Before using mouthwash, brush and floss your teeth.
Using mouthwash is just one area of proper oral health practices. If you want to keep your pearly whites in good shape, brush and floss regularly, avoid habits that can damage the teeth; and include food in your diet that can help strengthen and support your overall oral health.
img c/o pixabay
Concerned about its effects? Talk to Kyrene Family Dentistry for the best recommendations. Call (480) 705-9005
